Author Topic: 1985 K20 Suspension redo  (Read 3532 times)

Offline Sczahra

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 6
  • Newbie
1985 K20 Suspension redo
« on: April 15, 2015, 07:11:50 pm »
Ok, so I've got a 1985 K20 that Ive been playing with once a week to bring it back from the dead.
It runs fine, and I'm willing to overlook the fist size holes in the fenders, because first i want it to
ride good. I haven't actually driven it yet, because I've gotta tie up some loose ends to get it inspected.
The thing sat for ten years, and it shows. I need to know how i should go about replacing the suspension
parts in order of importance because I'm on a tight budget. And i don't wanna lift it, just basic stock
suspension replacement.  Also, it's probably going to have a truck bed camper in the back once its road worthy.
Thanks guys!

Offline Engineer

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1402
Re: 1985 K20 Suspension redo
« Reply #1 on: April 16, 2015, 09:51:41 pm »
What needs done?

Ball joints, tie rod ends, and shock absorbers would get my attention first.
2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L85E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454

Dad of an Eagle Scout, and a Life Scout

Offline enaberif

  • Junior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 810
Re: 1985 K20 Suspension redo
« Reply #2 on: April 16, 2015, 10:36:11 pm »
ujoints, ball joints, tie rod ends (left, right, and drag link)

That will make any old truck feel new again.

Offline Irish_Alley

  • Tim
  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 13333
  • Family is not an important thing. It's everything.
Re: 1985 K20 Suspension redo
« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2015, 10:51:10 pm »
then a front end alignment
If you can’t tell yourself the truth, who can you tell it to?~Irish_Alley

When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth ~Sherlock Holmes

Offline Blazin

  • Blazin new trails!
  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 6130
Re: 1985 K20 Suspension redo
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2015, 07:22:48 am »
Unless the springs are bent, broke, or sagging so bad that the truck does not sit correctly they are probably fine. I would pay attention to steering, brake, components first. Maybe all new shocks. Coil over rear shocks wouldn't be a bad idea for the extra camper weight.
If your future plans are a slide in camper might want to plan on new rear springs, or all new springs down the road.
Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs