81 K20 - Suspension Questions

[AMK1001]

Hi, I recently purchased an '81 K20 pickup and have some questions about the suspension:

Should there only be 2 leaves on the front leaf springs?

This truck has the quad shocks in front, but only 2 shocks in the back. Is this correct, or should there be four shocks on the rear axle too?

See picture: Are these "blocks" on top of the front axle?

This is my first 4x4, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Aaron K

[Irish_Alley]

are you planing on lifting it or what?

[Irish_Alley]

there can be only 2 leafs up front, the blocks shouldn't be there they even look like someone cut them with a torch i don't think they will fall out that easy since they are rusted up like the rest on the suspension so they been there a bit. but one think is i and allot of people wouldn't drive with them there. also it kind of looks like the leafs are worn out if your going to lift it good just buy new leafs with the lift kit you can get them for 300-1000 bucks for 6" if you want less of a lift they are even cheaper, depends on the options and brand you get. I'm looking at one site right now and i don't know if its high price for them but you can buy the front for 90 bucks

[KY..Rob]

I think your asking for trouble right there! Man that looks Dangerous. My K1500 1/2 Ton. has 5 leafs under each side of the Axel. I would say that's why your springs are arching the way they are. They can't take the load. Save your life and others around you and invest in a good set of springs and the right Lift kit. Youll be glad you did.

Rob..

[Donut]

My '73 had 3 leafs per side, no blocks.  I can't help you on the quad-shock thing.


KY..Rob, 5 per side?  That's what I'm running on mine now- to support 6-800 lbs of plow hanging on the front (or whatever an old 8' Fisher Speedcast weighs)
I believe the slight negative arch is supposed to be like that on the front.

[KY..Rob]

I have a 6" lift. So I guess that's where the extra springs come into play. I would have thought out of a 3/4 Ton he would have had a couple more, but I guess that would be dependent on the rear to carry the load. I would still like to see a pic of the other end of the springs. I have seen Blocks under the front of Redneck super lift show trucks. but none that were used as daily drivers.

And yep, my truck rides like a truck with five leafs under it..LOL..I went to the doctor today over a Bad case of shaken Baby syndrome! He gave me a new Binky and a cold rag and sent me home!!..LOL

Rob..

[Irish_Alley]

the dual shocks come stock just like the two leafs but the blocks not stock lol they can dislodge and fall out making you lose steering and your truck goes were it wants

[AMK1001]

Thanks for all the quick replys. I figured something didn't look right under there.
As far as I know the truck isn't lifted. It came with a plow up front, so maybe the prev. owner put the blocks there to level it out. I will have them removed and the springs replaced when I take it in for new shocks.

[AMK1001]

OK, so I've come to the conclusion that the rear end of the truck was also lifted at some point.
From the center of the fenderwell to the ground I measure 39" on the back wheels and 36.75" on the front.
Tires are 245 x 75 R16. The rear springs each have 9 leaves.

The blocks on the front axle measure approx 1.5" thick, so I'm thinking I should get 4" lift springs in the front to get rid of the blocks and level the vehicle out. Does this sound like the correct move?

[Irish_Alley]

sounds about right and the best and cheapest go for it