Author Topic: My lowered 85 Burb rides HARD!  (Read 4211 times)

Offline Kane Bonkers

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 3
  • Newbie
My lowered 85 Burb rides HARD!
« on: November 20, 2016, 12:47:05 pm »
Greetings,
Newbie here looking for some help/advice!
I bought this Burb from a guy who bought it the way it is.  He didn't build it so knew very little about it.
It appears that the way it was lowered is by cutting the front springs and "flipping" the rear axle housing.  The rear end sits on top of the leaf springs and the frame has been "C notched" to accommodate the extra travel.  The front shocks have about 11 3/4" mounting stud to mounting stud with 3" of piston rod showing (at rest).  The rears have about 14" between suds with 2" of rod showing.
This truck rides SO HARD.  It's like driving around with 100# of air in the tires (I checked tho, it only has 32#)  It rides so hard that every little crack, bump or break in the pavement is a hard "jolt"
I'd sure like to drive this truck more...even a s a daily driver but in it's current condition, I can't.
Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Kane

Offline zieg85

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 7595
    • 73-87 GM squarebody extended cab and conversions up to 91 R/V series
Re: My lowered 85 Burb rides HARD!
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2016, 12:56:39 pm »
Check to see if the shocks are short enough and not bottoming out.  Cut springs are not the way to go, search out the correct lowering spring for your application.  Spring rates are greatly increased when you cut them.
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248658382003506/

Offline Da67goatman

  • Site Supporters
  • Junior Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 758
  • Burban
Re: My lowered 85 Burb rides HARD!
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2016, 01:09:19 pm »
You didn't mention anything about your bumpstops.  Its likely since they cheaped out and cut the springs they never bothered to change the bumpstop height and your riding around on them.
<Pitcrew>
1989 R2500 Suburban mild 350 TBI 700r4 10.5" 14bolt 4.10 w/ 33s
1992 fullsize Blazer 4x4  35s no lift, 4.10s, Hella driving lights, TJ Flares, Huge bumpers, Snorkel, custom interior

Offline Kane Bonkers

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 3
  • Newbie
Re: My lowered 85 Burb rides HARD!
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2016, 07:44:36 pm »
Thanks for the comments and suggestions.
I don't think it's hitting the bump stops.  When we kneel on the bumper and "bounce" it, it seems to have plenty of suspension travel
I'm thinking that;
A) the shocks are to long and are almost collapsed all the way now
B) the angle of the rear shocks seems so acute that I wonder if I need to reposition the upper (or maybe lower) shock mount?
I'm really frustrated over thus especially when I read posts on here and guys say their truck rides like a dream! (sob, sob)
What can I do?