84 silverado questions

[Just-speed]

I bought a bone stock 84 silverado a month ago and I mean bone stock withnothing missing that was included from the factory. This truck is a k-10 1/2 ton 4x4 that came with a 305/700r4.  The problem is two fold. One of the first things i did was get the truck new tires and i went with 35's which turned out to rub a bit on tight turns. So I added 2inch blocks to the front and 3 inch to the rear to keep the truck level. It went very well and quite easy but what happened was the truck bounces so bad the front end comes off the ground....no kidding.    So I dis-connected the shocks and turns out they were holding the axle up and it dropped a little bit so that means the shocks were out all the way.  the truck does not bounce near as bad but still does enough to get real lose and want to go all over the place.  ok so the the questions. I have read some of your posts where you have said you dont want to run quad shocks. but this truck came stock with dual shocks and steering stabilizer.  Should I only order 2 or 4 shocks?

And how do I get the right one?  Shocks that will work with lift?

All four shocks are bad because they wont move on there own but the truck rode very smooth.    The rear has air shocks with compresser under hood.       

I am hoping the truck will stop bouncing out of control with new shocks but i have no idea which to buy. I just dont see an option for 2 inch longer shocks let alone quad shocks.  If I bought quad how would I order them? Nobody offers quad shocks for the 84 silverado.

please can anyone offer some advice

Just-speed

[Blazin]

First off all go back and take the blocks out of the front, and through them in the trash. Good way to get yourself or someone else killed. They will not stay put under continued use. Not to mention they will make the truck drive like crap, the front end will move around when cornering. 2" shouldn't be enough to clear 35s either, unless it has already had some sort of lift. I have 3" in my Blazer and 35s rub sometimes.
The only correct way to lift the front is with lift springs or add a leafs, positive arch springs in with the stock negative arch set up.
 As far as shocks if you have a reputable parts store, with a good parts guy that has a clue about finding parts using a book instead of a computer he can get you the shocks you need. My 84 K 10 has 3" blocks in the rear and two rear springs in the stock front packs. I bought stock shocks for it but 3' longer. We looked them up in the book read the measurements than looked for the same valve proportioning, and mounting style but 3' longer.
 As far as the quad shock front ends you don't need the second shocks. The bigger shocks are valved down and the smaller ones make up for the loss plus a little bit. If you ordered the plow package or towing package then you got the quad shocks.

[Just-speed]

Thanks for the info.  I cleared the 35's no problem with the 2 inch blocks. It was only rubbing a tiny bit to start with.  I think this truck was a camper type set-up.   I heard of the front end being loose from other guys. I have already corrected that problem and made my own U-bots and welded Tabs onto the the blocks and Axle so stop movement.  It wont move and the great thing is I am not held to this setup because I did not weld anything together.

I think I have sourced some shocks that will work quite well. I will have to find out.

[Blazin]

What did you make the u bolts out of?
Why did you make u bolts?
U bolts are cheap, for 4 of them maybe $30 or $40!

What are you talking about tabs?


If this problem was correctable I am sure all the aftermarket companies with there millions of $ in research, development, & testing would have allready figured it out, produced, & marketed front blocks.

Not to mention they are illegal in every state as far as I know. I know of a half dozen trucks over the years around here that the DOT has removed from the road for having front blocks.

Sounds like you need to take the front blocks out. Get a spring lift, or put an add a leaf set up in, & buy the correct u bolts.

[cracker0169]

I gotta go with Blazin on this issue... DITCH THE FRONT BLOCKS!!!  If you have to jump on those brakes in an emergency situation, that front axle is going to come crashing out from under the springs and into that cab, possibly even flipping the truck nose first. I will say it again, DITCH THE FRONT BLOCKS!!!
Do us all a favor, spend $300 and order a complet lift kit from rough country and help keep the roads safer!!!

[camdenoilchange]

Safety Sam says ditch the blocks before they ditch you!!!!!

[Just-speed]

Forgot about this post.  I did ditch the blocks and went with adding springs to the front and rear.   Thanks for the help guys.