Author Topic: Okay, next chapter in the saga of gettin my suspension right  (Read 4532 times)

Offline cmexlr8

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Okay, next chapter in the saga of gettin my suspension right
« on: October 15, 2008, 07:43:23 am »
After buying some springs and them turning out to be longer and heavier duty that I wanted, I am going back to my original leaf springs. They have two leafs in them and the truck sits great. It also has lowering shackles and hangers. My thinking is that to keep the stance I want and still be able to use the truck for towing and hauling, I need to keep the two leaf springs and buy an add on air bag from Air lift.
This is the kit I am going to get:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=AIR%2D59103&N=700+115&autoview=sku



Is there anyone out ther that has gone this route? How does it perform? How does it look?

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Okay, next chapter in the saga of gettin my suspension right
« Reply #1 on: October 15, 2008, 05:55:33 pm »
I think we addressed this in your last post, but this is how 90% of people do their trucks.

Offline cmexlr8

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Re: Okay, next chapter in the saga of gettin my suspension right
« Reply #2 on: October 15, 2008, 08:01:58 pm »
I think we addressed this in your last post, but this is how 90% of people do their trucks.
Okay. I just do not know anyone personally that has done it. Just trying to get some reassurance that I am going down the right path.

Offline Jiggy

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Re: Okay, next chapter in the saga of gettin my suspension right
« Reply #3 on: October 15, 2008, 08:19:16 pm »
I am not sure what your final goal is but let me just offer a suggestion/advice I was given a long time ago.  So many people try to add/remove/modify components and end up sacrificing one thing for another.  Think of it this way, you can't have a strong house without a solid foundation.  I am assuming that you are just looking for a way to level out the ride height of your truck.  By adding air you gain that control however loose the proper handling characteristics originally intended for the suspension and will probably cause premature bushing and tire wear.

For my K-10, I knew I wanted to have a level ride height, smooth ride, and safe suspension (this is just a daily driver with 4x4 capabilities for the winter).  I went to a reputable suspension shop (the real ones that do big truck work and not the guys who just know how to bolt on airbags or add in blocks with longer u-bolts) and told them what I wanted.  Basically the right answer was to put in new leaf springs in the front with a bigger arch.  They of course readjusted the driveline angles (which was negligable for a mere 1 1/2" or so front lift), put on new shocks (6), new rear leafs, all new bushings, and 4 wheel aligned it for $800. 

No offense to any bolt-on guys, I just am a proponent of building a strong foundation at the base level therefore not having to clutter up the suspension with bolt-ons.  If it is a lowering effect you are looking for (without the hopping capabilities), they can also give you leafs with less of an arch to an extent, as well as adjust the size of the coils for 2WD models.  Either way, to each his own and good luck with your project, show us some pics when your done or throughout the process.
« Last Edit: October 15, 2008, 08:23:44 pm by Jiggy »