New Leaf Springs?

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codyw20

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It looks like one of my leaf springs is sagging, a newbie here so want some confirmation.

A year ago or so I got a 1994 K1500 ECSB. The previous owner appears to have cranked up the bars in front and leveled the truck out. For me, 25 years later, this caused any sort of weight in the back to make it sag so I wanted to restore the rake some. I simply went from a one inch block to a two inch block on the back leafs. After getting it together the left side now sits about an inch or more higher than the right. I took both sides apart again and retightened everthing very evenly, one turn at a time on each of the eight bolt/nuts just to make sure all was even, but still have the list to the right.

I looked at the leaf springs and the right spring is compressed what seems like a lot more going by the gap between the lower leaf and the next one up, seemly causing the difference. However, it really seems like the left is riding high as opposed to the right riding low, but maybe I am wrong.

Anyway, maybe not even concerning the new two inch bock, could this just be an issue of finally needing new leaf springs, is one or both shot?

If so, I want to upgrade to a little bit higher weight rating. And just need a little advice on them. I found a couple on RA. What do you think? Are these easy to replace yourself and I guess I should also replace the shackle as well correct? And I assume the HD one below may add another inch to the lift, which I may not want? What do y'all think.

Thanks for helping a new gmt400 owner out.

OEM match I guess?? 1425lbs
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6109410&cc=1051007&jsn=10484

HD version ?? 2025lbs
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6109413&cc=1051007&jsn=10488
 

alpinecrick

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I have the same Husky 4/1 leaf 2025lb on my 96 K1500--it's one of the better upgrades I've done to the truck. In fact I was so impressed I bought 'em for my 97 K1500, too........

The ride on my 96 is slightly stiffer, but not nearly as stiff as I was expecting.

I never could understand the concept of the original 3/1 springs on these trucks.........
 

PlayingWithTBI

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The PO installed 4/1 leafs on my 88 and lengthened the shackles to get it down. It still has a 2" rake I don't like. These springs may have been re-arced for higher lift, I don't know. After some research, 3/1 leafs are for 1/2 Ton truck, 4/1 leafs are for a "heavy" 1/2 Ton or a regular 3/4 Ton - same exact springs. Here's another source...

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16899
 

Greasemagnet

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I put a pair of Dorman 4+1 on my 1/2 ton 97 K1500 on August 1 2015, 26011 miles ago, because my 3+1 were failing ( one side was lower that the other be ause of our trailer at the time). A couple of years ago the dorman springs were doing the same thing ( I haven't pulled a trailer since they have been on). I am in the process of installing 3+1's because the dormans made my truck ride stiffer than I like.
 

gearheadE30

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I have SD leaf springs on the back of my Tahoe. 2200 lb rated 4+1. It's stiff. Definitely good quality springs though. I routinely have the truck loaded down and 40k miles later they still sit just like they were new and bushings and such are all still good.
 

Hoosierlong90

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Replace springs with 3+1 and add helper bags like air lift or firestone. Best ride I have found on these trucks. The ability to haul and tow much more with a smooth ride.
 

PlayingWithTBI

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Does anyone know how much the 4/1 springs lifted their truck compared to the 3/1 springs. They're both listed as 7-3/4" arc but that's with no load right?
 

matad311

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So just to chime in, I bought 5 pack leaf's from Michigan Truck Spring and super happy with them. For $100 bucks a pack i got 2,025lb load rating springs. The only complaint is the paint they come with kinda sucks and was gone after 1 Michigan winter. And as far as lifting the truck they are stock replacement, but they did lift my ass end about 1-1.5" from the original worn leaf's. Here's a link to the ones i bought but I am 2wd so idk if 4wd is different. https://www.truckspring.com/products/truck-springs/replacement-leaf-spring-22-795.aspx

Now I would have gone to 4 leaf packs but I plan on hauling some weight with a future toy purchase I have in mind. So wanted it to be a level ride when towing. But for everyday driving it rides like 2500 truck in the rear. But i did pair them with a set of bilstein 5100 shocks and overall im very happy. Some people have said it could ride too rough but honestly i dont even notice it anymore daily driving.
 

codyw20

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Thanks for all the replies. Great information. Just as an FYI, this was all newbie issue. I simply jacked it down, still not even close to level, then I drove it for about one mile and over a couple bumps. Done, truck backend sits perfectly level now. So, just a newbie mistake of not letting everything settle I guess.

As for the heavier springs, I love the bags idea but just out of my needs/reach maybe. The heavier spring looks great, not too concerned about stiffer. Question is like the others, how much higher lift if any? The arc may be the same I guess, but the stack itself is about an inch thicker it says. I only want to go about an inch higher now (rake for pulling small camper), so if it goes more than that I would have to think twice about doing it. it sits pretty nice with the new 2 inch blocks now. Thanks for all the information, learning lots.
 

alpinecrick

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The PO installed 4/1 leafs on my 88 and lengthened the shackles to get it down. It still has a 2" rake I don't like. These springs may have been re-arced for higher lift, I don't know. After some research, 3/1 leafs are for 1/2 Ton truck, 4/1 leafs are for a "heavy" 1/2 Ton or a regular 3/4 Ton - same exact springs. Here's another source...

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16899

Of three guys I know who have installed SD springs on their trucks (Fords) two have had them sag within a few years. The third, a 1969 F-100 SWB, is still going strong.

I installed Husky 22795 springs on mine, and it's one of the better "upgrades" I've done to my 96. I was so impressed I bought another set for my 97 (which appears to be sagging a bit more recently) but haven't installed them.
The ride is only slightly more stiff than before, the truck handles better (but the original springs were really dragging ***), and carries a load MUCH better. It now sits slightly butt end high.
My springs have been on for about 20K and three years now, so far they have held up (knocking on wood.....).
 
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