Chevy 1500 series suspension work question.

Cactus · Mar 2, 2005

Guys,
In a previous thread I mentioned I was working on my Chevy 1500 series work truck suspension....replacing a leaf spring that had broken. I went to the local wrecking yard and got the springs I needed. My cousin is helping me (really I am helping him) I told him that I wanted a little bit of extra height on the rear and he recommended I buy some lift blocks,he said I would get new U bolts with the lift blocks which I need as well.
My question's are how high is too high ?
Before I start making phone calls etc,would Advance Auto/Auto Zone/ or Napa be able to get these ? My guess is yes...

Thanks
Cactus

MikePA · Mar 2, 2005

I told him that I wanted a little bit of extra height on the rear 
Why? Just curious.

BTW, adding another another leaf into each spring pack will add height as well as additional load capacity.

1bush2hog · Mar 2, 2005

You may want to check out this forum:

Link

Cactus · Mar 2, 2005

( Why? Just curious. )

My trailer jack has been dragging in the gravel in the driveway. Just a little added clearance for when I have my trailer hooked up.

justforme · Mar 2, 2005

is the trailer heavier than what the truck is rated to tow?

if not don't do blocks, just add a leaf or two.

or even better take it to a spring shop and see what they think.

LarryRB · Mar 2, 2005

add leafs not blocks. blocks will raise the truck no doubt, but do absolutely nothing else other than possibly ruining the drive shaft U joints because of the higher angle.. At least with added leafs, you get true weight increase and some lift besides..

Nasty135 · Mar 2, 2005

Cactus, I'm assuming this truck is 2wd and is stock. With the trailer on the truck is sitting lower in the rear than desired.
Could it be possible that the trailer is loaded with too much tongue weight? If not I would definately not use rear lift blocks to compensate for too much tongue weight or weak suspension.
With out seeing it for myself, the one thing I could reccomend at this point is coil over shocks which will aid in load carrying capacity approximately 300lbs which might be enough to keep you trailer jack out of the dirt and aids in handling as well. Adding a leaf is also another way to beef up your suspension but IMO is a little extreme for one particular circumstance that you encounter. Rear shocks are so much easier to do /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif, thats where I would start... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Cactus · Mar 2, 2005

Thanks guys...I really appreciate your feedback.... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

MikePA · Mar 2, 2005

Adding a leaf is also another way to beef up your suspension but IMO is a little extreme for one particular circumstance that you encounter. 
But since he's already getting a broken leaf spring replaced, it makes sense to simply add in another leaf now.

Nasty135 · Mar 2, 2005

MikePA, Well you have a point there, I think I missed the broken spring part this morning /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif But I still think coil over shocks would be the better solution ride wise (more forgiving ) until loaded .