k10 one ton

[nataca]

Will one ton lift springs from rough country work on a k10? I plan on swapping a dana 60 and 14bolt in later but want a lift it soon

 

[Driver4r]

Just run 1/2 ton springs, the 1tons will ride rough as ****. Run a D60 up front, but get a 14ff out of a 3/4 ton. Im not 100% sure atm, but im pretty sure 1 tons ran different perch locations on the rear, so just go with a 3/4 ton rear and it will bolt up perfectly.

 

[chengny]

Here are the specs for 1 ton springs.

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And mounting details:

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The problem will be whether the hangers/shackles will align with the "A & B " dimensions of the spring packs and still have the axle directly under the U-bolt location.

If you are really ambitious (and can't live without 1 ton rated springs) I suppose you could relocate the hangers on the frame rails.

 

[nataca]

Are the leaf perches the same on the front between 1/2 and 1 ton? I have heard about the rear being different. I have a 3/4 14 bolt already but was also curious if the front would be different. The trucks going to be a tow rig. So the 1 ton leafs are interchangable with 1/2 ton?

 

[chengny]

Yeah, AFAIK a D60 will go in a 1/2 ton - so I believe you're okay in the front but better check with someone who has done it. It may not be a drop -in situation.

 

[Mattchu60]

I know the K10's use a 52" spring and the 1 ton are 56" The frames are punched for both lengths, so you would need to move the spring hanger positions back to the other spot. I have not done it, but I imagine its a pretty difficult job to get the old rivets off.

Just curious - why do you want to put 1 ton srings on a lifted truck? Personally, if I want something for heavy hauling, I wouldnt lift it. My opinion, its your truck, do what you want.

 

[nvrenuf]

1 tons leaf packs are interchangeable but there are the following differences;

Quantity of leaves (front or rear)
Rear spring length (52" vs 56")

There short vs long rear will interchange but you'd need to move the rear hangers appropriately.

The spring arch is the same, again just the difference in quantity.

As for "off the shelf" lift kits, when shopping for my crew cab I found all front and rear springs to be generic towards the 1/2 end of the spectrum. There are 3/4 & 1 ton kits but look at the individual part numbers and you'll see the springs are the same, just the hardware and steering components are different.

Only a custom spring company such as Alcan or Deaver will make a true high capacity lift spring.

 

[nvrenuf]

1 ton axles will work in a 1/2 or 3/4 ton. As stated the differences are rear spring perch width, shock bracket position, brake hoses (front) and u-joints.

 

[chengny]

Are the leaf perches the same on the front between 1/2 and 1 ton?

I have a 3/4 14 bolt already but was also curious if the front would be different.


They way I read it, I think he has abandoned the idea of 1 ton springs in the back - he is now asking about mounting a Dana 60 on the front suspension.

 

[nvrenuf]

The d60 front is a direct bolt in with the exception of brake hoses and u-bolt hardware. The u-joint is *typically* the same. Iirc, the drag link is the same also but it may need to be adjusted shorter to fit.

Edit: the differences in spring perch width and shock bracket position pertain to the rear only.

 

[nataca]

Ok thanks guys. I think ive got enough info for what im doing. Thanks for the help

 

[nataca]

I guess one more thing. On the rear springs, to go from 52 to 56 only the rear mount needs moved and the center pin is offset to make up for the one direction? I plan on doing a shackle flip anyway so the mount move wont be out of the way

 

[nvrenuf]

Yes the added sping length is rearward of the pin so only move the rear bracket. This has become a fairly common mod.

Btw, neither a short bed or 1 ton will have both sets of bracket holes. Only a 1/2 or 3/4 long might have both sets of rear bracket holes.