Soften the ride.

[Boothby1952]

After 3 years of part time work, I have my "new" K15 on the road. Everything under the hood is new, rebuilt the 700R4 and numerous other tweaks. It passed vehicle inspection and I was ready for some touring. Well, I live back in the woods on a dirt road, connected to a bumpy, pot hole ridden asphalt road and needless to say, the ride is rough. Knew it would be but not like it is. So, I need to soften it up a little. It's got a 7 leaf spring pack in the rear. So I've been talking to people for some options. Remove, cut, replace or just throw a half ton in the bed...plus change the shocks. Any wisdom will be appreciated along with some good options for rear shocks.

 

[bucket]

What front springs? Are the rear springs 52" or 56" length?

 

[Ricko1966]

What tires does it have on it and what PSI.

 

[Boothby1952]

Front springs 4 pack leaf springs and rear are 52". Tires are Dick Cepeck Trailer Country 33x12.5. I know tires play a part in ride softness but this won't be changed until I need to replace them. I'm assuming that cutting the leaf is hot and miss. One cut and test?

 

[bucket]

Have any pictures of your front springs? Factory springs were 2 and 3 leaf... I have a hunch that your front springs are causing your less than desirable ride quality.

 

[Boothby1952]

I wouldn't win any awards in photography but here's what I have

 

[1lejohn]

My K -10 rides like a buck board wagon. It looks to have the same front springs as your truck. I disconnected the anti-sway bar, and it made a little difference. I also replaced the n2 filled shocks to a plain oil filled softer shock and it helped. I also drive on roads similar to you. Short of replacing the springs there's not much you can do. I replaced all the bushings with poly which didn't help. I wasn't looking for comfort from them. I wanted better wear. I would check all your bushings. I had some that looked ok from the ends. They were worn out in the middle. The bolt was riding metal to metal. One actually egged shaped the bolt hole on the front hanger.

 

[bucket]

I wouldn't win any awards in photography but here's what I have

Ouch!!! That's a factory, negative arch 2-leaf pack with a couple extra positive arch leaves added on! That must ride like an actual log wagon.

It looks like an actual lift spring of the 2.5" variety would get you the same ride height, but with a MUCH better ride quality.

 

[Grit dog]

Ouch!!! That's a factory, negative arch 2-leaf pack with a couple extra positive arch leaves added on! That must ride like an actual log wagon.

It looks like an actual lift spring of the 2.5" variety would get you the same ride height, but with a MUCH better ride quality.

Hahaha looks similar to a Blazer I bought for a plow rig when I was a kid. It rode like a F550 up front. But it sure hung a plow well until I finally snapped on side!
OP, yeah if you want a decent ride, get some variant of soft ride lift springs. 2.5-3” if you want to stick with 33s.
And not sure your comment about the tires. Size doesn’t matter for ride, pressure does. You didn’t answer the psi question. On a small block Blazer on 33s I’d be at somewhere around 25psi max rear and 30 max front. If you want de net highway handling. Less if you’re after comfort and more traction vs handling.
Look up your rough axle weights and a load pressure chart for your size tires. You can go pretty low.
Differnet size tires and vehicles but for example. Crew cab Cummins diesel on 37s, 40psi front and 20-25 psi rear is acceptable and a nice ride. (No load in the bed). CJ5 6 banger on 31s, about 15psi all around and it handles great on the road still. Fronts may be closer to 20

 

[1lejohn]

Ouch!!! That's a factory, negative arch 2-leaf pack with a couple extra positive arch leaves added on! That must ride like an actual log wagon.

It looks like an actual lift spring of the 2.5" variety would get you the same ride height, but with a MUCH better ride quality.

That's the boat I'm in also. My truck has factory negative arched springs, but with an extra leaf. At least that what it looks like to me. It is lifted because the truck sits level with a 2" block in the rear.

 

[bucket]

That's the boat I'm in also. My truck has factory negative arched springs, but with an extra leaf. At least that what it looks like to me. It is lifted because the truck sits level with a 2" block in the rear.

Got a picture of the front of them? And the bushings? Those look like lift springs.

Even if those are old rough riding Rancho springs, I guarantee that @Boothby1952 's truck rides significantly worse. That is definitely NOT a truck I'd like to ride in, lol.

 

[Finkaire]

I ordered my truck with heavy duty springs, now 42 years later l would appreciate a softer ride as well. We have a local spring shop close by. I was told to leave the fronts alone being they have 42 years under a V8 and replacement springs would not be any softer. For the rears he recommended re-arching the springs to give a softer ride and to level the truck. $500, Haven’t made the jump yet.

 

[Jawzjeep]

Besides the springs check to make sure that your spring eye bolts weren't over tightened too. Seen it happen. Rode like a pogo stick.

 

[1lejohn]

Got a picture of the front of them? And the bushings? Those look like lift springs.

Even if those are old rough riding Rancho springs, I guarantee that @Boothby1952 's truck rides significantly worse. That is definitely NOT a truck I'd like to ride in, lol.

Here are the pics of the spring eyes.

 

[bucket]

Here are the pics of the spring eyes.

Definitely an aftermarket lift spring, although I'm not sure of the brand. Poly bushings are a bit worn, but it looks like you have geasable bolts/sleeves.