Coil overs vs. Regular shocks

[78C10BigTen]

So looking for new front shocks i hopped on rockauto just because they have the discount code. Found that shocks are way cheaper on there, not sure of the quality but it raised a question.... are normal shocks better or are coil overs? Im not sure as ive never had coilovers.

 

[WFO]

I'd go with regular shocks. Shock mounts aren't really meant to carry the load.

 

[4WDKC]

I'd go with regular shocks. Shock mounts aren't really meant to carry the load.

depends on the suspension setup, the lower shock mount on a 2wd uses the same metal to support the weight as the coil overs, What i think he meant was shocks with spring helpers like

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[78C10BigTen]

depends on the suspension setup, the lower shock mount on a 2wd uses the same metal to support the weight as the coil overs, What i think he meant was shocks with spring helpers like

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My bad.... yes i mean spring helpers. I was unaware of a differance.

 

[78C10BigTen]

Would the coil overs help lift up the front?

 

[4WDKC]

Would the coil overs help lift up the front?

they can but your limited to length of stock suspension unless you change it out. On a 2wd you could buy different spindles to raise it and keep the same ride quality, 4wd requires redesigning your suspension to eliminate the leaf springs and go to a four link setup. Keep in mind they arent cheap, the pair I bought were $400, the double adjustable ones are $700 for the pair.

 

[78C10BigTen]

they can but your limited to length of stock suspension unless you change it out. On a 2wd you could buy different spindles to raise it and keep the same ride quality, 4wd requires redesigning your suspension to eliminate the leaf springs and go to a four link setup. Keep in mind they arent cheap, the pair I bought were $400, the double adjustable ones are $700 for the pair.

Im looking to actually get mine to sit level and maybe fit 16's under the front. I know my shocks are shot and probably my coils but im looking for a cheaper easier way to get her nose up.

 

[4WDKC]

new springs are like $60 do a search find what spring rate people are using in these trucks for desired result like handling and google moog spring rate chart and springs to fit.

$60 springs
$100 shocks
spindles ?

 

[WFO]

I put big block coil springs on my 84 GMC back in 86. It leveled it up, and took out a lot of roll over in the corners. It was a long bed.

 

[78C10BigTen]

I put big block coil springs on my 84 GMC back in 86. It leveled it up, and took out a lot of roll over in the corners. It was a long bed.

Does it make the ride quality alot harder, stiffer? I like my soft bouncin truck but want it to stand taller in the front. Are 3/4 ton coils interchangeable into a c10?

 

[WFO]

Does it make the ride quality alot harder, stiffer? I like my soft bouncin truck but want it to stand taller in the front. Are 3/4 ton coils interchangeable into a c10?

That was over 30 years ago, but I remember that it rode better. I switched to gas shocks at the same time.
I'm not sure if 3/4 ton springs will mount, but I think they would be way too much.
I'm sure there's more spring rate options out there now days.

 

[78C10BigTen]

That was over 30 years ago, but I remember that it rode better. I switched to gas shocks at the same time.
I'm not sure if 3/4 ton springs will mount, but I think they would be way too much.
I'm sure there's more spring rate options out there now days.

I think i confused bb springs with 3/4 tons....

 

[shiftpro]

I put big block coil springs on my 84 GMC back in 86. It leveled it up, and took out a lot of roll over in the corners. It was a long bed.

This is the hot damn setup for 2x
!!!!!!!

 

[deviant]

depends on the suspension setup, the lower shock mount on a 2wd uses the same metal to support the weight as the coil overs, What i think he meant was shocks with spring helpers like

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These are just non-shock adjustable coilovers (top) and shock adjustable coilovers (bottom). Major benefits are less rollover, stiffer ride (if you're looking for that), increased towing capacity (with rear coilovers) and even extra load capacity. How much depends on spring rate. Shock adjustable coilovers benefit you more when you're running something on road and on track, so you stiffen the ride for track and soften it for daily cruising. I don't really see the benefit for a truck for the extra money, except maybe on an extreme drop where you want to help prevent it from bottoming out. Which in that case, you can go with heavier rated progressive springs in your control arms and/or leaf springs. Any gain in ride height will only come from a longer shock, but what you will get is less sag from a coilover. When you lower a truck and account for 5", but it sags to 6", then a coilover can put you back at 5". Me personally, I run a stiffer progressive spring in the control arms and good damping non-coilover shocks on all four corners and sway bars to help on road handling.

 

[shiftpro]

Me personally, I run a stiffer progressive spring in the control arms and good damping non-coilover shocks on all four corners and sway bars to help on road handling.

Can you please describe what you mean as 'control arms'? What may I ask are control arms? Sorry I though square body 2x2 trucks had A-frames so I'm confused.
I've certainly never heard of progressive springs for the front of these trucks...