Would these shocks be good?

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Edelbrock

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Would these shocks be good?

Estimated 4" lift. 37" tires.

1977 K5.

Currently, I feel every bump in the road. Don't like the way it rides.

Hit a large rut or dip in the road at high speed and you feel like your going airborne.


 
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Ricko1966

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Are your current shocks frozen? Are your springs too stiff? How did you get this 4 inch lift?
 

Edelbrock

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Bought this rig as is. Pretty sure its a 4" lift. Current shocks are "pretty soft" from what I was told by a 4x4 shop. No idea what the springs are or if they are too stiff.
 

Ricko1966

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Sounds to me like your springs are too stiff,and maybe the tires too much pressure
 

Edelbrock

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Sounds to me like your springs are too stiff,and maybe the tires too much pressure


I tried lowering the pressure down to like 25, which didn't help. I tried removing the shocks, which severely compounded the problem.
 

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I tried lowering the pressure down to like 25, which didn't help. I tried removing the shocks, which severely compounded the problem.
That means your current front shocks are working. Maybe not great but they’re not completely blown if it got much worse removed..
I put those skyjackers on the K20. They’re good they do shock things. But the truck still rides like the cheap rough country springs it has up front. Rough!
 

Edelbrock

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Would spraying the leaf springs (soaking) with a non-sticky lubricant help? Teflon spray or something? Or would duel shocks help? My old lady almost gave herself a black eye the last time this K5 booby bouncer hit a speed bump.
 

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Would spraying the leaf springs (soaking) with a non-sticky lubricant help? Teflon spray or something? Or would duel shocks help? My old lady almost gave herself a black eye the last time this K5 booby bouncer hit a speed bump.
I’d gamble you’re on way more lift than 4” if you’re running 37” tires on an K5 unless the fenders are nearly trimmed off.

Shocks can’t “fix” harsh riding springs no matter how much you spend on them.

Springs are supposed to be able to slip and move as they cycle but I doubt a little lube will make a noticeable difference.

Softer springs
Rubber bushings instead of polyurethane
Softer tires (ply rating)
 

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37s on a short wheelbase is not a high speed rig with low buck suspension modifications. You will need to spend money on the suspension and trim sheet metal if you want compliance, wheel travel and clearance.

At minimum if you want to keep leaf springs, you need Alcan, Deaver or ORD custom Springs (which are Alcan).

The other option is linking and coils.

Either way, if you want wheel travel and compliance, you’ll be doing some trimming (especially in the front).
 

Edelbrock

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I’d gamble you’re on way more lift than 4” if you’re running 37” tires on an K5 unless the fenders are nearly trimmed off.

When I first bought the rig, the tires rubbed badly when turning.

Guess which sledge I used to solve that problem:
 

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bucket

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37s on a short wheelbase is not a high speed rig with low buck suspension modifications. You will need to spend money on the suspension and trim sheet metal if you want compliance, wheel travel and clearance.

At minimum if you want to keep leaf springs, you need Alcan, Deaver or ORD custom Springs (which are Alcan).

The other option is linking and coils.

Either way, if you want wheel travel and compliance, you’ll be doing some trimming (especially in the front).

A K5 can ride much more decent without spending that kind of money though.

The difference between Tuff County or BDS and others like Rough Country, Pro Comp or old Rancho is night and day.

It's also all in what you're used to and what is expected. For all we know, the rig in question could already have high dollar custom springs on it, but it's "stiff" because it doesn't ride like a new Escalade. Or it could be on old 2.5" Rancho springs with an add-a-leaf and most any off the shelf leaf spring would be an improvement.
 

Grit dog

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Would spraying the leaf springs (soaking) with a non-sticky lubricant help? Teflon spray or something? Or would duel shocks help? My old lady almost gave herself a black eye the last time this K5 booby bouncer hit a speed bump.
I’m not sure if you’re complaining about the Blazer suspension here or bragging about your wife’s _____! Lol
Seriously though, no dual shocks won’t help.
There may be some binding. Some penetrating oil cannot hurt anything.
Another consideration is whether the front springs are hitting the frame in back at the shackles. I’ve wondered this for a while on the K20 as the spring eye wrap is very close to the frame rail and has the potential to bind the spring if it contacts the rail and prevents the shackle from rotating a bit more.
It’s one of those couple dozen less important things on the ole K20 that could still use investigation or improvement.
I suspect it’s moreso just stuff springs because they do have some travel in them when you get the truck a little twisted up. Worth checking for you though.imo.
 

Edelbrock

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A K5 can ride much more decent without spending that kind of money though.



Where so I start?

Upload pics of the springs?

Post model info about the shocks that I currently have?
 

Grit dog

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A K5 can ride much more decent without spending that kind of money though.

The difference between Tuff County or BDS and others like Rough Country, Pro Comp or old Rancho is night and day.

It's also all in what you're used to and what is expected. For all we know, the rig in question could already have high dollar custom springs on it, but it's "stiff" because it doesn't ride like a new Escalade. Or it could be on old 2.5" Rancho springs with an add-a-leaf and most any off the shelf leaf spring would be an improvement.
True story. And these trucks are old now, but it sure would be nice to see a comparison like the old magazine comparos. Title: “Squarebody lift kits, we compare the top 5 brands of lift springs and declare a winner!”
Lol wishful thinking.
 

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