Suburban R2500 Performance Suspension

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BBBURB

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R2500 Suburban SLS
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454 7.4L
Hi all, I replaced all my shocks with new shocks. I also upgraded all my brakes to new disks and calipers. Im stopping on a dime now, however I am looking for stiffer coil springs up front that can handle the weight of the 454 and R2500 for performance driving. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

My coil springs are too squishy in the front and feel like im on a boat on the freeway. The leaf springs in the back are super stiff.

This is part of my 496 Stroker Street/Strip build.

Thank you.

Will the springs from a 454 SS 1500 fit on the 2500?

1990 CHEVROLET C1500 Ground Force Suspension 1030 Ground Force Lowering Coil Springs | Summit Racing

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Craig 85

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Air Lift makes air bag that fit inside the OEM coils. Not sure about the fit on shortened coils. I had used the bags to lift my truck a couple of inches, but you could probably put just enough air in them to keep from bottoming sooner. Also, I kept the bags air supply separated.
 

Camar068

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BBBURB

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R2500 Suburban SLS
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454 7.4L
Air Lift makes air bag that fit inside the OEM coils. Not sure about the fit on shortened coils. I had used the bags to lift my truck a couple of inches, but you could probably put just enough air in them to keep from bottoming sooner. Also, I kept the bags air supply separated.

Thanks, bags are cool for slow rides in mho, but performance wise I think airbags are a step down. More of a novelty. Im trying to get the most performance out of this brick.
 

Big Chip

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Are you trying to lower it or keep it the stock height? I see your link is for lowering springs but you never mentioned what you're doing in the rear? I think lowering springs are stiffer but don't quote me on that. If anything I would think you'd want to upgrade to springs from an R3500 not a 1500.
 

BBBURB

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454 7.4L
Are you trying to lower it or keep it the stock height? I see your link is for lowering springs but you never mentioned what you're doing in the rear? I think lowering springs are stiffer but don't quote me on that. If anything I would think you'd want to upgrade to springs from an R3500 not a 1500.

I want sportier performance. Stock height or lower. I dont want to go so low I cant be sporty on the street. Right now the suspension is like a boat. I need it like a Sport Truck. That would be cool if the lowering springs are stiffer. Definitely dont want to go any higher. The goal is a 2 wheel Drive Sport Truck.
 

Crispy

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If you havent already, go ahead and replace your mounts and bushings (engine, trans, body, control arm, sway bar, etc). Chances are they are failed OEM rubber units. Replacing these with polyurethane units will give you a firmer overall feel and better connection to the road. Some complain about harshness so if thats a concern use new OEM style rubber units.

Maybe add a rear sway bar if not already equipped with one.

If the pockets are deep enough then coilovers up front and a 4 link rear will get you where you want to be.
 

Big Chip

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I want sportier performance. Stock height or lower. I dont want to go so low I cant be sporty on the street. Right now the suspension is like a boat. I need it like a Sport Truck. That would be cool if the lowering springs are stiffer. Definitely dont want to go any higher. The goal is a 2 wheel Drive Sport Truck.
I guess if it were me I'd look for a drop with at least new stock springs and lowering spindles and shackles in the back. Bigger anti-sway bars would help too. I got my stuff from www.switchsuspension.com.
 

Craig 85

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Thanks, bags are cool for slow rides in mho, but performance wise I think airbags are a step down. More of a novelty. Im trying to get the most performance out of this brick.

I think you misunderstood the type of air bags. These go in the coil, you don't remove them. They definitely firmed up the front end on both my trucks (454 & A/C in both). I first used them on an '80 C20 3+3, then moved them to an '88 C20 Suburban when I sold the truck. My purpose was strictly to lift the truck to fit 33x12.50x16.5 tires. By keeping the bags separate, you don't get air transfer from one bag to another in turns.

Here is the front bags with a 2" rear block to keep the OEM rake.
Air Lift #81560
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