K10 front leveling

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440sixpack

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My K10 has new stock springs but I'd like to get the front up an inch or so.

The only I've seen are an add-a-leaf which will probably be around 2' and effect the ride.

What about making new shackles about 1 1/2" longer ? that should raise it 3/4" and add a little caster that wouldn't hurt anything. and what about getting longer U bolts and tie bolts and putting a 1" spacer under the spring ? one idea better than the other or are they both bad ?
 
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I just wonder if one of those off set inch forward (or back) blocks might be enough. I don't think they're quite an inch of lift. Lift blocks in front is never good, but these plates offer just a little lift.
 
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HotRodPC said:
I just wonder if one of those off set inch forward (or back) blocks might be enough. I don't think they're quite an inch of lift. Lift blocks in front is never good, but these plates offer just a little lift.
Click to expand...

1". Available for ORD or diy4x4. Zero rate or Add an Inch..
 
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440sixpack said:
My K10 has new stock springs but I'd like to get the front up an inch or so.

The only I've seen are an add-a-leaf which will probably be around 2' and effect the ride.

What about making new shackles about 1 1/2" longer ? that should raise it 3/4" and add a little caster that wouldn't hurt anything. and what about getting longer U bolts and tie bolts and putting a 1" spacer under the spring ? one idea better than the other or are they both bad ?
Click to expand...


No that's way too long. 1/2 longer and that's all... and it won't raise your front end really.
These trucks do benefit from increased camber and trail, but only what you achieve with
that extra 1/2". Mid '80s one ton trucks had this mod.
Since you're spring are new I would go with HotRod's suggestion, the 1" blocks that fit under the spring pack. You have to pull the pin from the leaf pack to install it. It becomes part of the pack, not just a block sitting underneath.

https://www.offroaddesign.com/suspe...eafs-offset-plates/zero-rate-add-a-leafs.html

https://diy4x.com/product.php?productid=17722&cat=0&bestseller=Y
 
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440sixpack

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That looks simple enough. so would you add a caster shim while you're at it then or just install as is ?
 
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shiftpro said:
1". Available for ORD or diy4x4. Zero rate or Add an Inch..
Click to expand...
Forgot about the Zero Rate option. That's likely what I'd do if it were me.
 
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440sixpack

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It does look like a no brainer after seeing them. nothing I couldn't fab myself but for $50 I'm not going to.

So I'll need longer bolts they have those too. I guess just do I need caster shims and if so how much ? it would just be a guess of course but an average amount if anyone knows.
 
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440sixpack said:
It does look like a no brainer after seeing them. nothing I couldn't fab myself but for $50 I'm not going to.

So I'll need longer bolts they have those too. I guess just do I need caster shims and if so how much ? it would just be a guess of course but an average amount if anyone knows.
Click to expand...
They have grease jerk bolts as well. AND the 1/2 longer shackles. No shims needed with shackles or Zero rate.

Don't be afraid to ask ORD for their take. They are very helpful and with years of square suspension experience.
 
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shiftpro said:
They have grease jerk bolts as well. AND the 1/2 longer shackles. No shims needed with shackles or Zero rate.

Don't be afraid to ask ORD for their take. They are very helpful and with years of square suspension experience.
Click to expand...

True, guys at ORD are always happy to make suggestions and give opinions. Of course most of that does entail their product too. Hi dollar but always good quality and usually you're paying more for the engineering of the part and for the support than you are the actaul part. They do know their ****.
 
Blue Ox

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Another option, but more work is to take them to a spring shop and have them bend an extra inch into them.
 
Jawzjeep

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Go with the zero rate as stated and slide that front axle a hair forward too at the same time. It'll give better tire to firewall clearance at the same time.
 
Camar068

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I put Gabriel load carriers coil overs on the front and love them. Looks like they aren't available any longer for the front according to their site. Sucks for me.

Anyway, it raised the front about an inch or two. I'm going to have to go look at the shocks and hopefully they stamped the part # on it because I painted them black when I painted the frame. I'll be ordering a spare set if they still make them.

my post about them back in 2016:

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/thread...r-shocks-86-k10-stock-lift.16657/#post-320276
 
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