3/4 ton springs on 1/2 ton

[Countryman93]

hey guys so I just bought a 1986 k10 with a snowblade. now the front springs are starting to arch the opposite way. I was thinking of getting a 4inch lift for it but started wondering if stock 3/4 springs would give me a lift and ik they will help support the plow better. how much lift would it give?

 

[chengny]

They will provide more support but you shouldn't expect any appreciable rise in curb height.

I think a stock spring stack for a 3/4 K series has only one more leaf than the stock 1/2 ton (3 vs. 2).

If the current spring sets are sagging - and you install new 3/4 sets - it will appear to you that you got a bit of a lift. But in reality you will just be back to the design stock height.

If you are not aiming for the "monster truck" look, a fresh set of springs might be all you need. A stock 3/4 ton K series sits up nice and high as is from the factory. Here is how a stock K20 looks without any extra lift and just stock springs:

 

[Mattchu60]

FYI - the front springs are supposed to have a negative arch, that is normal.

 

[DoubleDingo]

FYI - the front springs are supposed to have a negative arch, that is normal.

What he said. ^^^

Actually the ultimate 4x4 spring setup would be to achieve the desired lift and have the springs sitting flat so you would have good ride comfort and maximum articulation. You would just have some ugly spring hangers below the frame to do so, and the rear springs would need type of help if you hauled anything.

 

[HotRodPC]

Yep x3, normal for front OEM springs to be negative arched. 3/4 tons wouldn't be a bad idea for the plow, but I'm not even 100% positive there's a difference in the 1/2 and 3/4 ton front springs. I've seen 2 full springs for both 1/2 and 3/4 tons. I've also seen 3 springs on both 1/2 and 3/4, but not sure they were OEM.

 

[Countryman93]

well maybe i will go with a 4inch lift then. i seen a guy that said he wswapped to 3/4 ton got a 4inch in lift and 33s just from 3/4ton springs but maybe now it was a 3/4ton lift kit. And yes i know that the front is ok with negative arch but this is like extreme lol these are the original leafs from 1986 and the blade has been on year around since 92. the guy i bought it from was the second owner and all he had it for was to plow is automotive shop and haul scrap. When i put my 12ft jon boat on the back the truck sinks about 2inch the sus. is wore to an extreme..... but i also just came from a 2005 dodge powerwagon and was running 35s on stock height so i was spoiled plus it was a 3/4ton. all ive owned has been 1995 k2500, 93 f250, 93 ranger with 37s , 06 ninja , 1989 jeep wrangler yj, and my 2005 dodge powerwagon now this 86 and i would have to say this is the best truck out them all.

 

[Countryman93]

mattchu06 what part of iowa you from?
i just moved away from iowa last year i lived around Olin, anamosa area for a bit then outside of cedar rapids for awhile

 

[DoubleDingo]

They will provide more support but you shouldn't expect any appreciable rise in curb height.

I think a stock spring stack for a 3/4 K series has only one more leaf than the stock 1/2 ton (3 vs. 2).

If the current spring sets are sagging - and you install new 3/4 sets - it will appear to you that you got a bit of a lift. But in reality you will just be back to the design stock height.

If you are not aiming for the "monster truck" look, a fresh set of springs might be all you need. A stock 3/4 ton K series sits up nice and high as is from the factory. Here is how a stock K20 looks without any extra lift and just stock springs:

Nice Truck!

 

[chengny]

Thanks, and may The Black Dog rest in peace.