I need Advice on '73 K10 Suspension

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TJ805

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This truck rides on 33" tires with no rub or clearance issues, but appears to have no lift. is this possible? Any advice on upgrades? Just looking to stay stock and have good general
performance. No major romping planned...

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dvdswan

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Upgrade your bushings and maybe shocks. If it doesn't have one, a steering gear support. Basic maintenance items for steering, axles, driveline items.
 

CSFJ

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Those coil-over shocks may be preventing the leaf springs from sagging like they normally would. That may be enough to keep them from rubbing. Iirc, the '80 and earlier trucks were usually ok with a 33" tire, depending on backspacing, with rubbing only occurring at full lock on the steering.
 

TJ805

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Upgrade your bushings and maybe shocks. If it doesn't have one, a steering gear support. Basic maintenance items for steering, axles, driveline items.
Thanks for the input. Do the front leafs look spent? Two leafs seems like not enough. Does this look like a stock setup?
 

Craig 85

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Springs look stock in front. I'm sure the coil overs help. I would guess the bushing are bad just based on age. I know the '79 K10 I had used 6 springs in the rear.
 

dvdswan

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As @Craig 85 said they look stock, but I have to admit they less arched than normal. What I mean is stock front springs have a negative arch.
 

TJ805

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I think my biggest question is how do I decide what leafs to buy without knowing what I have? I assume that they come with certain arcs that need to be identified...
 

TJ805

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Negative arc?

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shiftpro

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I recommend 2" Tuff Country springs if you want to keep it just over stock height.
 

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Negative arc?

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Those jack stands are not safe. Please consider an upgrade, or a decent welder can reinforce those "collapsable" stands.
 

TJ805

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Here's the specs on your OEM springs from SD Truck Springs. They do make 3 and 4 leave options for more weight capacity. I would get the 2" Tuff Country EZ Rides and replace the coil overs.

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7667
Thanks. My biggest hurdle is not replacing the springs, but matching them to maintain the same height. The truck seems lifted to me. By "replace the coil overs" do you mean eliminate them altogether?
 

Craig 85

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Thanks. My biggest hurdle is not replacing the springs, but matching them to maintain the same height. The truck seems lifted to me. By "replace the coil overs" do you mean eliminate them altogether?

Yes. The coil overs are giving the truck a lift and probably making the ride a little firmer. To give you something to compare, this was my '79 K15. It had 4" Tuff Country EZ rides in front with a 4" block in the rear with original 6 leaf springs. From the center line of the axles to the upper trim was 32". That would mean stock should be about 28". This will let you know about how high your truck is with the current set up. The tires on this truck were 33x12.50x16.5's which are 32.8" tall. The rims were 9.75" wide with a 4.75" back spacing. The fronts would have rubbed the front fenders had they not been trimmed some.

If you replace the springs with anything other than OEM spec springs using the coil overs, the truck likely will be taller than it is now. I personally have never liked the ride of the negative arched OEM front springs. A 2" lift spring would probably give a much better ride.

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TJ805

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Yes. The coil overs are giving the truck a lift and probably making the ride a little firmer. To give you something to compare, this was my '79 K15. It had 4" Tuff Country EZ rides in front with a 4" block in the rear with original 6 leaf springs. From the center line of the axles to the upper trim was 32". That would mean stock should be about 28". This will let you know about how high your truck is with the current set up. The tires on this truck were 33x12.50x16.5's which are 32.8" tall. The rims were 9.75" wide with a 4.75" back spacing. The fronts would have rubbed the front fenders had they not been trimmed some.

If you replace the springs with anything other than OEM spec springs using the coil overs, the truck likely will be taller than it is now. I personally have never liked the ride of the negative arched OEM front springs. A 2" lift spring would probably give a much better ride.

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Great info, thanks. My rears have 8 leafs, Can I assume that they are an aftermarket lift?
 

Craig 85

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