Any problems with this suspention setup?

JTR 97 Z71 · October 1, 2006

Hello,

I am about to replace my suspention on my 97 K1500 Z71. I am replacing it because after 130k mi the rear is sagging due to towing and hauling and the shocks I feel are getting worn (shocks should be replaced every 100k or so anyway. . .). I am thinking instead of replacing the rear leafs with the same factory 4-leaf springs on there now (15659738 for k1500) I will use the 5-leaf (15659739) off of an 1500HD. I will use the same Bilstien HD shocks I have right now (12474701 front / 12474903 rear). Lastly, I'll prob. crank the front torsion bars up about 1/2"-1" if needed depending on how much higher the rear sits than it used to. (right now it sags pretty bad, the rear is sitting about 1.5" low I'd say, it used ot sit about 1/2" hi).

Also, I will be replacing the 285/75-16 tires (the size that cam on my truck from the factory) with 285/70-17's, which should be the same OD.

I am trying to get rid of the rear end sag, prevent the suspention from waring down as bad under future loads, and maintain the stock ride quality. I also wouldn't mind upto an inch more ground clearance if it doesn't hurt ride quality much. In case you are wondering why I don't want to just lift it, I already have great ground clearance and have never needed more (heck, I swung by Moab on my way accross the country with 1850 LBS in the back and 3 people w/bags in the cab and still had no clearance problems on the trails!) But, moreso, I want to be able to drive this truck everyware, and there are several parking garages I have been to that I have only 2" of clearance in. . . hence. . . I don't want to go up more than 1".

Also, I'm going up to 17" wheels mainly so I can upgrade the brakes later (and I got an awesome deal on the new wheels, practically free) and I need new tires w/in the next couple months anyway. Oh, tires will be BFG A/T KO's again.

Before I order the parts, does anyone see any problems with this setup? I don't think the slightly stiffer rear springs and 1/2" or so crank will hurt ride much, do you? -Heck, it should be better than it is right now with the worn shocks and all. . . . Also, do you think there is any need to replace the front torsion bars? -I don't think they are sagging or softening at all, though it's hard to tell with the back sagging the way it is.

Thanks for any help / advice,

-Justin

Entryteam · October 9, 2006

I have new Torsion keys and a HD addaleaf from procomp and I have between 1.5 and 2 inches of lift. I run 30570R17s on Denali wheels and I love it. I find the ride fine. I am driving this after a stock 1999 with 285 75s on stock rims.

Sounds fine to me, and 1.5 inches will make a huge difference in its appearance. If you don't have them, you should think about some fender flares. They complete the look.

-Ronnie