small suspension lifts...

[Doc]

My 60 is saggy.

But, I also drive it a lot, and don't want to need a step ladder to get in and out of it.

I also just bought brand new OE shocks. I'm looking for something to being it up just a bit, 2" or so.. Will I be able to use the OE shocks for that?

Am I looking at just a shackle lift? Or is there a company that makes 1.5-2" lift leafs?

PO put 31x10.5" tires on it, so the wheel wells are looking fullish- I could stuff 33's under there now (33's are my goal) but then I'd look 'lowered'. I don't want that.

Maybe just some fresh OE springs and a shackle kit?

Oh, and bushings! The OE bushings are cracked deeper than the grand canyon. Will new springs come with new bushings?

 

[cahilc]

Doc,

I had similar issues and just OME'ed my truck. Yikes ! Rear is definitely higher than front with the OME standard install. In the future I might modify/swap/replace shackles to level truck. Enjoying it as standard install for right now.

Had a mechanic friend of mine take lead on the job and I assisted. It's a serious job.

Cheers,
Cahil

 

[lovetoski]

lots of choices!

Hey Doc,

The good news is that you have lots of choices, and the bad news is that you have lots of...

CCOT/SOR/MAF all have OE height rear replacement springs. CCOT has a mild lift replacement set.

Add-a-leafs are a cheap cure for rear sagging, but some say they ride harsh. I don't have any personal experience here.

No question, replacing bushings is important - hard to remove the old ones, but this by itself will improve your handling. (Worn bushings = sloppy suspension.)

There are other options out there too, forget them all right now. Try checking the 60 tech section, there is a live post re suspension mods. That will give you some individual experiences, and product options.

Have fun on this!

 

[VTCruiser]

here's a pic of my rig that I (with the help of ih8muders) determined has been lifted about 1"-2" in the springs. Just to give you an idea of what it would look like. As for 33"s, I would go for at least 2.5" of total lift at least for 12.5"s, maybe even 3" just to be safe. I suppose I could fit 33x12.5s in my rig as is but they would probably rub. I plan on getting some extended shackles before I go for 33x12.5s. I hear 33.9.5's fit under stock springs though...

oh, and its riding on 15x8 wheels and 31x10.5s.

 

[brian]

keep in mind that if it is sagging even a small lift will yield more than you think.

i put a 3" lift under mine, and i truely believe that raised it 5(five) inches from the sagy state it was in.

before:

after:

 

[Doc]

CCOT=?

I'm not up on my anacronyms.

Is there any particular reason to not use JUST a shackle kit to get my lift? (geometry changes, etc?)

Can I buy bushings seperate from a lift kit? Energy suspension polyurathane perhaps? I'm not worried about getting them out, they will either crumble upon dissasembly, or a torch will be employed. I replaced every rubber bushing on my little Honda with Poly busings from energy susp. so I am not unfamiliar with their work.

VTcruiser, how did you get a 2" lift under there? Are there new springs, or just new shackles?

 

[VTCruiser]

CCOT = Cool Cruisers of Texas

I am not sure the make of the springs (sorry, meant to mention that) they were there when i bought the truck. They look old though. The PO (previous owner) said he thought it may be lifted some but i was skeptical at first but didn't care (it was the diesel i wanted). Afterwards though after seeing other stock 60s, i decided it must be lifted and took some measurments. The shackles are stock length, so its in the springs and probably around 1.5".

EDIT: Also, Bushings are often sold seperately and a torch is a common method of removing teh old ones. As for using shackles alone, there is a limit to the length they should be. Its fine to use them with stock springs but they may not provide must lift over stock "unsagged" height.