Best suspension setup for 78 K10 trail rig

untchabl

untchabl

I like rocks
Joined
Mar 30, 2009
Location
Bear Creek, NC 27207
Wanting to start setting up my 78 Chevy K10 as a mild trail rig for Uwharrie and the like. Wanting opinions on suspension setups that would give me good flex but also be a good bang-for the-buck. Looking to run around a 35-36" tire and I have no issues with cutting for clearance.

Front - Tuff Country 4" springs or 52" spring swap with DIY4x.com B52 components? The 52's would require more work both in rebuilding the spring packs and welding on the new mounts. Would the 4" springs give up a noticeable amount of flex? The 4" springs would be the simplest and quickest route.

Rear - Pretty much decided on ORD or DIY4x.com shackle flip. But should I stick with stock rear springs or go to 56" or 64" springs? Again, running the shackle flip with stock springs would be the quickest and simplest option.

This is not going to be a hardcore rig, looking for something that can be driven to the trail and back (URE is about an hour from me). Not looking to tackle the hardest lines or any of that either. Never been to URE or anywhere else wheeling and looking for a fun, low-budget build. I welcome any and all opinions, comments and suggestions. Thanks.
 
no suspension needed, add desired tire and trim until the dont rub anymore.
 
Well, the front springs are sagging badly and it needs new shocks all around. So I'd rather spend a little more money now and go ahead and get a good basic setup.
 
Any other opinions? Leaning towards the 4" EZ Ride Tuff Country springs up front since I can just order and install them without having to worry about finding a decent set of 52's to rebuild.

Leaning toward the DIY4x.com shackle flip and HD shackles with my stock springs for the rear.

Also going to order the ORD steering brace, both the weld-in and bolt-in.
 
untchabl said:
Any other opinions? Leaning towards the 4" EZ Ride Tuff Country springs up front since I can just order and install them without having to worry about finding a decent set of 52's to rebuild.
Leaning toward the DIY4x.com shackle flip and HD shackles with my stock springs for the rear.
Also going to order the ORD steering brace, both the weld-in and bolt-in.
Click to expand...
that's a good plan.+
 
I used TC 4" Ez-Rides up front with HD schackles and greasable Bushings in the front

In the rear i used an ORD flip with HD shackles, greasable poly-bushings and stock springs.

All in all it was pretty easy to install and sits pretty level right now...Although i still dont have the body back on the frame.

Keep in mind if you do a shackle flip you are going to need to cut, air-chisel those stock rivets out and with the body on they are not always easy to get too.
 
Out of the box 4" Rough Country lift kit, and get new rear springs as an option with the kit. We have one on our 84 suburban since 04, and its gets the crap beaten out of all the time. They have a almost no questions asked lifetime warranty on the kit including the shocks.

It flexes great ( for a suburban) and rides like a cadillac on the trail. We've had it to uwharrie, callalantee, harlan, and all over western PA. I'll try to dig up some pics of it flexing, and theres video of it on youtube from last years 4x4cross race.

Just type in "Suburban Uwharrie" and you'll find it. We now have the same kit with 1-tons and 39's.

The rough country stuff has outlasted two motors, 3 transmissions and, 2 different cases, as well as several 10-bolts, and is holding up to 1 tons just fine.

I would reccomend no other company for an affordable, out of the box kit that will work great on the trails and the road too.
 
I think you have a good plan figured out. Go ahead and try to squeeze in atleast some 37's while you're at it.

FWIW, a stock '78 longbed K10 on 33's will run everytrail out there. It will even go up the backside of Daniel, but you won't be able to play around much on the rock garden.
 
here are a few shots of it from this past weekend.

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I'd go with the 4'' lift, springs all around. That's what I've got on my 76 Jimmy. If you take the sway bar off you'll get more flex, a softer ride and it will still be streetable. If you need more tire clearance zero rates will help. Before you get too involved with the 52's in front check out ColoradoK5. They have a thread that combines about all the facts you would need to help you make up your mind.
 
THE RC kits ride a bit too rough for me for a mix use on the street in a k10 short bed truck.

I have ridden in a Burban with the same kit and it was nice...weight diff makes sense I suppose
 
Well, gonna hold off awhile on lifting the 78. Got it tagged/insured but I'm using it as a DD for now cause I'm trying to sell my K5. Trying to get rid of some "toys" and do some home improvements.

Thanks for the great advice guys. I'll keep all of it in mind once I get the extra money to actually do some work to the truck.
 
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