skrap

I've been doing a lot of reading on the forums about leaf springs. I want to achieve a better ride, more level stance, and room for 285/70/17 tires on 17x9 wheels. I'm willing to use airbags in the rear to keep the back from sagging.

I'd like to have the outside of the rims flush with the body (don't want them sticking out). I'd also like to avoid trimming in the fender wheels.

I'm thinking about three different leaf options: Skyjacker, Alcan, or AZ Spring Co (my local option). I'm planning to get them with 1" of lift. I'll likely use the Archive Garage shackle hanger along with a slightly longer shackle (+0.5"). I like the look of Jungle's components but want to cut/drill on my frame little as possible.

The wheels I'm looking at are 17x9 with 4.75" backspacing.

Does this all sound like a reasonable combination? Some of the photos in old threads seem to be gone.

I'd appreciate insight or photos from those with experience with similar combinations.

skrap

I ended up going with Alcan +2 springs, Archive Garage shackle mounts and shackles, and Bilstein shocks. The wheels and tires are 17x9 with 4.75" backspacing and 285/70/17 (~33x11.5) tires. The wheels and tires were ready before the springs. I had them installed with the old sagging leaf springs on the truck. I had to remove the wheel well moldings in the parking lot because they rubbed so much.

EDIT - Measurements:

Before adding springs it was about 22.5" from fender to center of hub and 1" from spring to bumper.

After adding the springs it is about 25.25" from fender to center of hub and 3.75" from spring to bumper.

Here are some photos to compare factory wheels vs aftermarket on stock springs:

skrap

Here are the photos with the new parts:

oliver foster

Looks great!
Thanks for posting all the before and after pictures.
The 2wd to 4x4 '93 I am working on right now has 4 inches from the bump stops to the new Skyjacker springs I installed with the powertrain in place BUT no sheetmetal on it.

I bet I will be very close to your 3 3/4 inch measurement with the cab and front clip on it. It give me a good idea of what the stance will be.

I am assuming you have not done anything to the rear and it is a stock rear suspension.

Gunch

Nice looking stance looks like you got good clearance now on the front making turns into parking lots do you have any rubbing issues.Truck looks good

skrap

Thanks!

You are correct, the rear is stock. I wanted to see what the front looks like before changing the rear. I'm happy with the stance so will likely leave it alone. I might install air bags some day if the rear sags a lot with heavy loads.

P.S. I still need to get you a money order for the windshield washer tank - I haven't been going out much with the stay-at-home order.

skrap

Thank you for the compliment.

I'll get back to you about rubbing issues. I just finished the truck and haven't even driven it. The registration expired and the MVD is reworking their system. I should have it out and about this week assuming the emissions place is open.