I will be installing a Pro-Comp IFS lift (that I got used on the cheap)with a Rockstomper travel kit. I will not be cranking the torsion bars, I will leave them stock. I need to lift the rear 3-4 inches to match the front. Fabbing a new rear shackle is a given.
I do all kinds of wheelin,(snow, sand) and when I am on the rocks, I am usually on the more difficult medium trails. Please don't tell me to just SAS as,

A)This thread is about the rear of my truck not the front.

B)I can get that simplistic answer from other boards on the web ( <img border="0" alt="[Pirate]" title="" src="graemlins/bppirate.gif" /> )

C)If I wanted a straight axle I would simply buy an '85 for a play toy as they are plentiful, rust free, and cheap here in CA.

Now, back to the rear of my truck. Here's what my options seem to be.

1) stock springs with procomp 3" blocks with a traction bar. I think this set-up will give me good flex and is probably the cheapest, although I really do not like blocks.

2) downey 3" lift spring. I know I will lose some flex and I might even have to use a mild (1" or so lift block). But, its basically bolt on and easy.

3)Rear Chevy's. Great flex, great ride. But, much more labor intensive, new front mount etc.

4) Alcans, All-pro, National spring. Great flex, great ride, but expensive and labor intensive. This is definately my least favorite choice.

Anyone who has opinions or ideas or input or sees something I overlooked, post away.

<small>[ March 10, 2003, 12:44 AM: Message edited by: Lou Bell ]</small>

Alcan and National can build you a stock length spring with pretty much any lift you want.

Don't forget about Old Man Emu springs very high quality and nice ride. A little pricy though, but you get what you pay for.

just some advice
DONT buy superlift springs
I have the same setup as you with superlifts in the back and withen 7 months the driver side spring was alread fatigued.
off by about 1" 2/16 or so
Jed

Lou, its worth the extra effort to go 5" longer in the rear with Alcan, Allpro, whatever. Its very easy to add the hanger or have it added, then just bolt on. Much better flex. You are doing MUCH more work in the front that this mod will be.

Sorry, I forget the part number for the Toy hangers, but they are the easiest. Just mount the left on the right side, right on the left, (backwards) to give you an angle to slide over rocks, and add a bash plate if you wish. Not a big or expensive weld job.

<small>[ March 10, 2003, 03:03 PM: Message edited by: Bill_Morgan ]</small>

Or do the Mazda thang <img border="0" alt="[Hillbilly]" title="" src="graemlins/notooth.gif" />
Mazda Swap

I second the Old Man Emu suggestion. That seems to fit your criteria based on ease of installation/performance/price.

I choose #3! Low-budget, works GREAT.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by Lou Bell:
<strong>3)Rear Chevy's. Great flex, great ride. But, much more labor intensive, new front mount etc.
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Choose this and you'd have the exact same setup that I ran w/ IFS (and still run in the rear). Clicky. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Just go with the big 63 inch chevy's. Move the spring hanger forward and use alittle longer shackles. You should get about 3 inches of lift. Lots of travel and fairly cheap. The Mazdas are good too, but you might have to run a traction bar to prevent axle rap. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Everyone seems to make the longer springs (chevys, alcans etc.), sound so easy that I might go for it. The only disadvantage that I can see is that my rig will be down for a few days, which is no big deal. One question I have is about the rear spring mount. Some people say to relocate it and some are using the stock location. Also, wouldn't you have to either modify your existing rear shackle for the chevys (different size eye) or make a new one?