The Rake Discussion (Why go with Z71 springs)

[Trail X]

I think it's a simple thing...

If you're going to tow or carry heavy loads, get the Z71.

If you want all the lift you can get, get the Z71s.

If you don't have either need, stay stock.

I tow from time-to-time, and generally have a few hundred pounds of stuff in the boot. Plus, I don't mind some extra clearance under the petrol tank. So, I like em.

FYI, to answer an earlier post... old GM trucks had solid front axles... 2WD solid axle trucks can be lower in front because they don't need clearance for the diff / driveshaft... 4WD solid axle trucks are jacked a bit more to accommodate those things.

[geneelder]

I would not recommend getting the Z71 springs without better shocks. I had the Z71 springs put on with my MarkMC lift (F+R) and the ride was soooo stiff, and it put the stock shocks at full extension. I put the BDS shocks on yesterday and they are a perfect fit for the Z71 springs. Excellent ride, and I dont mind the rake at all.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Well the discussion has enough good merits for them that I think I will grab a set and try them. I do some towing, so they may help for that and I would rather have all spring than the blocks in the rear. I thank everyone for the input and help in rolling all this info over in my mind. It really helps to have a group to discuss things with.

[The Roadie]

It really helps to have a group to discuss things with.

It was a lonely and persecuted obsession five years ago over on the OS with all the lowered show poodles laughing at me.

[MrSmithsTB]

Unfortunately, the discussions always lead to spending more money

[HARDTRAILZ]

48 shipped for the new part number springs. It is not that much but it does always cost something. Now I just need some shocks...

[The Roadie]

Now I just need some shocks...

You WILL have a PM within six hours.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Well i did the z71's today. Came out to same height as the bilstien/markmc blocks/stock springs. I like the fit better, but have not driven it enough to know how they really feel. I also got some BDS shocks on the rear...Thanks Roadie... and snapped some side by side pics to show the shock difference. Should allow for more flex.

I am glad to just have springs and no blocks, I have never been a fan of blocks, but they made sense at the time.

Hopefully the ride stays similar or improves.


EDIT---Ride on the way to work seemed nearly the same. Maybe not quite as rough, but that is likely due to the BDS shocks.

I believe I would have to advise people to just do the front lift of their choice and the z71 springs with no blocks in the rear.

I have 3/4 inch of rake as it sits and that should be right on for my needs and desires.

[MrSmithsTB]

3/4" rake with springs only? Sweet. I may have to put this on the to do list. Pics asap, Kyle!

[Zero]

I also dont think I have much more then 3/4" of rake

[HARDTRAILZ]

FWIW...I measure my rake and height by measuring from the center of the front and rear wheels to the lip of the fender. I just make sure the tires have the same pressure. I run about 32-34 psi and My front measures about 39.5 and the rear is about 40.25.

[Trail X]

Do you measure both sides and average?

[HARDTRAILZ]

My sides measure the same. Within a tenth or two. Not enough difference that it cant be attributed to a rock stuck in the tire...which there always seems to be.

[Trail X]

Gotcha... too often people measure one side and they were parked on an uneven surface that gave or subtracted another inch or whatever. I remember that was the way it was for me when I first measured.