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softest 3"-4" front springs?

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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 04:23 PM
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From: NW Indiana
softest 3"-4" front springs?

Hi, I'm gonna need front springs, as mine has sagged to the bump-stops. I'm trying to get the softest ones possible for my aching back's sake. I would be ok with 3 and no more than 4" lift, as so I can have some travel. Looking for some one who has a mushiest front spring, that will retain thier shape. Thanks, Artie
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 05:37 PM
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skyjacker softride are supposed to be an improvement alcan makes good springs but for my money I would get Deavers.
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 06:45 PM
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I have used Alcan's on previous rigs, and can attest to their ride quality. Call them up and tell them what you want, you will be very happy.

I have also heard good things about Deavers, but have no personal experience with them.
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 07:40 PM
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When you do decide on your new springs be sure to get the shocks right too.

Stiffer progressive shocks make the ride better than softer shocks because they keep you off the bump stops that make an abrupt hit. I also raised my bump stops 1 inch by re-drilling the brackets and moving them up.

Dang 1st gen front suspension! Sheesh.
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 11:36 AM
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Alcan does "one size fits all" or kinda tailored to my individual truck? And can make it softer with more travel? Thanks.... Artie
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 11:37 AM
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Tailored to your truck. You will need your front axle weight, and possibly weights on left and right tires, and desired load capacity. And you tell them how much lift you want, travel, and ride quality.
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 11:54 AM
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Good advice!
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Old Nov 10, 2010 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by B-North
skyjacker softride are supposed to be an improvement alcan makes good springs but for my money I would get Deavers.
I noticed that Deaver Springs don't even list anything for Dodges on their website. I emailed them to see if they offered anything for my '92 W250, but never got a reply back.

has anybody actually had Deaver springs made for their 1st gen?
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Old Nov 10, 2010 | 01:47 PM
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I have alcans on the front of my truck. They ride good.
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Old Nov 10, 2010 | 05:06 PM
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deavers are the best but you pay for it..

iam running skjjacker 6" with a leaf out ...its better then stock but not that soft.
i will be 3 linking the front with coilovers in the futrue and a 4 link in the rear with air bags and coils.

probably cheaper than deavers
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Old Nov 10, 2010 | 08:44 PM
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I think the stockers CTD are a 1950 lb 6 leaf (or is it 7?) spring each side.
A gasser 360 uses a 1750 lb 3 leaf each side.

The 1750 will make for a nice ride if it had more arch to make up the thickness of the spring pack and the lower rating.
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Old Nov 13, 2010 | 07:43 AM
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Let's warm this one back up... My front has sagged more, now my tires are rubbing in turns. I don't want to give load capacity, I heard a lot of the cheap kits will lower lb capacity.
What is the factory difference between front and rear? 2 inches? If so do I get a 4" front, 2" rear?
Also, I've never lifted a truck, is it something to just get started and figure it out like a 3200 spring? Flat surface, BIG breaker bar, hammer, some HD stands and a jack?
I'd like to do this before it starts snowing!!
Thanks
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Old Nov 14, 2010 | 03:17 AM
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I'm in the same boat as you! I need to change my front springs before the snow starts falling.

I'm not sure about load capacity, but putting leaf springs isn't that bad at all.
Just cut out old u-bolts, un-bolt springs, bolt new ones to shackels, then bolt to the rear. It helps to have a friend there to give an extra hand holding stuff up.

I just got skyjacker D400cs springs for the front, but have yet to get enough time to put them in
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Old Nov 14, 2010 | 07:59 AM
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i spent about 3 hrs on here last night and now I'm scared of lift kits. all this talk about pinions and shims and lengthening drive lines and stuff. i thought i could just bolt on new leafs, and drive the truck home. 4" doesn't seem too big, but it looks like there's lots of issues out there.

also steering stabilizers and drop Pittman arm, needed for 4'?
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Old Nov 14, 2010 | 11:54 AM
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I wouldn't think 4" lift would bump steer too much. I hope. I'm hopeful that I can lift it 3-4", get more suspension travel for better ride, without any other mods to the front suspension. I'm sure I can get the rear to behave without alot of hassels, IE two stage springs or bags.
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