K3500 Front Springs

[otterby]

I recently purchased a 6" lift from Rough Country for my '85 K3500. I just received a notice that the front springs were on backorder but noticed in the description that the front springs are for a 1/2 ton. I called Rough Country and they said the front springs are the same and they ship 1/2 ton front springs with all of their lift kits, its the rears that matter. Is this correct? Are the front springs on a 1/2 ton the same as a 1 ton? My truck is a big block and I worry the 1/2 ton springs aren't going to cut it.

[66gmcguy]

Originally Posted by otterby

I recently purchased a 6" lift from Rough Country for my '85 K3500. I just received a notice that the front springs were on backorder but noticed in the description that the front springs are for a 1/2 ton. I called Rough Country and they said the front springs are the same and they ship 1/2 ton front springs with all of their lift kits, its the rears that matter. Is this correct? Are the front springs on a 1/2 ton the same as a 1 ton? My truck is a big block and I worry the 1/2 ton springs aren't going to cut it.

I believe that the physical dimensions of the springs in the front are the same whether they are 1/2 or 1 ton springs, however, the spring rate is different for different engines. So big block/diesel equipped truck springs are different than small block equipped truck springs.

That being said, some aftermarket suspension companies just have one spring rate available, and my guess is they make them stiff enough for big block trucks. So if you have a small block and use their springs, the ride would be a lot stiffer than if you used springs that were designed for small block equipped trucks. So since you have a big block, I think you should be okay.

[Axle]

Looks like two front springs are availabe, same ones listed for k10-k30, a 3 leaf version rated at 1400lb/in and a 4 leaf version rated for 1900lb/in.

When it comes to offroading, serious offroaders usally just want softer springs for articulation, so that'd be my guess why rough country has only one spring.

[v30crewcab]

the heavier ones are for winches or plows on a truck. or a cummins swap!