M1008 front lift for levelling the truck

[Enforced_Leo44]

Hi everyone,

My truck has gotten a 6" lift over the past (done by previous owners) which judging by the looks of the stuff installed, consists of a longer shackles along side shackle flip and new leafs in the rear, and only new leafs in the front.

Now, I'd like to level out the truck, possibly keeping the current rear height and raising the front a bit, the difference at the fenders measures out to be about 2".
Can I get rid of that difference just by installing new longer shackles at the front? Or would that mess stuff up?

Also, a bunch of upgrades have been done to strengthen up the frame at the attachment points of springs and shocks.

 

[CARC686]

Shackle length should be minimally modified in the front to avoid geometry issues. ORD zero rates will get you an inch of height without much hassle or expense.

 

[Enforced_Leo44]

Shackle length should be minimally modified in the front to avoid geometry issues. ORD zero rates will get you an inch of height without much hassle or expense.

Yeah that was my main concern.

I don't really know what you mean by zero rates, I don't really have much experience in lifts, but if they the sort of thin blocks (or really short leafs) that go between the spring and the axle, then my truck already has those

 

[CARC686]

Zero Rate Add-a-Leafs - Zero Rate Add-a-Leafs & Offset Plates - Suspension

www.offroaddesign.com

They're really just one inch blocks with a nice taper so they don't dig into the bottom spring. The interesting thing about them is they're designed to optionally offset the axle, but that's off-topic. If you have blocks in front and want it higher, I would take the blocks out and get front springs of the height you want.

 

[Enforced_Leo44]

Zero Rate Add-a-Leafs - Zero Rate Add-a-Leafs & Offset Plates - Suspension

www.offroaddesign.com

They're really just one inch blocks with a nice taper so they don't dig into the bottom spring. The interesting thing about them is they're designed to optionally offset the axle, but that's off-topic. If you have blocks in front and want it higher, I would take the blocks out and get front springs of the height you want.

Yep I think I have those under my truck already, also sadly ORD doesn't ship overseas AFAIK.

And, yeah, as I said the front sits about 50mm lower than the rear with those blocks installed. Maybe I measured wrong so it could be less than 50mm but still, it visibly sits lower so it's not a half inch kind of lower

Time to look for some new springs, hit me up with some links that ship internationally if you have any suggetion on where to get them

 

[CARC686]

Lots of options. I'd go read people's firsthand experiences with different manufacturers before deciding. ck5.com is a good resource. Some springs ride great. Some are awful. Don't just go buy whatever's cheap. You'll probably regret it.

 

[Enforced_Leo44]

Lots of options. I'd go read people's firsthand experiences with different manufacturers before deciding. ck5.com is a good resource. Some springs ride great. Some are awful. Don't just go buy whatever's cheap. You'll probably regret it.

I'd say the budget is around 200-300$, considering shipping and customs, so for the item itself I'd keep a budget of around 150-200 for a set of front leaf springs, would that land me in a nice spot or is that too cheap for quality?

 

[CARC686]

If that's your budget, you should use it to fill your fuel tank and leave your suspension alone.

 

[Enforced_Leo44]

If that's your budget, you should use it to fill your fuel tank and leave your suspension alone.

I mean maybe I used the word "budget" wrong, by "budget" I don't mean all I CAN spend is 200-300$, I meant more something along the line of "I'd to spend that amount" and see what that much money can get me. If that's too low then no problem, that "budget" can go up.
But again, I'm no expert in lifts or suspension systems, I'm here to ask and get more knowledgeable so that I know what to get and what to stay away from

 

[CARC686]

Out of my depth. Just wanted to warn against trying to do a front shackle lift.

 

[CARC686]

I came off pretty rude. I apologize.

It's important to consider what you're using the truck for. If it's for hauling, the back end being jacked up is a good thing. Your leveling kit is whatever you're hauling. If it's for off-roading, you might consider a B52 kit from DIY4x. If you just want the front end taller and you only drive on pavement, it doesn't matter very much what you do, as long as it's structurally sound, but height from springs always trumps height from blocks. Blocks create leverage on your springs with a host of symptoms. Lengthened front shackles do exist, but only in the mildest of extension to clear other novel modifications. They are not intended as lift kits. Seems like the last word in aftermarket springs is Alcan. You will never find a complaint about them. They are made to order. I don't know what they cost or if they export.

The usual suspects in shake and bake squarebody lifts are Superlift, Rough Country, Tuff Country, and Skyjacker. That should be more than enough to get you started.

 

[Enforced_Leo44]

I came off pretty rude. I apologize.

It's important to consider what you're using the truck for. If it's for hauling, the back end being jacked up is a good thing. Your leveling kit is whatever you're hauling. If it's for off-roading, you might consider a B52 kit from DIY4x. If you just want the front end taller and you only drive on pavement, it doesn't matter very much what you do, as long as it's structurally sound, but height from springs always trumps height from blocks. Blocks create leverage on your springs with a host of symptoms. Lengthened front shackles do exist, but only in the mildest of extension to clear other novel modifications. They are not intended as lift kits. Seems like the last word in aftermarket springs is Alcan. You will never find a complaint about them. They are made to order. I don't know what they cost or if they export.

The usual suspects in shake and bake squarebody lifts are Superlift, Rough Country, Tuff Country, and Skyjacker. That should be more than enough to get you started.

Oh nono no rudeness took, all you said was as clear as it could get

That being said, I did hear some cheapo related reviews about the 4 last makers that you mentioned, especially rough country. I'll check out Alcal though, never heard of it. Also, my truck is gonna be a pavement princess more than anything and the heaviest thing it will haul is probably gonna be its spare tire

 

[Enforced_Leo44]

Also, kind of off topic, do you think that the front fender was cut to accommodate the larger tires without needing too much of a lift? I’m asking this because the side marker doesn’t fit unless I trim it quite a bit so something has been changed
I tried to compare some pics of other trucks but I couldn’t find enough of a difference

 

[CARC686]

Yeah, it's been cut, but more impressive is that they panel beat it to match the compound curve in the factory stamp. Usually people just chop the fender off right at the bottom of the side marker lamp.

Edited to add a link: https://www.alcanspring.com/

 

[dezertdemond]

Tuff Country makes a good spring. They are made in the USA, have a lifetime warranty, and ride a lot smoother than other lift springs. I had the 4" lift springs on the front of my M1009 and was very happy. I did a lot of offroading with them as well.