2500 leafs in a 1500

[w.kropf]

Hi new to the site, read through lots of good information but i didn't find much on swapping suspension. I have a 4 leaf plus helper leaf pack from a 2500 and i want to put it into my '99 2wd silverado 1500

What worries me is the pack is going to add at least 2 to 3 inches of lift in the rear and it will look a little silly with front still at regular 1500 2wd height.

Has anyone done a small lift on the front of a 2wd 1500? Any products to avoid?

Thanks
W.Kropf

[Duct_tape123]

What year? I did a 3" Rough Country on mine and its pretty good. The only thing I don't like is that it made my track width wider. You may be able to buy some 2500 spindles instead because I know they have a wider stance up front than the 1500s. I know CST also makes a lift spindle.

[w.kropf]

Thanks for the help I'll look them up. The truck is a 1999.

I was wondering about the 2500 2x4 trucks. Do they have the same spring set up as a 1500 or do they have torsion bar like the 4x4?

W.kropf

[randomhero]

Thanks for the help I'll look them up. The truck is a 1999.

I was wondering about the 2500 2x4 trucks. Do they have the same spring set up as a 1500 or do they have torsion bar like the 4x4?

W.kropf

They're a torsion bar style setup. Your best option for a small lift is to run spindles. It's going to affect your ride the least amount.

[gottaswapup]

Why upgrade just the rear springs? And if you're concerned about it raising the rear, there are drop shackles. If you are needing the 2500 springs, it's gonna kill your ride quality, and if you need the springs because of how much weight you're carrying, you're gonna kill your axle, whether using 2500 springs or riding on the bumpstops. I'm currently converting my 1500 truck to a 2500 axle for the extra weight-carrying ability. The 1500s use a semi-floating axle, while the 2500s are full-floating. Lastly, not many 1500s came with 4.10:1 gearing, while most gas-powered 2500s did, so it's an easy way to improve your gearing for a bit better performance.

[oleshifty]

7" suspension up front here on 2wd fabtech all the way!

[sierraman]

just put some helper bags on it, you don't have to change the leafs out. you can have a nice ride when empty, and when your loaded just air them up

[w.kropf]

I picked up the 2500 springs for the same price as 1500 springs, and they were in better condition. I figured they would be a cheaper way then putting a airbag set up in the truck. I have been thinking about putting a 2500 axle in the truck, I guess I will have a good reason to get one.
I do load my truck up, I don't think is excessive but it really make the rear end squat. Thats my main reason I was looking at the fabtech lifts but the price is what stopped me.

After looking up duct tape123's Rough Country spindle lift I think I might go that route.

Thanks for all the info.

[gottaswapup]

I musta been asleep... Anyway, it's far more important that the truck be level when fully loaded. That's why they come tail-up when new.

[ULuze2]

the 2500 spinlde will not work geometry will not match up and it takes a 4 bolt hub instead of a three bolt