Requesting suspension advice for '94 C2500

'94 C2500 Extended Cab, 6.5 TD

I bought this truck used. Presently it has 187,000 miles on it. The 6.5 TD mill runs strong and has excellent compression, so my plan is to drive it until it quits. I'm looking to upgrade wheels and tires, and at the same time level the truck. I sometimes tow an 8000 lb. boat from the rear hitch. Other than that, it's a commuter vehicle.

Presently it's about 2" higher in back than in front. Part of this difference is due to what may be an extra leaf spring in the rear. There is a group of five leaf springs bolted together, plus a 6th leaf spring sitting under the other five. The 6th leaf spring is about 1" thick at the point where it sits over the axle. So what is the best way to level out the truck? Remove the thick rear leaf spring and add 1" leveling bushings in front? Keep the thick rear leaf spring and add 2" bushings in front?

As for wheel/tire size, I'd like a compromise between comfortable ride and firm handling, but don't want too much of either at the expense of the other. I've read up on modifying the VSSB circuit board for changes in wheel and tire size, so I have no qualms about taller wheels, provided they don't rub the fender wells. If I stayed with a 16" wheel, I had planned to go with Michelin LT265/75R16 M+S on a 16x8 wheel. What would be a good tire size on a 17" wheel?

It's also a good time to refurb some front suspension parts before the new tires go on. Energy Suspensions makes a full line of polyurethane replacement bushings for my vehicle, but I know nothing about their fit/ durability. Can you tell me what you know about their products, and/or recommend some other manufacturers? Much obliged.

'94 C2500 Extended Cab, 6.5 TD

I bought this truck used. Presently it has 187,000 miles on it. The 6.5 TD mill runs strong and has excellent compression, so my plan is to drive it until it quits. I'm looking to upgrade wheels and tires, and at the same time level the truck. I sometimes tow an 8000 lb. boat from the rear hitch. Other than that, it's a commuter vehicle.

Presently it's about 2" higher in back than in front. Part of this difference is due to what may be an extra leaf spring in the rear. There is a group of five leaf springs bolted together, plus a 6th leaf spring sitting under the other five. The 6th leaf spring is about 1" thick at the point where it sits over the axle. So what is the best way to level out the truck? Remove the thick rear leaf spring and add 1" leveling bushings in front? Keep the thick rear leaf spring and add 2" bushings in front?

As for wheel/tire size, I'd like a compromise between comfortable ride and firm handling, but don't want too much of either at the expense of the other. I've read up on modifying the VSSB circuit board for changes in wheel and tire size, so I have no qualms about taller wheels, provided they don't rub the fender wells. If I stayed with a 16" wheel, I had planned to go with Michelin LT265/75R16 M+S on a 16x8 wheel. What would be a good tire size on a 17" wheel?

It's also a good time to refurb some front suspension parts before the new tires go on. Energy Suspensions makes a full line of polyurethane replacement bushings for my vehicle, but I know nothing about their fit/ durability. Can you tell me what you know about their products, and/or recommend some other manufacturers? Much obliged.

I would not remove the rear spring leafs (my view) I believe there are a few people who make a "leveling kit" for these trucks. ITs bascially an altered torsion bar "key". You can adjust the front torsion bars but I would be leary of just increasing the tension.

I think on a 16 wheel the 265 or 285 tires would fit fine on a 2500. You might check out e-bay for some newer style OEM wheels that would fit your truck, if you have an interest in the OEM style. Alot of guys run BF Goodrich All-terrain KO radials. IF you are going to be on the street and using it to commute all the time then I would go with the Michelins.

I don't know about the 17" wheels / tires. You might check some of the newer trucks on the dealer lot, I think the newer trucks are running 17 inch wheels and tires?

I would also leave the rear springs intact. 3/4 ton pickups sit noticably higher in the rear when unloaded due to the fact that they are 3/4 ton trucks and designed to haul or tow a load. Your six spring configuration in the rear is standard from the factory, and not an aftermarket add-on. The bottom spring that is not fixed to the others at either end effectively serves as an overload spring to provide more load support when heavily loading the vehicle. This spring works well when towing your 8000 lb boat.

For 16" wheels, 265/75/16s are nice, and are most often available in a standard load range C. D's and E's in this size are slightly harder to find, but generally available too. You would probably be fine getting a set of Ds. E's would be good for towing your boat, but if you don't tow it that often or that far, you'll have a stiffer tire (with the E) that won't ride as well.

For leveling purposes you can crank up the torsion bars, but be sure to have the camber adjusted so that your handling isn't altered and your tires continue to wear evenly

Personally, I would just save the money and put it towards a 1/2 ton pickup if you're mainly using the truck as a daily driver with limited hauling and towing.

Belltech sells a shackle kit that will level it in the back for around $70, it is a 2 inch rear drop.However, when you level put new shocks on the truck to accomodate the drop, you will need them. I waited until 180k for the shocks and had a horrible ride. You might consider airshocks, They are $80 or more apiece but will be worth it if you are going to pull 8000lbs, you can also raise them and lower them a little. I have a 95 1500 and I had to rebuild my front end at 165000 or so. not to bad of a job. if you do it yourself count the number of turns on you tierods. be sure and turn the new that many time when you install. It will help keep your alignment for you.

I also agree do not remove a leaf spring.