I have an '05 Silverado 1500 crew cab. Would it be possible to upgrade my factory suspension (torsion bars and rear springs) with ones from a 2500 or 2500HD? This would likely give me a little more elevation and hauling capacity. Thanks for the input.

 

You may just need the rear leaf springs off the HD. It has more leafs for more weight support.

 

Would there be any problems bolting on a set of 2500 leafs? Would I also need the shackles to make them fit?

 

You will need the longer u-bolts. If you are looking for more weight compacity then why don't you just change out the rear susp and put front spacers on the front to go to an 8 lug bolt pattern. Or better yet, and most cheap, just get an add a leaf or air bags for the rear. This would give you the weight compacity.

Now if you are planning on using it primarily for the extra altitude then just go with a cheap 3" kit that comes with new torsion keys instead of changing the whole front end out like the older kits made you do. This would be a whole lot cheaper and easier than just putting the springs in the rear end.

 

You know I was thinking the same thing, would it be possible to get 2500 or 3500 springs and leafs and just swap them out.
I know that on a car( i know this is a truck forum, don't hate) that, say: you have a worn out v6 87 Camaro, and you get a spring and shock for a v8, the car not only lifts to stock height but can exceed, making it real easy to put larger wheel and tires.
Now here is my dilemma: I have a 07 Classic with the 20 inch rims factory, love the truck, but I'm going through tires like crazy, i had the original set of good year junk on there, then i swapped to Pirelli scorpions, amazing tires or you guys out in dry country. But here on the NE, it rains and snows a lot, and the tires aren't meant for it, i have been towing more, and driving off road more, and i want to change tires to BF Goodrich mud terrains (or similar), i found a set of 305/55r20/e and also a set of 37x12.50r20e, now i believe that the stock rim cannot handle the 12.5s which is fine,a 37 inch tire is too much for me, i still do a lot of highway.
Now 2 things:
1) Is there a really good tire for highway that will allow a more aggressive look and pattern for occasional off road and severe weather (mainly snow)?

2)And is it possible to get 2500 pr 3500 suspension pieces and get a cheap lift to fit larger tires, or should i go with a torsion adjustment, or a torsion key lift?

And before anyone responds with get a leveling kit, NO, i put **** in the bed of my truck, it needs to be able to flex still without sacrificing the weight capacity.


Thanks in advance to anyone that can help me out.