B52 Kit

[k5blazerkeith]

To anyone who has experience with the DIY4x4 B52 kits for swapping the 52" springs...do the brackets allow you to continue using the factory tow hooks in their stock positions? Looking at the pictures of the brackets in relation to the body mounts, it appears it would be close - just wanted to see if anyone had personal experience with them? The bumper I built also comes close to the tow hooks in that area, so just trying to see if I will need to do a bunch of relocating or not? Also, what shackle length did you end up with? I have the regular ORD shackles, wanted to know if I need to make up some 7" ones or not? Thanks...

I've got an 87 K5...

[MudzerK5]

http://www.capitalcitycrawlers.com/B52.htm

Link to my writeup, but my frame did not have the tow hooks. The bracket kit I reviewed were for the pre 81 frame, so you may need to call Kert.

I have 6" shackles and they were fine. I believe ORD's are 5" and should be fine as well. I think you will have to play with front spring eye placement to adjust your shackle angle.

[k5blazerkeith]

Thanks Mudzer...I read your article the other day and it was great! I emailed Kert this morning to see what he thought. If I have to cut some new shackles, no biggie...I'll see what the ORD ones do first.

[TAWL_BOY]

Factory tow hooks aren't any good anyway. Make a 2" receiver/x member and use a big d ring

[k5blazerkeith]

Everyone says that, but my factory tow hooks have never let me down in 11+ years I have owned the K5...even pulled a stuck motorhome out with them! But if I can't re-use them with the B52s, i'll come up with something else.

One other question I had for anyone using the B52s - like most Chevys, I had to reinforce the frame at the steering box...I have a weld in frame kit + the ORD bolt on bracket. It appears that the welded plate will interfere with the B52 bracket on that side...anyone have any experience with this? My weld in plates are the standard version that has been sold for years...