So I've got a 91 k1500 that I plan on retiring from daily street use to a racecar hauler during the summer. Currently the stock suspension is all original with 400k miles give or take (shocks not included), as far as leaf springs should I expect to add helper springs or get a heavier duty springs when I go to replace them? Same with the torsion bars up front. I plan to replace all control arms/joints/bushings as I do my restoration build. Ideally I do not want to raise the truck at all, lower even if possible. I plan to tow an open car trailer and my rx7 (roughly 5k lbs total) but want to have capability to tow an enclosed car hauler.

Also, the brake system is oem and has terrible pedal feel/stopping capabilities. I had the idea of adapting the newer gm fixed 4 piston truck calipers/rotors to the front and getting a disc conversion for the rear. Has anyone heard of such a swap or something similar?

any other input on making a good reliable obs tow vehicle is appreciated!

 

I have a '99 obs k2500 that I have built up to pull a small toy hauler on the weekends. I would not recommend using a half ton to pull that much weight.

If I were going to do what you want to do - I would try to add airbags to the rear. Adjustable shocks (like rancho 9000) so that you can slow down the bounce. Rear disc conversion/scrap the abs and replace with an adjustable prop valve. Use a weight distribution hitch. Add 10 ply (E rated) tires.

After that, just usual maintenance for a vehicle that old. And, I wouldn't be in a hurry pulling the trailer.

 

I tow with my 04 RCSB open 18ft big tex 70DM around town with my car on it or supplies also my 12ft enclosed bike trailer 100 miles or less with it any thing over 100 miles im hooking up to my full size SUV or F350 crew cab DRW

if your towing around town you will be ok with even just air helper springs, if your long haul towing you will want to be sure that the trailer is balanced right tires are aired up trailer brakes are working good and a prayer before your trip!

i would not recommend towing a enclosed car trailer with a 1/2 ton RCSB truck!!! i dont care how much you beef up your brakes and suspension the truck is just to light duty and the wheels base is to short, on a windy day my 12ft enclosed trail can be a hand full even when its empty. sure the truck will pull it but its not going to be safe and on a light wind day that trailer will push that truck around like its a peace of paper

if you go enclosed your going to need a bigger heavy duty truck, keep in mind i been towing for over 30 years and have towed some sketchy things and would not attempt a 16ft enclosed behind a 1/2 ton RCSB its just to dangerous