1991 v3500 - big dumb lifted forever truck

[muddybuddy]

Rather than cutting, have you thought about stretching the wheel openings? You could probably gain 3/4” on front and back (1.5” total) and still have the inner fender wells. Lose the inner fenders (or modify them) and you have alot more flexibility and could gain 3-4” pretty easy. Lot of work, but the outcome would be cleann.

 

[obijuank5]

You’re right. But I ain’t about that life right now.

 

[tarussell]

Lol kinda. It’s a squat without the grindr membership.
I do have a zero rate in there already.
It’s 8” springs, zero rate, and a 1” body lift.
You’re exactly right about the cap and spacers. Enter, 77 np203 hubcaps. No cone but the large bore. It’s not perfect but it’s close enough where it’ll ride.

View attachment 511567

That is some GREAT attention to GM parts selection detail right there !

The pic of this truck is mak’n my shorts not fit right for some reason…

 

[nvrenuf]

I’m about 15 years too late for some barts!

No doubt BUT, while they’re not plentiful, they do still show up on FB Marketplace.

 

[tarussell]

Why mess with damn near perfection - those wide white beauties are way beyond gett’n the job done all wrapped up in some sweet TSL’s !

 

[Shawn]

I love that front wheel setup!

 

[obijuank5]

ERMERGHERD

 

[obijuank5]

I am going to try and bump the front axle forward 1” and just get to work on trimming the front fang.

It kinda sucks but the driver side is sitting lower than the passenger side quite a significant amount. Like an inch lower.
Not sure on skyjackers quality or if this is common. On the scales, the left front is only 80 pounds heavier than the right front and the left rear is 100 pounds heavier than the right rear.

200 pounds hanging on the driver side doesn’t even it out though. I’m gonna throw a spare in the bed on the right side and see how it reacts.

 

[tarussell]

I am going to try and bump the front axle forward 1” and just get to work on trimming the front fang.

It kinda sucks but the driver side is sitting lower than the passenger side quite a significant amount. Like an inch lower.
Not sure on skyjackers quality or if this is common. On the scales, the left front is only 80 pounds heavier than the right front and the left rear is 100 pounds heavier than the right rear.

200 pounds hanging on the driver side doesn’t even it out though. I’m gonna throw a spare in the bed on the right side and see how it reacts.

Back in the 80’s & 90’s Skyjacker was well known for having spring packages that varied in ride height from side to side - even after getting another replacement set.

But in other news - - I do believe that we have another TRULY WORTHY nomination for the 2026 CK5 calendar - DAMN that thang is look’n righteous !

 

[nvrenuf]

@obijuank5 did try to move it around or is the front too close?

 

[obijuank5]

Closer view is 1.5” forward and the other one is at 0” change. Currently only rubs the back of the fender.
My only other option is 1” so I’m gonna try that just to know I tried everything.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

I dig it! It just needs a double or triple "roll bar" and a few KC's up top!

 

[muddybuddy]

Badass.

I’d get the front axle as far forward as possible. B52 hangers or equivalent, get the axle 3.5-4” forward between that and the zero-rate, and cut the front fang cleanly horizontally. Moving spring hanger will give opportunity to revise your shackle setup, and maybe yield little more lift and better angle for ride quality? (Not sure what your current shackle angle is up front) With the front bumper there and the wheel far forward, dont think the front fang will be missing visually when you look at it.

Trim similar to what @mrk5 has on his, except you have stock bumper, so horizontal cut may need to be tweaked a little. Then you can cleanly keep the fender opening trim with just a clean cut

 

[obijuank5]

Looking a little rough on the right side nowadays. It shakes pretty good so I gotta get the tires cut true. A real alignment would probably be good. My daughter and I ran a tape over the tires to get close.
Overall the power loss from the 35 to 42 change is not as bad as I thought it would be.

This is definitely hydro assist territory if I’m being honest but it’s drivable no problem.
Next is a front driveshaft and probably a straight drag link. I knew better and I’m not a fan of the bent ones adjustability.

 

[nvrenuf]

Dayum that look good!

 

[obijuank5]

Is texas tilt actually a thing?

Do you already have a zero-rate in your pack? That could help a little bit in front and (or just) rear to reduce cutting and help level if needed

Boy I was off. Turns out I installed a leveling kit.
I did get it on the flat shop floor and it’s still 3/4 low on the driver side at the fender but not that big of a deal looking at it.

 

[obijuank5]

I don’t know if you guys can tell but I’m excited about this.

 

[sweetk30]

hind sight 20/20 . . . should of turned up the pinion when you built the front axle

 

[GWeakland620]

Are you using any balance beads or anything?

 

[obijuank5]

hind sight 20/20 . . . should of turned up the pinion when you built the front axle

I done goofed on that for sure. Extra low pinion life.

Are you using any balance beads or anything?

Yes it’s got internal balancing beads but I don’t remember the weight. They are working cause it does smooth out but I only got it up to 62 today.