71 K5 Susp. and body lift ?'s

[cubsfan]

I am putting together my master plan for my K5 and need some facts straightened out. I have read dozens of old posts before posting this but there are a lot of options and I need to make a decision. I like the look of 33's and a 4" susp. lift. Also, that will cover the degree of wheelin I will be doing. The body mounts are completely shot and need replacing. Would a 1" body lift require other things to be changed or modified. It is a manual transmission. Would the 1" body lift allow for 35's if I wanted to go that route someday? I don't mind some modifications but I am just wondering if the pain is worth the gain of the 1" BL or should just replace the mounts with no extra height? Also, I have read a lot about shackle flips, how does that factor in to my options.

 

[bp71k5]

I've got the same setup as you. I think you can fit 35's with that kind of lift if you don't do any really hard wheeling.

The shackle flip allows you to lift the rear 4" without changing springs. The result is a cheaper and softer ride than full lift springs which are stiffer.

One thing to worry about with a body lift is that the bumpers no longer line up like they do stock since they stay with the frame, but some people don't mind this. If 35's are all you want to run, then you don't need any more lift. if you did have rubbing issues, they would be while turning at full compression. If you don't want the tires to rub with big tires, a 12" lift or fender trimming is probably the only option.

Also, if you don't like the "saggy butt" look after a 4" lift, try 2" lift springs in the back with a 4" shackle flip. (total of 6" in rear). This is what I did and the truck is about level with a little extra room in the back.

 

[cubsfan]

Thanks for the reply. when you said "that setup" were you refering to 33's and 4" lift or 33's and 4" lift plus 1" body lift. The shackle flip sounds like a good option but I will have to research more or get some more reply on that. I was afraid my rear springs might be sagging and worn out after 36 years. I was planning to get new rear leafs with my lift. I am not set on any of this so any suggestions would be great.

 

[GotBoykins]

I have 37's with 4" susp, 3" body, zero rates front and rear, longer shackles front and rear, 56" rear springs and my front and rear still rub.

 

[bp71k5]

Thanks for the reply. when you said "that setup" were you refering to 33's and 4" lift or 33's and 4" lift plus 1" body lift.

I have all of that except the body lift. I actually have 6 inches of lift in the back and 4" in front. This results in a pretty level ride. You don't need a body lift to run 33's.

If you're debating the shackle flip, I've found it's one of the best mods I did. The ride on lift springs is really hard\stiff and anything you can do to keep your springs as close to stock will help your teeth chatter much less when you drive on the road. If you only build a mud truck, then that's a different story.

 

[cubsfan]

My concern with the shackle flip is after 36 years the springs may be worn out anyway. Any thoughts on that?

 

[Greg72]

My concern with the shackle flip is after 36 years the springs may be worn out anyway. Any thoughts on that?

Go with a later model K5 stock spring pack....

People will usually GIVE them away for free, since nobody wants a stock part.

They have a softer spring rate than the 1st Gens and flex nicer. That's what I'm running on the back of my '72. Works great.

 

[68MUDSTUD]

I have a 71 K5 with 4" front springs, shackle flip rear, and zero rates in the rear also, and the next thing im going to do is get some 2" lift rear springs, because I like my rig to sit just a little bit lower in the front. I also need to move my rear axle back about 1 inch, i just havent gotten around to it. I imagine that once i get my 2" lift springs in the rear, ill have to move the axle back about 1.5 inches, which can be done easily with the zero rates.