Do I need a whole new Lift? Or is it better to piece it together?

[jeremywrags]

I actually already posted this in the 1st gen section but I thought it couldn't hurt to be here as well, hopefully others have the same questions...

I have a "new" to me 1972 GM Jimmy that I need some help with on the lift...

1972 GMC Jimmy 350\TH350 D44 NP205 4" Lift With 35"MT

The lift that is on it now is old, according to the guy at the 4X shop probably 10 years. The springs are flat in the front and rear and it hits hard over even the smallest bump. I think it is a 4" Dick Cepek lift springs in front and rear.

Questions
1. Are the flat springs and worn shocks the reason it would hit so hard on all bumps
2. Will this have an impact on my steering or is that a topic for another thread...
3. Should I go with a complete "Lift Kit" or am I better off piecing one together
4. Is 4" enough for my 35's, there is a little fender fold that I think is due to the tires hitting the fender on a big bump, so should I go 6?

Any advice is appreciated. Also I am not on a super tight budget but I would like not to spend to much on this if possible.

Local shop Quoted me $1450.00 out the door for an Installed Superlift 6" with shocks and springs...

 

[Stomis]

First off forget about using blocks or rear lift springs. Check out Diy4x or ORD for a 4in shackle flip. Since its a blazer you'll probably need a zero rate 1in springs in the back to level it.

Whats your intention with the truck? Clearly doesnt sound like your interested in cutting fenders but I would highly suggest you trim the inner fenders and stick with 4in lift.

As far as the front you dont sound like to much of a 52in spring swap candidate. I would look into Alcan springs. Call them up tell them what the truck is for. They'll run you down for some measurements. Make sure you tell them you want the main spring to be about 49-50in rather than the stock 47in. This will correctly set your shackle angle without moving any brackets and make your truck ride 100000000 times better.

The shackle flip is around $200 ball park plus you keep your stock springs. Say $100 for new front and rear shackles and the zero rate. BDS springs run around $500 last time I heard.

So your at $800. Add in a drop pitman arm for $100 and some shocks of yor choice for around $150-$250 and your at around $1200 w/o labor for a much better ride with much better products.

 

[jeremywrags]

My useage is pretty mild, mostly road as I use it for my daily driver but I want to be able to take her on the trails. No rock crawling for me just dirt and maybe some mud...

I talked to ORD and this is what they suggest.

Front
6" Front Tough Country Springs $342
New U-Bols & Greasable Fittings $200 is for everything
I already have a raised steering arm and extended brake lines as well as brand new Rancho RS9000 shocks

Rear
2" Springs $436
Flip Shackle Fit $167
1" Zero Rate $60
U-bolts and hardware $100

Totals up about $1200.00

Would you still go with the 49-50 with this setup? I was told that the Zero Rate helps with shackle angle?

 

[72blazerguy]

Make sure you tell them you want the main spring to be about 49-50in rather than the stock 47in. This will correctly set your shackle angle without moving any brackets and make your truck ride 100000000 times better.

He has a first gen, the front springs are 42". You can run the newer style 47" spring, but you will definitely need longer shackles and those 35's will be in your fenders with only 4" of lift.

If you stay with the 42" springs, you may get by with 4" of lift. If you go with the longer springs, you will need 6" or a lot of trimming (maybe move the axle forward).

I bought a set of Superlift springs several years ago, the rears started sagging from the day I put them on.

 

[Stomis]

He has a first gen, the front springs are 42". You can run the newer style 47" spring, but you will definitely need longer shackles and those 35's will be in your fenders with only 4" of lift.

If you stay with the 42" springs, you may get by with 4" of lift. If you go with the longer springs, you will need 6" or a lot of trimming (maybe move the axle forward).

I bought a set of Superlift springs several years ago, the rears started sagging from the day I put them on.

DOH overlooked the year. So used to everything pertaining to the next gen trucks here.

Sorry guy lol.