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Lift kit help for a noob.

D

Db0y

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Dec 17, 2012
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Albuquerque NM
Hey guys, I'm new on here and I have a question.
I have a stock 82' k5 and I want to lift it about 4 inches so I can clear 33's.
I'm wondering what all is involved I'm Lifting it.
Can I just use add a leafs in the front and back? I don't really care if it rides harder... Or do I use spacers or blocks?
Its my DD, but I do go wheeling as much as i can.

Oh, and do I have to change the gear ratio for the 33's?

Thanks for the advice,
Mike
 
What gear ratio do you have now.... But should be fine.


Look at a tuff country lift. You could do rear blocks and new front packs for a decent price.
 
Deuling said:
What gear ratio do you have now.... But should be fine.


Look at a tuff country lift. You could do rear blocks and new front packs for a decent price.
Click to expand...

I have 3.08s now.

And I'll look into that.
How much work is it to install the blocks and springs?
 
Never use lift blocks in the front, but they are OK for the rear. For the front, you will need new springs to go up 4". The factory springs are flat without a load, and reverse arched at ride height, so you have to get some with positive arch.

Rough Country makes the cheapest kit I found when looking, but from all accounts, they ride very harshly. I went with Skyjacker softride spings up front, blocks in the rear. I have a rear shackle flip from DIY4X that I wil be installing to get rid of the blocks.

Remember that when you go up 4" you must change shocks and brake hoses. You should not have to make driveline changes, but some people have to.

AS far as gearing, it depends on the rest of your combo. What trans and gear ratio do you have now?
Mine has 3.08 gears and a 700R4 trans, and it sucks with 33's. I'll be going to 4.10 gears as soon as I can find a decent set for a good price.

If you have a non-OD trans and some 3.73's you should be fine. 3.42's might be OK also.
 
byggyns said:
Never use lift blocks in the front, but they are OK for the rear. For the front, you will need new springs to go up 4". The factory springs are flat without a load, and reverse arched at ride height, so you have to get some with positive arch.

Rough Country makes the cheapest kit I found when looking, but from all accounts, they ride very harshly. I went with Skyjacker softride spings up front, blocks in the rear. I have a rear shackle flip from DIY4X that I wil be installing to get rid of the blocks.

Remember that when you go up 4" you must change shocks and brake hoses. You should not have to make driveline changes, but some people have to.
Click to expand...

What is the difference between doing a shackle flip, and installing bigger springs?

Would a 2-2.5 inch lift still clear 33s without having to replace shocks and brake lines?

And I have a th350 with 3.08s.
 
2.5 should clear 33s pretty well.

Most people will say 33s fit stock, but I think it depends on the actual tire size. As most tires I've seen, are always an inch or two smaller when you actually put a tape measure on them. I put a set of 33x12.5 truxs mt's on mine one night that actually measure 33" and I couldn't turn the wheel more than 45* without rubbing.
 
Deuling said:
2.5 should clear 33s pretty well.

Most people will say 33s fit stock, but I think it depends on the actual tire size. As most tires I've seen, are always an inch or two smaller when you actually put a tape measure on them. I put a set of 33x12.5 truxs mt's on mine one night that actually measure 33" and I couldn't turn the wheel more than 45* without rubbing.
Click to expand...

That's good to know.
I have 31x10.5s on now with the stock rims.
If I keep the stock rims and go with 33x12.5 BFG A/T with a 2.5 add a leafs, should it be good?

I'm just trying to figure out the cheapest route because I want to do axle swaps in the future, but I gotta save up ha.

The only reason I'm getting 33s is because my friend is selling them to me at a killer price. :thumb:
 
If you go off road a lot you are going to want the 4 inch lift. The tires may still hit on big obstacles with a 2.5 inch. Also if you plan bigger tires in the future you want to have the bigger lift. With the 2.5 you can cut the fenders a little and make room as well if you're not too worried. 3.08 and your setup will work but it will be sluggish and strain the trans. Best gear if you're staying 33s would be 3.73. If you had overdrive I'd say go deaper but the 350 trans is going to like that gear better. It will get you close to stock gearing with the biggèr tires. If you don't run the highway a lot I'd go 4.10 gears. That's good for 35s if you decide to step up to those later on.
 
One thing I've learned from this site is whatever your gonna do, don't do it half assed because you can save a few bucks here or there. Do it once, do it right, and spend the few extra bucks. Cuz when you change your mind later you will say, "man I wish I woulda just done ______ the first time. Now I'm out more money and time than before"

:waytogo:
 
Thanks for the advice!:bow:

Looks like The 33s are going to be in garage while I ride stock and save my cash. Lol:haha:
 
Deuling said:
One thing I've learned from this site is whatever your gonna do, don't do it half assed because you can save a few bucks here or there. Do it once, do it right, and spend the few extra bucks. Cuz when you change your mind later you will say, "man I wish I woulda just done ______ the first time. Now I'm out more money and time than before"

:waytogo:
Click to expand...

X100million

Ive swapped the lift around 4 times and Id like to change it up again....:doah:
 
Db0y said:
Thanks for the advice!:bow:

Looks like The 33s are going to be in garage while I ride stock and save my cash. Lol:haha:
Click to expand...

Look guys I got him :D

Welcome to the sickness. Say goodbye to any money in that wallet :haha:
 
I ran 33's with a 1 inch body lift from ord with very little to no rubbing, even when flexed out. I would say that installing a body lift, depending on the condition of your truck and your experience will be more work than a basic lift kit. I am now installing a 4 inch lift from ord, but I saved my money to get the best springs I could to only lift my truck once, right.

IMO if I wanted to get away with 33s for awhile I would run the 1 inch body lift. This also made working on many other things on my truck easier. I can fit my hands and tools many places I couldn't before. Chances are your old body mount bushings are getting dry rotted anyways. This makes for bad body on frame movement during offroading which can lead to tire rub.


Also lets see some picks of this truck :thumb:
 
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