Lift question

[nolidnoworries]

I just got my first K5! Had a couple of questions about the lift. The previous owner put on an 8" lift, 39's, and extended brake lines but changed nothing else. The trans blew right after and has not been drivin since. What are some things i should check for to make sure everything was done right? Pics and build thread coming T/M!

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

With that size tire, I'm would bet the tranny blew because the axles need re-geared.

With an 8" lift, some sort of steering correction has to have been done.

 

[badmix]

There is a whole lot required to do an 8" lift. Your going to have to "reverse" engineer what they did.

Some things off the top of my head they SHOULDVE done

1) extended brake lines

2) longer bumpstops

3) dropped pitman arm and/or cross over steering

4) Steering may be effected somehow

5) Trans case either dropped or clocked

6) extended driveshafts

7) geometry of driveshafts should be checked for binding

8) with 39" tires, gearing should be in the 5:56 range. anything less will blow a tranny quickly due to the stress.

What kind of lift did they do? Blocks? shackle flip? full spring suspension?

 

[nolidnoworries]

Im almost positive nothing else was done. Its front springs and blocks in the rear. Front driveshaft is out and the rear looks pretty steep. Guy said tranny blew right after install so i dont think he changed any gears. Said the steering was kinda screwy too after the lift so im thinking no drop pitman arm either! Best thing about the whole deal is I got it on the CHEAP!

 

[badmix]

Well, b4 you touch the truck figure out what you want to do with it. Do you want a high lifted up truck or do you want to drop it down? what tires do you want to eventually run? If you want the 8" lift and 39" tires your going to have to spend some money and basically start all over IMO.

 

[nolidnoworries]

Im want to keep the lift and tire setup. I live in a delta so there are NO hills whatsoever besides levees Will be 100% mud truck so the lift and tires are a must. 14ff and dana 60 in the works now but they have 4.56's That low enough for the 39's?

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

4.56 will work for that. What trans and T-case are you gonig to run?

 

[badmix]

4:56 will work, but still under geared IMO. unless you have a killer motor to turn those 39s. If you are running a TH350 or 400 than id stick with that, but if your running a 700r. Id be in the 5:56 gear ratio area.

What year , make , model, motor, trans, transfer case, etc etc.

 

[howdiy]

I ran 3.07's with 39's and it wasn't that bad

In the mud it's not really that important, I had probably around 300 hp, not that much.

 

[nolidnoworries]

its a th350 and im swapping in a 205, i was thinking the 4.56's would do because im really looking for wheel spin, im going to get the running gear straightened out first then drop in a crate motor after i pull out all my teeth for the tooth fairy

 

[badmix]

4:56s arent that low of a gear. Im running 4:11s w/33" tires and a 700r and to me its the best of both worlds (freeway driving and off roading).

I still think youll need to be in the 5:00 gears unless you want to do freeway driving then stick with 4:56s.

You better have a good motor if you want to be slinging 39s and 4:56s and once you get em spinnning and the "catch" on something be prepared, parts will go flying everywhere, lol.

Also make sure the crate motor has the powerband where you want it. If its off idle and thatll be good, but if it doesnt start making power til you get to 1500-1800rpm then your going to have to wind it up and really keep your feet in it to keep the tires spinning (to clean out the lugs).

Lots to consider. But first I would unf#ck the suspension and steering everything else isnt that big a deal

 

[Chaddy]

I would get 5.13 gears with a 205 and th350.

I would get 4.56 or 4.88 gears with a 241 and a 700.

Pictures would help us help you as well.