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Lift Reduction

Whistley

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So I have my 78 jimmy for a few days now and I decided that with this rig I'd like to lower the current lift from 8" to 4". I'm going to make this more of a DD than a mudder. Not saying money doesn't matter but I'm willing to spend what it takes to do it correctly. I'm looking for some advice on where to start. It currenty sitting on some 385/70/16' s Toyo Open Country Muds (I will be removing these). Suspension is all blocks in the back and springs up front.

 
Nice lookin' Jimmy. I'm surprised there hasn't been any damage done to the front fenders from the front wheels contacting them unless you have really stiff springs.
Lowering it will basically be the same as lifting from stock to 4" parts wise. I'd get new Tough Country (not Rough Country) springs from ORD front and rear. Steering correction in the form of a raised steering block, dropped drag link, raised steering arm, or dropped pitman arm. You may already have one or a combination of those. You should already have extended flexible brake lines front and rear that you could re-use but getting the correct length is best since the less soft lines will give you a firmer peddle. The sway bar in front can be left off if you want, many have done it will no noticeable effect. The driveshafts will need to be shortened and depending on what type you have the rear pinion angle may need correcting to prevent vibrations. With this combo you should safely be able to run 35" tires. What kind of gear ratio do you have in the axles? They may need to be changed too depending on what they are. Also, check your frame at the steering box for cracks if you haven't done so. A steering box brace and weld in frame plate from ORD should be installed for preventive measures.
 
Was that the truck from San Antonio? If it's still in the area you can swing by the shop and I'll tell you all about it.
 
Was that the truck from San Antonio? If it's still in the area you can swing by the shop and I'll tell you all about it.
yes, it is. Where are you located? Id love to find out more about it. I'm in Troy Michigan
 
Oh well I am local to San Antonio and have an eye for the trucks. Never seen that one in person though.
 
Thanks for the the advice.. next question... I have 6 inch suspension lift in the back that consists of 5” block and a 1” leaf.. I’d like to replace with something with a little better ride. I may go two tracking but nothing crazy, this will mostly be a street ride. What is my best option to achieve 6” of lift? Just spring or a spring and shackles flip combo? I will most likely replace the current front springs with tough country springs as well. Not really worried about the cost difference of the two options for the rear.
 
Shackle flip usually requires dropping the fuel tank so you can access the backside of the frame rails...

Spring lift can usually be done without much extra effort as long as the bolts come out of the spring eyes.

Shackle flip changes pinion angle, pointing it more towards the transfer case than stock.

Spring lifts generally leave the pinion angle alone, or atleast close to stock angles.
 
Fwiw, I've read that Tuff Country usually has the softest spring rates.
 

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