Lifting an M1008, Need Suggestions

[huntsonora]

I am in the process of picking up an M1008 in relatively good condition considering the abuse these trucks take and would like to lift it and put at least 35's on it to make it a better rig for highway driving. I would like to keep the RPMs at an optimal level at abvout 70MPH but would still like to have anough power to wheel it fairly hard. Does anybody know which lift would be best and if I should keep the 4.56 gears or switch them out as well? Also, what kind of mileage can I expect with this setup? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Drummond

 

[huntsonora]

Anyone?

 

[motofool]

lift depends on your wants rough stiff? load carring capacity?

do you DD it? just wheel it or what?

you can go with a flexy lift or a stiff lift and they range in prices.

 

[84gmcjimmy]

If you lift it 4" you can clear the 35's with minimal trimming, if you lift it 6" you'll clear them for sure /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif I'd suggest TC or BDS for springs /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[huntsonora]

I am going to go with a 6" lift for sure. The only lift kits I have found though are for 1/2 or 3/4 ton trucks. Would those kits work on a 5/4 ton truck? Also, any idea of fuel economy for this particular setup? I am hoping for at least 15mpg.
The truck itself is in great shape, no rust at all and no leaks underneath. I am guessing that this truck was a Generals truck because of the stars on the front bumper. I cannot wait to pick it up,

Drum

 

[dremu]

Petersen's is just finishing a series on such a truck, including a lift and 35"s or maybe 37"s.

-- A

 

[wfo163]

Yep 4 inch lift with 37 inch tires is what they are using

 

[bigmatt]

I am running a 6" Skyjacker lift and running 39" tall Michelin XML on my M1008. My gas mileage averages 14-16mpg depending on conditions and how fast I drive. The engine is running around 2500 rpm at 65. I am running the stock 4.56 gears, but a SM465 manual and np205 t/case instead of the auto/np208.

 

[huntsonora]

I appreciate all of the responses! I know I have asked a lot but does anybody have any pics?

Drummond

Also, what month was the M1008 in Petersons? I have looked at June and July but the article was not in those issues.

 

[wfo163]

This month and I think the previous 3

 

[bigmatt]

I can post pics of mine tomorrow during the day.

 

[huntsonora]

I cant wait to see it, we have the truck running like a champ right now, I cannot wait to lift it and put the 35's on it.

Drum

 

[bigmatt]

Well I got a pic, but didn't do very well on the daytime part of it. It was dusk. Oh, well I had to get some Ford HPD60/D60 for my YJ.