What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Loaded first gen question

kyle.rj133

kyle.rj133

1/2 ton status
 Premium
Joined
Jun 22, 2009
Posts
564
Reaction score
18
Location
Hooper, UT
1. I have read on many threads that a 2" lift is better than stock, why is that? I plan on using 33's with no lift (mostly pavement pounder) but most threads i have read says a 2" lift is better for most driving/road conditions.

2. If i decide to put in 6L would you do hydroboost or a upgraded booster? why?

3. would you do rubber or poly for shackles, springs? why?

This blazer has been a 2 yr project so far and im just trying to decide which way i want to go with it. I've already planned on not enjoying it now and dont plan to for a few more years.
 
road manners will improve with new springs, going with larger tires and needing new springs, normally means a short 2" lift with blocks in the rear. Put some 2" blocks between the swaybar and frame to space the swaybar down with the lift.

Rubber or poly are both fine. Poly if you are going to abuse the suspension and ask the world of it.

6L?? You going diesel? Hydroboost
 
K85 Octane said:
road manners will improve with new springs, going with larger tires and needing new springs, normally means a short 2" lift with blocks in the rear. Put some 2" blocks between the swaybar and frame to space the swaybar down with the lift.

Rubber or poly are both fine. Poly if you are going to abuse the suspension and ask the world of it.

6L?? You going diesel? Hydroboost
Click to expand...

No not diesel sorry, it would be cool but not realistic to me in a first gen. lq9 or lq4 6.0 undecided.

I was planning on buying new stock springs from lmc or some other vendor. Will new springs make it so i wont need the lift and still be just as good? bringing up the sway bar, I might also build one just for better road manners if you guys think it would help?

so rubber would be better for me? The most offroading i will do with it is a family camping trip once a year, I have my k10 for the rest.
 
one more thing i forgot to ask while im at it.

For 33's would you stick with 3.73's or go with 4.10's thanks!

-kyle
 
engine and trans? I currently have 3.72 and 32s. I run a 400sb and 700r4. It is a good combo.
 
not really up on my manual tranny ratios, but it seems manual trans trucks always came with higher axle gears. (ex:3.08, 3.42)
 
early version had a first gear ratio of 6.34:1

1 5.61 2 3.04 3 1.67 4 1.00 5 0.73 Reverse 5.61

do you think the springs will be good with new stock springs?
 
For only 2" lift, you could do a 1" ORD body lift and a set of zero rates on the stock springs.... probably the easiest of all.

I'd do the zero-rates first and move the axles with the offset holes. (Move the front axle forward, and the rear axle backward).

If you still need clearance, add the body lift and a new set of factory rubber body mounts while you're in there. The original mounts are beyond wasted after 40 years.


-G
 
Either ratio won't be bad with a 33" tire. If you spend a lot of freeway time or plan on bigger tires someday then the 4:10 might be better but it depends on what the motor likes. I had 4:10 with 35's and it was geared too high for the nv4500 and my old motor couldn't run well at such low rpm. 4:56 seemed to help it.

I'd get your motor in and try out the gears you have. Then decide on switching or not.


-Brian
 
Greg72 said:
For only 2" lift, you could do a 1" ORD body lift and a set of zero rates on the stock springs.... probably the easiest of all.

I'd do the zero-rates first and move the axles with the offset holes. (Move the front axle forward, and the rear axle backward).

If you still need clearance, add the body lift and a new set of factory rubber body mounts while you're in there. The original mounts are beyond wasted after 40 years.


-G
Click to expand...

I bought poly body mounts already installed them before i started doing the rockers.

I know 33's will fit with stock suspension. The reason I asked about the springs is because Ive read before on other threads that a 2" lift is better than stock for drive-ability not so much clearance. Is the stock suspension to soft for bigger tires? Is that why a 2" lift is preferred because lift springs a stiffer than stock?

Im hoping i wont need a lift at all, thats why i was asking if i where to get new stock springs will they handle the 33's? The most lift i will probably will do is a 1" body lift to help with clearance with the 6.0 swap if thats even needed? also, will the front stock springs support the added weight from the bigger engine? I know its not much weight, but I just want to try and get the most enjoyable ride as I can from solid axles at a stock height.
 
bp71k5 said:
Either ratio won't be bad with a 33" tire. If you spend a lot of freeway time or plan on bigger tires someday then the 4:10 might be better but it depends on what the motor likes. I had 4:10 with 35's and it was geared too high for the nv4500 and my old motor couldn't run well at such low rpm. 4:56 seemed to help it.

I'd get your motor in and try out the gears you have. Then decide on switching or not.


-Brian
Click to expand...

thanks for the input, It wont be on the freeway much so I guess I will just have to see how it does with the 3.73's for now.
 
kylerj133 said:
also, will the front stock springs support the added weight from the bigger engine?
Click to expand...
excuse me if I misunderstand, but the 6.0 is still a small block, and I believe that the LSx engines are actually lighter than the stock sbc, so you'd actually have less weight. right?
 
ashman said:
excuse me if I misunderstand, but the 6.0 is still a small block, and I believe that the LSx engines are actually lighter than the stock sbc, so you'd actually have less weight. right?
Click to expand...

That sounds right to me. I also want to point out the requirements of posting tons of pics of said 6.0 installation... :deal:


-Brian
 
if/when i do install it there will be tons of pictures and more questions im sure! for right now its still the planning stages and figuring everything out.
 
I ran 33 tires for years with the 307 gearing and for the road and light to moderate off road it was fine . I also had a 1"body lift. It all seemed to work well together. So the 373 ratio should be fine for your usage
 
Now this isnt a 2 inch lift but was a 4 inch. I had pretty good body roll with the stock springs going around corners and the blazer felt pretty unstable (not a bad unstable at all) with the stock springs. When I went with the 4 inch the rig just felt better to me, not so much body roll and was just a firmer controlled ride if that makes sence. Might want to see if there is anyone close to you on here that has a 2 inch on there rig and go for a test drive to see how you feel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom