More cheapo redneck buil questions..dropping the spring perches?

[4x4shortbed]

I've seen more than a few trucks running around with rec tubing used to drop the front spring mounts down away from the frame to get "X" amount of lift. Sky Manufacturing actually sells a kit to do it, but I'm cheap so I'd like to build it myself. Truck is a '86 K5.

Anyone done this? I'm also wondering..do I just make a longer shackle for it or do I need to build dropped shackle mounts too? I would think dropped mounts. I was thinking 4" of lift. I've seen trucks w/ 6", but that might be too much. Or is it??? Hmmmmmmm............ That would be even better.

Well, any thoughts? Please, try to keep the name calling limited...this isn't a trail truck, just a pavement pounder/light duty mudding truck. My end goal is a tall Blazer on 44's, but hopefully w/o spending a ton.

Thanks- John

 

[toomany]

I could be wrong (wouldn't be the first time), but the kits you are seeing are for people swapping to longer springs in the front. 52's or 56's. The kits allow the use of the stock rear hangers.

You could drop down the front of the springs, I wouldn't recomend it though. Adding a longer shackle can get your angle out of whack.

4" springs aren't that expensive. Even by droping the factory ones down, you'd still need the longer shocks and steering correction. I'd spend the money and do it correctly.

Also, dropping the front of the spring 4" will only give 2" of lift.

 

[4x4shortbed]

Ok, looked at the Sky kit closer. Looks like it includes drop mounts for the shackles.. theirs gives 4.5" lift.

http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/ne...89&PHPSESSID=0fff8dc0a6ff74c73b74cacb96c2d532

-John

 

[tyler__820]

Yes, this can be done. i did it on my truck with 4 inch square tubing and i got 4 inches of lift. This is on my current daily driver to and it drives fine down the highway. Just make sure to add in bracing and what not.

 

[4x4shortbed]

tyler, what did you do with the shackle? The Sky kit comes with add on brackets instead of mile long shackles. Also, did you re use the stock leaf spring perches/mounts or build new ones?

Thanks- John