My first lift kit

[cheavyk10]

I just did a Skyjacker 2.5" kit on my M1009 over on my build thread.
Thread '1985 Chevy M1009 (CK5 build thread part 2)' https://ck5.com/forums/threads/1985-chevy-m1009-ck5-build-thread-part-2.349752/
I can report that it rides well, and I had no issues hooking the sway bar back up.
I didn't use the rear blocks that came with the kit, I just used ORD zero rates to level it off.
When ORD sells you Skyjacker springs they do not come with bushings. They're only included if you buy the complete Skyjacker kit.

 

[fourwheelerjeff]

I just did a Skyjacker 2.5" kit on my M1009 over on my build thread.
Thread '1985 Chevy M1009 (CK5 build thread part 2)' https://ck5.com/forums/threads/1985-chevy-m1009-ck5-build-thread-part-2.349752/
I can report that it rides well, and I had no issues hooking the sway bar back up.
I didn't use the rear blocks that came with the kit, I just used ORD zero rates to level it off.
When ORD sells you Skyjacker springs they do not come with bushings. They're only included if you buy the complete Skyjacker kit.

I wondered if they came with bushings because a few places I looked them up bushings where separate.

 

[clutch2k3]

I just did a Skyjacker 2.5" kit on my M1009 over on my build thread.
Thread '1985 Chevy M1009 (CK5 build thread part 2)' https://ck5.com/forums/threads/1985-chevy-m1009-ck5-build-thread-part-2.349752/
I can report that it rides well, and I had no issues hooking the sway bar back up.
I didn't use the rear blocks that came with the kit, I just used ORD zero rates to level it off.
When ORD sells you Skyjacker springs they do not come with bushings. They're only included if you buy the complete Skyjacker kit.

Thanks chevyk10!!

I want to road trip the Blazer by July 1 and there's a decent amount of other work that has to be done (replace suspension bushings, replace rear bearings, do a rear seat conversion, do an AC over haul, etc). My question about the lift kit came about becuase the 35 year old suspension bushings have to be replaced and I figured, "Why replace bushings when I plan on installing a 2" lift?". But after reading all of the responses and the awesome advice in this thread I've decided to hold off on the lift kit since I want to do it just once and right. So I've decided to just replace the bushings for now and install the lift kit at a later time.

If I run into any issues replacing the bushings I'll start another thread but I've watched a bunch of YT vids and it seems pretty straight forward (it sucks!). I plan on using a torch to melt the rubber, a hack saw blade to cut the bushing's outer metal tube thingy and then hammer away at them; maybe I'll try a ball joint press too since its a free loaner tool.

Thanks!!

 

[Blue85]

It would be valuable to ride in some lifted rigs to figure out what you like. You could look for members near you or try to hit up some local events?

https://ck5.com/forums/threads/members-map-see-post-1-for-map-link.324803/