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Newbie installing a lift! Almost done!

4x4blaze

4x4blaze

That's not going to work
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Whats up guys! Well, I believe that I am finally ready to install a lift on my Blazer, but I do have a couple newbie questions. I have been looking at the BDS 2.5 kit w/ blocks in the rear.(plan to swap to a ORD shackle flip down the road)

My Blazer spends majority of its life on pavement. Im building this truck more of a cruiser than anything else. If I was fortunante enough as some of you are who live in Colorado and have endless trails or right next to the dunes in Michigan, I would be wheeling every weekend!:saweet: But here in Missouri, all we have is Mud... And private property... Now yes, there are off road parks, but they are all pretty gnarly and overgrown. Your truck is going to get pinstriping just by pulling in the front gate.:surepal: Soooo, thats why my blazer spends most all of its time on the road!

But anyways, Ive got a couple questions! I consider myself mechanically inclined, but im a hot rod guy.. This is my first ever 4x4 really! We never had them growing up. Everything was lowered, not lifted:D So this is definitely a little out of my element!

So first off,

1: Do any of you have any experience with the BDS NX2 shocks that come included with this kit?

2: Im only planning on running 33x12.50's, but would it be worthwhile running dual steering stabilizers up front? Or would I be alright with just replacing the single thats already on it?

3: My Blazer came with the dual front shock option. Is it worthwhile running duals again? or should I ditch them and go singles? I like the 80's flare of the duals, but I dont want this thing to ride like a log wagon.

4: What problems should I expect to have? We all know that its Murphys Law, that whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.:angry1: This truck is realitively rust free, and suprisingly most bolts that you would expect to be seized break loose..:bow: But of course, since I just said that, all the bolts will probably be gaulded...:doah:

5: What is a good uprade for the stock 10 bolt wheel studs? I am planning on running a 1.5" spacer on the rear (which I hate doing) but I cant stand the way the narrow rear end looks. And Ive seen too many of these trucks shear the rear studs off and roll the fenders back:eek1: Which I really do not want to happen!

But anyways, Thanks for the help!:waytogo:
 
1. Most white bodied shocks are made by the same company, and they are ok

2. the steering stabilizer is real only for bump steer issues. Running one is fine

3. If you don't run the BDS kit shocks, run Bilsteins 5215s. I'd actually buy just springs and bolts and use the Bilsteins

4. Yep rusty stuff. Power wash everything. Watch your brakeline lengths.

5. I'd avoid the spacers, but that's me. Maybe a different wheel offset on the rear.
 
I haven't ever seen one of these shear wheel studs that were properly torqued.
Over tightened or loose is always a problem. As far as the width problem, I understand your point of view, but wheel spacers usually aren't good. When combined with only 6 small studs, I foresee problems. I would suggest to either learn to ignore it, or swap in a 14 bolt semi-float axle in the 6 lug variety. It is not a bolt in though. I did it on my '90 Jimmy and it got me 4:10 gears that I like with 33" tires. I changed to 1/2" wheel studs at all 4 corners then. But I had to drill the front hubs to do it, but my parts store didn't have a drop in stud on hand.

But other than that, I have no experience with BDS springs , but I like my Bilstein shocks.
 
I've got a 14 bolt that will eventually find it's way underneath the truck, and thats definitely one of the many pros of swapping to that axle! But yeah, I am also against spacers. Buts it's only temporary and it's a risk I'm willing to take:crazy: I have a friend with a bro dozer who's running 1.5" spacers om the rear with wheels that have a crazy offset on his 07 1500... I swear, half his tire sticks out of the well... and its been like that for years with no issues! So hopefully ill be alright!
 
Any time you lift a vehicle you need to watch 2 very important things: Brake lines and driveshafts.
Your brake lines might not be long enough following the swap. Take a good look at them now, and keep in mind that leaf springs do tend to sag down a bit, so you might get more like 3.5" of lift out of a 2.5" lift kit. If they arnt long enough, or if they arnt in good condition, think about about upgrading to some braided lines.
Driveshafts are generally not a problem on lifts under 4", as far as length/angle is concerned. However, make sure you check the u-joints on both shafts. Lifting generally puts more angle on the u-joints, which makes them wear out faster.
Finally: check your front spring shackle bushings (at the frame) as these tend to wear out, and when you are changing the springs anyway is the time to change them for new. Sometimes you wont be able to tell what condition they are in until you pull the shackles/bolts out.
 
I sell a ton of BDS stuff, and their NX2 shocks are okay. They are not the top of the line, but they're not horrible either. The Fox's they offer are a way better option.

I just installed their 4 inch springs on my wheeling rig and the difference is night and day. PM me with what you are looking for and I can get you a price!
 
swettysblazer said:
I sell a ton of BDS stuff, and their NX2 shocks are okay. They are not the top of the line, but they're not horrible either. The Fox's they offer are a way better option.

I just installed their 4 inch springs on my wheeling rig and the difference is night and day. PM me with what you are looking for and I can get you a price!
Click to expand...

You got it! PM sent
 
Think I made up my mind.. I'm going to go ahead and bite the bullet and get the fox 2.0's when I order my kit.. Really want this thing to ride as good as possible(for what it is).. The fox shocks seem to have really good reviews on them as well..

& The only other issue that I'm worried about is the rear of my truck sagging with this kit... (as all the others who have installed this kit have had issue's with since you're reusing the original 30 year old rear leafs) Do you think the shocks included with this kit could accommodate for a 3" block over the 2" block that comes with it? I'd rather this truck have a tiny bit of rake instead of sagging in the rear.. And I already have a set of cast iron ORD 3" blocks that are just chilling.. Hmmmm....:thinking:
 
Talked to BDS earlier today and they answered my previous question for me! Said that shock will have plenty of travel for a 3" block in the rear instead of the 2" that comes with it..

And one last question, since I will be going from dual to single shocks up front, which mounting point is the primary? The front shock on the frame or the rear? & Is there anything else that needs to be changed since im going from duals to singles?

Thanks!
 
Huge peice of advise has gone unsaid.

Start spraying the bolts and nuts. Anything your gonna remove with PB Blaster. Right now. Then spray it all every day. Until you install.

I believe I used the primary shock in the secondary location
 
blazinzuk said:
Huge peice of advise has gone unsaid.

Start spraying the bolts and nuts. Anything your gonna remove with PB Blaster. Right now. Then spray it all every day. Until you install.

I believe I used the primary shock in the secondary location
Click to expand...

Heeded your advice and drove the blazer to a parking lot tonight and literally DOUSED all the bolts that I will be removing. Should definitely help! Also hit my steering box since I will be installing an ORD brace
 
Snagged this picture off the internet, and was second guess myself this morning.. So the single shock I will be running would work best in the rearward most shock position instead of the forwardmost?

Thanks!

20180304_111644.jpg
 
6872xtc said:
I believe that guys recommend using the forward mount.
Click to expand...

Really? I believe that's considered the auxiliary.. And the rearward shock is considered the primary.. I was going to shoot with the rearward, but now your making me second guess again... hmmm...
 
This is confusing.. Kit comes with the proper bushing and sleeve to run in either position...
 
I understand your confusion, but maybe someone will confirm or ??
It will also make a difference with what shocks you have or get.
I believe that I am telling you correctly, but not 100% positive.
 
I appreciate your input @6872xtc .. Think we'll see what a couple other people have to say, but will probably take your advice.. I just know that trucks without the dual setup only have the rearward frame mount.. so it seems like i would run that one in a perfect world... But I'm honestly at a wall..:doah:
 
It depends on the shock. Every lift shock sold will limit your droop. Experiment a but see which one fits best where
 
Nobody has mentioned it or asked so I will, does this kit include a raised steering arm? I've only dealt with 4" and above lift kits
 
2.5 kits don't need to have steering correction.

Pick which shock location you want to run up front and get that shock. They are dimensioned differently. Pick one.
 
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