Review/Feedback on 4" lift kits for M1009

[nudewheeler]

Howdy Folks -

Fixing to lift the 1984 M1009 here soon. I've been scoping out the lift kits, talked to a few folks in town and gathered a few opinions. Just looking for a simple 4" lift kit. I don't want to modify the drivetrain too much (at this point at least), dealing with longer driveshafts, transfer case shims etc etc. I do have a steadfast requirement that this lift kit contain new springs at all four corners. No shackle flips, no blocks. Trying to eliminate axle wrap, more so, not introduce axle wrap.

Basic requirements: easy enough to install, reasonable ride, the truck can still articulate and springs don't fail or sag after an unreasonably short time. This 6.2 ads a bit of front end weight that will accelerate the wear on the softer, more comfortable and plush springs. I have nixed the idea of Tuff country and Rough country systems due to soft/sag prone springs, difficult to warranty and overall not that great reviews.

I believe my search has narrowed to a ProComp lift for just under $1000, or a SkyJacker kit for $1500. They both contain the full shabang: all new springs, steering arm, shocks, Ubolts etc etc.

Skyjacker is a more plush ride yielding more articulation. A guy with a K5 lifted 10" as a rock crawler suggested this kit even with the 6.2 for more 'usability' with articulation. They said this kit may require an ad-a-leaf to level the front end after some use.

The ProComp has notably stiff springs at the sacrifice of ride quality. This kit will unlikely ever need to be leveled, but it will be a bit more harsh than any other 4" lift kit. However, suggested for the additional weight of the 6.2

Anyways, that's a synopsis of my research into lift kits. Who has what, how does the kit perform, any major defects, any upkeep required with leveling?

Any additional drivetrain modifications required to adequately 'use' these kits at the articulation limits? Extended drive shafts, front driveshaft spacers, transfer case shimming etc?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ccarley]

I had the Pro-Comp springs up front on my Sub, and I must say they *may* be able to give you a somewhat better ride if you have stiffer rebound on the shocks.

I ran them with Bilstein 5100's, and the front was stiff, but at the same time it was bouncy, because the springs were overcoming the valving on the shocks. With stiffer rebound, at least the spring won't be "bouncy", but I don't think the ride will quite be ideal. I could be wrong though...

Don't forget too that for leveling, ORD has the "Zero Rate" add-a-leafs, which are kind of like a block but not really, since they bolt to the spring pack.

Good luck in your decision!
Clay

 

[84 k5 blazer]

I have a TC EZ 4" lift, all new springs all the way around. The ride is great. My kit cost right at 1k including shipping, which came with 4 springs, steering knuckle, 4 shocks, and all new hardware that was needed to install. I have not modified anything else except I added the sway bar disconnect from ORD. I have noticed since the lift I hear a wine (sounds like the drive shaft) due to the angles. With a shackle flip using the stock rear spring will point the rear up towards the x-case. But I am glad I decided to do the new springs instead of the flip. I will one day go with the SYE for the x-case and get a new drive shafts. Good luck on your decision, there is plenty of options out there.

 

[Bowtie85]

I got a pro comp on my ton, it seemed to ride stiff for the first while. Now that everything settled it rides quite well. I also have a winch bumper hanging off the front which doesnt weigh it down at all.