i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

a while a go i was given a set of new in box fabtech HD 3 inch front springs. i held off installing them because they required the use of balljoint spacers... spacers that fabtech had not carried for over 4 years. so the search was on for spacers.... i found some online.. unfortunately the only place was Airbagit.com. so, i bit the bullit and ordered a set ... and ... they worked great. i did have to drill out the balljoint mounting holes a little bit to use the larger diameter bolts that came with the spacers (3/8 in). the hardest part was getting the old riveted ball joints out of the truck. i didn't take all that many pictures of the install but i did get a couple of measurements of before and after.... in total lift i got just over 3 1/4 inches with these springs over the stock 1979 C20 springs. i did notice that i will need a little bit longer front shocks as i had to compress the suspension a bit to get them to bolt back up. but that was before i had it back on the ground. i also noticed that there is more down travel when using the balljointspacers. i took it for a quick spin around the block at it rides fine... the alignment is way out so no more driving untill i get the alignment done.

i am running some smallish tires in the front but i have a set of 33 inch tires on 20 inch wheels that i ran on the truck for a little bit before removing them because they rubbed on the inner fenders. i know i can run them now without any rubbing.

measuring the front from the ground to the front fender opening...
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/k...0505001150.jpg

measurement after the spring install......
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/k...0505001541.jpg

over all shot..... now it needs to get an alignment... it has major toe in...
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/k...0505001551.jpg

Re: i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

looks really good. i wish they just made a leveling kit for these trucks. do they still happen to sell springs and do they have balljoint spacers for a c30?

Re: i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

not sure where you could get fabtech springs but the balljoint spacers are at Airbagit.com . the C20 balljoint spacers should fit your C30. i think they sell lift springs and arms on there as well but i do not have any experience with them.

Re: i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

Garage C20... truck looks good.

Matt Man: If you just want to bring the front up a set of 3/4" coil spring spacers should work. Will bring it up a couple of inches and should level it with the back.

My 82 C10 only had HD front coils (1ton or Diesel) and ran 32x11.50s all around with only minor rubbing on the front.

Re: i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

i got my 33's back on the truck.... plenty of clearance now with the lift on.... next on my to do list is a set of blocks to lift the rear and some longer shocks for the front. it rides firm but nice...

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/k...513001056a.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/k...513001056b.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/k...0513001057.jpg

Re: i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

Looks good!

Re: i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

Sweetness! Thats badarse!

Re: i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

nice i like the rims! well the whole look of the truck! id lift of the back alitte tho

Re: i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

Hey. How much did those coil springs settle? That's if they settled. Thanks.

Re: i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

I'm assuming the top ball joint had to be spaced so the upper arm was not at such an angle and the ball joint did not bind?
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Re: i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

have you got the blocks on the back yet? id like to see it complete

Re: i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

Could have just got qa1 or Howe balljoints and get bigger balljoints studs to go in. Not sure how reliable a spacer can be
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Re: i lifted my '79 C20... 3 in. fabtech springs and balljoint spacers.
 

that thing is awesome. were you able to get the aliment back into shape?