Lifting a dually opinions needed
 

Hi everyone, i have a 1986 gmc K3500 dually. I will be putting a flat bed on it, and wanted some opinions on lifting it.
Questions:

1. What spring size do i have? I'm assuming 56"
2. I can't find any lift kits for one ton trucks, will 3/4 ton lift kits work?
3. How much should i lift it?
4. Should i do a kit with rear springs? Or just blocks? Right now the rear springs are stacks of at least 9, with overloads. Pretty rough
5. What brand?
6. What else do i have to look out for? T-Case drop? Brake lines?
7. Should i keep it dually, or take the outside tires off? Can i do That?
8. What size tires? there are 235-85-16 on it now and that won't look to good lifted. I don't think.


I'm pretty much a newbie at lifting to be honest, and need any opinions i can get.
Any pictures are helpful.
None of this will be taking place right now, because the truck is outside under snow and it's too cold up here in N.H. right now. Also low on funds.

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

Re: Lifting a dually opinions needed
 

Do you plan to work the truck?

My K20 is high enough for me to work, but I could swing a 2 inch lift.

I have 265/75/16's, but I wish I went 285/75/16 to fill out the wheel well a bit.

Re: Lifting a dually opinions needed
 

I don't think so, but it's hard fr me to say, when you say work it, you mean haul heavy load?

Re: Lifting a dually opinions needed
 

I have an '86 k30 dually as well and have contemplated a lift. If I were to go that way, I think a shackle flip is the only thing I would consider. i would also look into relocating the overload pads so they hit the springs. On the front you would replace the leafs. I think 2 1/2" springs on the K30 gets you almost 4" relative to the K10/K20 trucks. Offroad Designs makes a shackle flip.

Mine has a J&I flatbed on it and I elected to leave mine stock height (at least for now...) since I pull a gooseneck with it around the farm.

My truck is a regular cab with 454, SM465 and NP205. I'm running Alcoa dually rims with 235 85 16 BFG AT's. I put a Spartan Locker in the Dana 60 front and a LockRight in the Dana 70. FWIW, it does awesome donuts....

Re: Lifting a dually opinions needed
 

I am 5'9" so a 2 inch lift is the highest I could comfortably lift a 100 pounds up too.

Working the truck is just using it to do what ever hobby you have or project you need to do.

Of course I see people lift trucks 6-8 inches, and use them for contracting work. It is thier back, but I wouldn't risk it.

Re: Lifting a dually opinions needed
 

Talk to http://offroaddesign.com/index.htm they have lifts for a 1 ton and they only deal with 73-87 trucks and own a few they are one of us.