6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

Whats up guys, I score me a 1980 K20 with a 4" lift kit installed on it already. The PO was running 35's, the truck needed tires so I decided to stay with same size. Now that I have been using her for a couple weeks now I noticed that the front tires are rubbing on the front fenders when I go over a bump or curb. Is it worth it to lift my truck with a 6" lift? If so what is a good brand for a good price? I noticed that the Rough Country is cheap but I have read tons of bad reviews on here but they were fairly old. Are the newer springs from today any better? Thanks for ya'lls input.


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Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

To go 6 inches you will need to upgrade the steering or go crossover.Probably need a track bar in the front and maybe new driveshafts.Only place i would buy from is http://offroaddesign.com/catalog.htm they only deal with our trucks and own a few they are one of us.They sell tuff country springs or their own custom made springs.On the 6 inch lift i would do a shackle flip in the rear which will ride better and gives you a 4 inch lift and use 2 inch left springs so you have 6 inches total.

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

Like Andrew said, 6" changes everything. 4" should be plenty for 35's with some minor fender trimming which is the route I would pursue. Looking at your driveshaft spline engagement will let you see if you can go a little higher. an ORD zero rate would get you almost another 1" for not much money and your driveshafts should work.

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

That's a sweet truck!! If just an inch will do you, zero-rates would be a simple fix. A 6" lift requires the same steering correction parts as a 4" (steering arm). If the P.O. did the 4" right, you are good to go up to 6". I have the same deal on my '85 Jimmy (35/12.50s,10" wheels,4" lift) and I can drive it w/o rubbing, just have to be aware and careful. 8" wheels would make it all work fine

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

Thanks special-k!! I'm thinking of maybe just doing a zero rate. It wont be used for too much wheeling. I just dont like how much it rubs when I do have to go off road and it bent up my fenders. I am running 8 inch wheels on it right now.

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

That should do it. I don't like how my Jimmy is now, really have to watch it. so far no fender damage, but the '91 Suburban the axles/wheels/tires came from had both fenders crunched. The plan was to put the Dana60 under it (and FF 14-bolt) which would give another inch, then see if it needed zero-rates, or maybe go to 8" wheels when I get tires. Just been finishing the tires off till I get new ones

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

I'm in the process of installing the Ruff Country 6" lift in my 79 3/4 ton. I've changed the steering arm and decided to add the 2" Super Lift steering link to make it flat again. I'm running 35's and stock rims. Miles of room now.

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

Do you have any pictures you can share 2 far gone?

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

Sure thing......
The hoist arms are up but not holding the weight of the truck. Still waiting for parts to finish some other jobs on the truck.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...7/IMG_0181.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...7/IMG_0180.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...7/IMG_0167.jpg

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

I'm expecting the front to drop about 1.5 -2 inches because the truck was in the air when I torqued the spring bushing bolts.

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

So how do those springs ride? Is it rough?

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

Its no Cadillac, not to bad for a 3/4 ton.

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

Nice!!you got anymore pics of it outside the shop?

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

Headed back there on Thursday. I'll get some then.

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

If you want to go cheap a 3in body lift would be your best bet. If you go to NTW (national tire & wheel ), I have bought a couple of lifts from them. I have an 8in on my blazer from them right now, it's super lift brand.

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

Cool, I'll check it out Axe.

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

If you're using it off road at all I'd stay away from a body lift, especially one as big as 3 inches.

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

I agree w you slotard. I've never really cared for a body lift.

Re: 6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP
 

I have RC 4" springs on my truck, ride is basically like a lifted 3/4 ton truck, but it's not too bad.