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Old 05-18-2012, 05:57 PM   #1
chevylu630
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1985 K20 Lift

I am trying to find out how hard it would be to install a 8" Skyjacker suspension lift on my 1985 K20? I would also like to see pictures of any year K20 lifted 8". I'd really appriciate feedback! Thank You!
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Old 05-18-2012, 11:39 PM   #2
Your41Plague12
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Re: 1985 K20 Lift

It's not all that hard if you use the right tools. If you have torches, they'll come in handy too. That way you can literally cut the old U-bolts off, burn the bushings out of the springs, and replace it all. There's a lot more to it though, like extending the driveshafts and brake lines. You also want to watch the pitch on your pinion, it may need shimmed. My truck is lifted 9" (6 suspension 3 body) and with the cut-out flares I have it clears 38x15.50's with ease. I could clear 42's if I ran 12.50's and a narrower wheel.
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Old 05-23-2012, 06:23 PM   #3
chevylu630
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Re: 1985 K20 Lift

and did you have to lengthened your driveshaft?
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Old 05-23-2012, 06:19 PM   #4
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Re: 1985 K20 Lift

When you got your 6" suspension lift on did you have to get a 2wd steering box installed and did you do anything about steering?
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Old 05-23-2012, 11:41 PM   #5
86454k30
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Re: 1985 K20 Lift

You will probably have to lengthen the front driveline for an 8" and maybe the rear.

Steering Correction for 8" options:
1) Raised steering and dropped pitman arm which uses stock steering box.

2) crossover steering which requires a 2wd steering box. Check out www.offroaddesign.com for the crossover items.
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Old 05-24-2012, 12:22 AM   #6
chevylu630
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Re: 1985 K20 Lift

What if I were to ge a 6" suspension lift.. Do I need to do cross over steering, 2wd steering box and or lengthened my driveshaft?
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Old 05-24-2012, 01:19 AM   #7
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Re: 1985 K20 Lift

What are your plans for the truck? Is it going to stay mostly on the road or are you going to be going trail riding with it all the time. The only reason you need cross over steering is if you are going to be flexing the suspension out on the trails. If the truck is going to be a street queen then just use the stock 4x4 steering.
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Old 05-24-2012, 07:03 AM   #8
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Re: 1985 K20 Lift

I have a 1987 V10 (K10) truck and put a 8" all-spring lift on it (all-spring is the only way IMHO) and I don't have any trouble with the driveshafts. As I remember reading, its only after you go above an 8" suspension lift that you need custom driveshafts. The Superlift K424 Master Kit will have everything you need to compensate for the added height. Be sure to ask if the kit comes with extended brake lines, mine was supposed to and didn't and I waited too late before putting it on to call about it.

Here is a picture of what mine looks like with an 8" all spring lift (16.5" aluminum mags + 37" tires):
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