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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 21
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Lift question
I have a 1987 k-10. This is my first lifted vehicle. I always had muscle cars. The truck has a 6" Superlift kit with 35x12.5x15 BFG All Terrains. It seems to be a good kit. I am not sure what kit it is though. It was on the truck when I bought it. There are no lift blocks, it is all spring. Rear springs have 7 leaf. 6 normal size leaf and 1 that looks like its 2 to 3 times thicker. It may be a helper. Its closest to the axle and its the shortest. The front has 6 leaf. I have the factory quad shock in front and the normal 1 shock per side in the rear. I also have dual stabilizers up front and a drop pitman arm. The sway bar is intact and lowered accordingly. I checked the entire front end as well as the rear. All is working properly and nothing is loose, worn or damaged. My question is, being its my first lifted truck, do they all ride like tanks? It is the worst riding vehicle I have ever been in! The suspension doesn't give or flex at all. Every little bump I hit, my head wants to bounce off the roof! Is this normal? I doubt if softer shocks would lessen the bouncing. The springs don't budge. For a daily driver, its a bit much and is taking all the fun out of driving it. Do I have to swap out for a more softer spring or is it just how it is?
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Current vehicles 1987 Chevy V-10 2006 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sport 1996 Jeep Cherokee Classic 1968 Chevy Camaro SS |
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#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 3,454
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Re: Lift question
Take one of the shocks off up front, probly make it little better. It's hard to get these trucks to ride "decent". The lift kits aren't the greatest either. Want good springs, have to pay good money.
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2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 6” lift 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 4" SAS |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Armagh,PA
Posts: 138
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Re: Lift question
My truck has a cheaper lift on it, its 4in blocks in the rear and 3in body lift but mine rides like a tank also. I just have the single shock up front.
I guess its just something i have learned to live with since it doesnt seem to bother me much anymore although i do plan on redoing all the suspension with something different eventually. |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 1,009
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Re: Lift question
I have a suspension and body lift on mine and it's just as you described. I've hit my head off the roof before. I have 6" springs in the front, and factory 3/4 ton leaves in the back with a 4" block and an add a leaf in the back. It has ZERO suspension flex.
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Steve Member of the Foot Pedal Club '83 Chevy K20: 6" Rough Country, 3" Performance Accessories BL, Bushwacker Cutouts, 38x15.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws, 350 HP 350 crate engine from Jegs, Turbo 400 ![]() |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 21
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Re: Lift question
Thanks for the input. I guess its just how a lifted truck rides. I will just have to get used to it. Haven't been off road with it yet. When I do, I will be sure to where a helmut......
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Current vehicles 1987 Chevy V-10 2006 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sport 1996 Jeep Cherokee Classic 1968 Chevy Camaro SS |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 1,009
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Re: Lift question
The lift kits for these trucks leave a lot to be desired if you buy it from a kit. Depending on how much lift you're looking for, you could go with a shackle flip in the rear and move the front spring hangers to fit 52" stock rear half ton springs in the front. This will net about 4" of lift and flex nicely. There is more to be done though, if I remember right a zero rate needs to be added under the springs in the front to relocate the axle to the correct position. Lots of guys have done this, and with a good set of 33's or a narrow set of 35's you'll go anywhere (within reason, of course) and it won't ride too roughly.
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Steve Member of the Foot Pedal Club '83 Chevy K20: 6" Rough Country, 3" Performance Accessories BL, Bushwacker Cutouts, 38x15.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws, 350 HP 350 crate engine from Jegs, Turbo 400 ![]() |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 21
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Re: Lift question
That could be something I could look into. I have had the truck for about 2 months now. Have a lot of minor repairs to make before I tackle that. It has the typical slow window motors/regulators, a slight bog under WOT acceleration, and a heating issue. The mode door moves from defrost to vent to floor when i set it cold. When I set it to hot, it just comes out vents. Tackle that this weekend before the New England winter sets in.
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Current vehicles 1987 Chevy V-10 2006 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sport 1996 Jeep Cherokee Classic 1968 Chevy Camaro SS |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: jacksonville nc
Posts: 1,229
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Re: Lift question
check the shocks, make sure the bushings are good togo, and see if everything is tight as far as she shocks and shock absorbers, my truck also rides like a tank but i did these few things and it made a world of difference, but still rode like a tank
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Sgt Dennis Heineman USMC Aviation Ordnance I.Y.A.O.Y.A.S 2001-Present 84 K10 2000 trans am ws6 2011 nissan altima 2009 Troy Built with a 42 Inch Deck ![]() My LS Swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6559371 |
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