lift options

[1972CST]

I am looking to lift my blazer 2-4in. all the way around. I know I could just buy lifted springs but I was wondering what other options may be? I have seen some info on the 52in. rear to front spring swap but dont know much about it. Are there any kits to swap 73-up front springs into the front of these trucks? Thanks for the help.

[bouncytruck]

What are you planning on using it for? If you're going to off-road it, you could do a shackle flip in the rear.

If you're going to just run it on the road, I'd probably just buy a lift kit.

[Husker]

If ya use a Rear shackle flip you don't need anything else in the back for a 4" lift, just front springs. This is the way I am going.
Ron
link

[Husker]

I even figured out how to do the link thing without showing whole url. COOL
Ron

[vtblazer]

What 'exactly' are you hoping for?

Just a lift or a better ride?

Just a lift or more flex?

Quick/easy install or something more complicated? (I.E. 52/56's)

Easiest/quickest would be a shackle flip and a new front spring pack, the only concern there is the different spring rates front to back.

Lots of companies sell em, good/better and best, it's about new vs. recycled materials, ride quality and price.

DIY also sells what they call their B52 kit which allows for the 52" spring up front.
Could also run a set of 56's in the rear, this combo will net you the softest ride and best flex but could mandate a front sway bar.

Don't forget to buy new shocks, a high quality shock is your friend.

[1972CST]

Thanks for all the input......my goal at this time is to make a little more room for the 33x12.50's, improve off-road performance and improve the ride. I plan to use this truck for camping, and maybe some moderate trail riding at the local national park.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by 1972CST

Thanks for all the input......my goal at this time is to make a little more room for the 33x12.50's, improve off-road performance and improve the ride. I plan to use this truck for camping, and maybe some moderate trail riding at the local national park.

Easy answer there is to go with a 4" all spring or do the rear shackle thing.

Lift kits range from inexpensive to a lot more but if you want a great ride, my recommendation would be a set of Alcans all the way 'round.

What's your current gear ratio?

[AJs72K5]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Easy answer there is to go with a 4" all spring or do the rear shackle thing.

Lift kits range from inexpensive to a lot more but if you want a great ride, my recommendation would be a set of Alcans all the way 'round.

Agree on the Alcans. In combination with new Bilstein shocks, they made a HUGE difference in the ride on mine. Well worth the money.

[Yukon Jack]

Only bad thing about the shackle flip IMO is it will put the tire a little closer to the rear fender's opening towards the front of the vehicle. Nothing an ORD Zero Rate, which will allow you to offset the center pin, won't correct.

[Critter]

I have 3.73s at the moment with 35 inch BFGs and it is too high geared in my opinion. It seams like 4.10s would be a good compromise for street use.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by Critter

I have 3.73s at the moment with 35 inch BFGs and it is too high geared in my opinion. It seams like 4.10s would be a good compromise for street use.

Don't know the numbers for the 35's but I do know that when I ran 33's w/4:10's it was right at 3K @ 65mph.

[bouncytruck]

I've had two first gen's with 35's. One had 3.73's and the other had 4.10's. The 4.10's were a better match to the 35's.

[Yukon Jack]

My 70 K5 has 4.10 gears and right now I'm running my 69 K20's 35" tires on my K5 (K20 is disabled right now) and the gear ratio is really nice.

My 69 has 4.56 gears and when the 35"s are on it, going 60 mph has the engine rpm's pretty high.

For your intended usage, I'd say 35"s with 4.10 gears would be exactly what you would want.

[Long Roof]

I have 35's and 4.56 gears. At 55mph I'm turning about 2500 rpm. Seems to be a good compromise for city driving. I'm only a 80/20% city/highway driver.