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#1 |
Roto Reuter thats the name...
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Darien, NY
Posts: 1,853
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Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
I'm thinking of installing the 2-1/2" Skyjacker on my 70 K10 swb with 33 X 12.5-15 tires on my stock 8" rims. I'm planning to replace my 43 year old springs all the way around, and don't want to use a rear block. I read some where that the 2-1/2" lift will leave the rear end low and some guys use a 4" spring lift in the back. Anyone do this before? Any pictures with either the 2-1/2" lift (front & rear springs) or 2-1/2" front with 4" rear spring lift? Any input is appreciated. Thanks
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~ Dan ![]() My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977 |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: back 40, bc
Posts: 3,808
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
usually the rear doesn't need to be lifted as high. every 4x4 truck i've owned needed less lift in the back.
with 4 in the back & 2.5 on the front, you might lose that 4 by look & resemble a jacked up hot rod. if you want to go all spring, have you looked at this skyjacker kit? http://skyjacker.com/product.php?ProdID=30800 2.5 on the front, 2 in the rear, pricey though. what about 2.5 fronts & a shackle flip in the rear. or really cheap, 2.5's on the front & a 2" block in the rear. nothing easier, the H-D'est trucks coming out of detroit use factory blocks |
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#3 |
Roto Reuter thats the name...
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Darien, NY
Posts: 1,853
|
Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
That's exactly the kit I was looking at. I just thought I would change springs all the way around. They are 43 year old springs, so if I'm gonna do it, might as well do the small lift. Good ideas though. I appreciate it.
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~ Dan ![]() My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977 |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: San Marcos CA
Posts: 17
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
I just installed the Skyjacker springs in my '70 k20 longbed which is running 33s. Spring C225S brought the front up 3" to 10" between wheel well and top of tire. Spring CR12S brought the back up 1" to 8" between wheel well and tire. I'm guessing the 4" rear spring would be just right. I've also got the H7051 and H7041 hydro shocks and I'm very happy with the ride quality.
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#5 | |
Roto Reuter thats the name...
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Darien, NY
Posts: 1,853
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Quote:
Anyone else have any experience with this?
__________________
~ Dan ![]() My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977 |
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#6 |
Currently Blazerless
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: St. Joseph Mo.
Posts: 4,826
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
I have heard of Blazer and Suburban owners using the higher lift springs in the back due to the extra weight in the rear but i wouldn't try this with a pickup. I prefer the front slightly higher than the rear but that's just personal preference, if your seeking a level truck I would go 4" front and 2.5" in the rear, you can always use a 1" zero rate, 2" or 2.5" block to get the rear exactly where you want it....not so easily done with the front. If you do go with a higher lift in the rear than the front and you don't like it your kinda stuck! You may get by with a 1" zero rate block to lift the front a little but anything more than that and you'll be changing springs again.
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1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C |
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#7 | |
Roto Reuter thats the name...
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Darien, NY
Posts: 1,853
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Quote:
What about going with the Skyjacker kit C225AKS, which has 2.5" front and 2" rear, and then use a block in rear as needed to level it off? I'm trying to keep a smaller lift as my truck is all stock and I don't want to get too far away from that. BTW what is a "Zero Rate Block"? Are the rear blocks available in various sizes for these trucks?
__________________
~ Dan ![]() My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977 |
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#8 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Spanaway
Posts: 8,451
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Quote:
Very interesting thread.. For reference, my old Rancho 4" lift with rear 4" blocks put my truck higher in the back by about 2", my new 4" lift kit with full spring rear is actually very level, but this 4" kit is actually about 2" taller than the Rancho kit.. Go figure.. Lots of variation in these kits.
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Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's Last edited by swamp rat; 11-24-2013 at 01:15 PM. |
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#9 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,862
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
I go with the same lift spring all around with no issues of rear sitting too low. I think 4wds look like crap sitting assendhigh. But,mostly,they ride and handle worse that way. Level to slightly lower in rear makes a truck track way straighter and bumps don't get thrown onto the front wheels. High crown roads are the most obvious. That truck shown sits level. Don't look at the wheel wells. The rear wells are lower on the body. Look at the bottom of the body and the curb/sidewalk/road...parallel. My not be perfectly parallel,but real close. Don't get distracted by the saddle tank or the driveshaft
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#10 | |
Roto Reuter thats the name...
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Darien, NY
Posts: 1,853
|
Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Quote:
__________________
~ Dan ![]() My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977 |
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#11 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,862
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Every time I look at that picture I'm not sure. But,it's not as nose-high as it appears at first glance (if up at all). That fence,the shadow from the light pole,etc. all throw it off. The fender openings are taller in the front (by approx. 2"),so his tire to body measurements sound about right. I think the 4wds look nose-up when they are level because,traditionally,2wds are nose down. I always wondered that,anyway.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#12 |
Roto Reuter thats the name...
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Darien, NY
Posts: 1,853
|
Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Well I ended up ordering my Skyjacker 2.5" lift kit with new soft-springs all the way around. Pricey, but I shopped around for the best deal I could find. It will be interesting to see how it turns out. Hopefully it gives me what I'm looking for. I'm hoping that it lifts the truck up around 2" over stock and sits level. I'll take some measurements on the truck before and after and we'll find out. It'll be a winter project, so I won't have any feedback for a while, but I'll definitely keep you guys posted.
__________________
~ Dan ![]() My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977 |
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#13 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Fort Knox, KY
Posts: 212
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Have you received your lift yet? Look forward to seeing it installed. I personally ordered the 2 ½" skyjacker lift with spring fronts and block rear. I debated on the rear springs but figured I could always add them if the blocks didn't work as I hope. Post the pics when you get them.
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1972 Cheyenne Super K20 4wd 1972 Chevy Camaro Z28 1972 Cheyenne Super K30 (sold) 1972 Cheyenne Super Shortbed w/402bb (sold) 1972 Custom/Deluxe 2wd Suburban w/402bb (sold) plus too many others..... |
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#14 |
Vintage 4x4s
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Prior Lake, MN
Posts: 4,305
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
I just put a set of 2.5 skyjackers on the front of my K20 today. No pics yet but will have some in a day or two and put in my "get drivable" thread in my sig. It is more level now, maybe a tad lower in the rear, I will look at it more tomorrow. If I do anything, it will just be 1" blocks in the rear. Stock, it was higher in the back by about 2", but with the method SStim points out, it was actually more than that, since I was going off wheel well gap. I raised the front just to level it out. My truck was optioned with HD rear springs and standard front springs though. Yours looks more level to begin with.
Surprising thing is now the front driveshaft is too short to connect! I guessed a 2.5 wouldn't have been a enough to bother the driveshaft but I was wrong.
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67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ![]() 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6 Last edited by Vintage Windmills; 11-24-2013 at 01:25 AM. |
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#15 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,571
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
That's odd.... I put 2.5" Skyjacker Softrides on front of my K20 several years ago and had no issues at all. I don't remember -- is the axle centered on the springs or not? If not, did you put the springs on backwards? How much are you lacking on the driveshaft? Incidentally, I didn't disconnect my DS when I replaced the springs.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#16 | |
Vintage 4x4s
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Prior Lake, MN
Posts: 4,305
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Quote:
__________________
67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ![]() 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6 Last edited by Vintage Windmills; 11-24-2013 at 11:16 AM. |
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#17 | ||
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,571
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Quote:
Quote:
This is a weird one. Keep us posted...
__________________
- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#18 |
Roto Reuter thats the name...
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Darien, NY
Posts: 1,853
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Got my kit and slowly working on it. I bought the 2-1/2" kit with springs all around. Once I get it done I'll post pictures. Taking my time, so it may be a while.
__________________
~ Dan ![]() My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977 |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Corvallis, Or
Posts: 119
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Time for an update please. Just about to order this kit to go on my SWB hugger orange build I am starting
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#20 |
Roto Reuter thats the name...
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Darien, NY
Posts: 1,853
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Wow. So sorry about that. I never did update this thread. Well I did finish my installation and I'm really happy with it. Here's some pictures of the installation. I also added a zero rate spring to the rear end to level it out. You can read about it in the following post. Good luck with your installation.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=620627
__________________
~ Dan ![]() My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977 |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NORCAL CA
Posts: 64
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Can I ask what shocks you went with and how the ride is?
Thanks, Mike |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NORCAL CA
Posts: 64
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
Also did you need the pitman arm? Thanks, Mike
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#23 |
Roto Reuter thats the name...
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Darien, NY
Posts: 1,853
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
I used the Skyjacker Hydro Hydraulic Shocks with red boot. I did not go with the Nitro Gas charged shocks. Ride is fine for as much as I drive it.
__________________
~ Dan ![]() My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977 |
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#24 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,571
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
I put 2.5" Softrides on my K20 and did not change the pitman arm. Needed longer front shocks but that was all....
__________________
- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Spanaway
Posts: 8,451
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Re: Anyone running a 2.5" lift in front with 4" in rear?
I have gas charged Fox shocks on my K20, now that its done i don't think the cost out weighs the need for them, i think they do ride a bit stiff, get a good set of hydraulic shocks.
Its always been my understanding that with a 2" lift there is no need for a drop steering arm or raised pitman arm, only 4" and up..
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Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's |
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