Buy hookers or a lift kit?

[Kent Bingham]

My truck is a 1980 GMC Sierra Classic, small block, 4 wheel drive, short box. Previous owner put some headers on. Turns out the front driveshaft is beating the everloving snot out of the one header tube on braking. Front end sags obviously. I hear that Hooker headers have more clearance than the current Hedman headers, so I could replace them. They are new though. My other option is to put a lift on it. I've done a few jeeps but no GM's. I figure the 37 year old springs could use swapping out. The only reasonable lifts that I find, under 6", use lift blocks in the rear. I'd like new rear springs. Anyone know if I can get a 2"-4" lift that has new rear springs? Or possibly taller springs from something else that I can match the front lift to? Should I buy new rear leafs from LMC or someone and then use the blocks? Let's have your thoughts.

[andrewmp6]

For the lift look at http://offroaddesign.com/

[Kent Bingham]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

For the lift look at http://offroaddesign.com/

Thanks for the link. It seems Tuff Country makes rear lift leaves. It's been a long time since I rode in anything with a Tuff Country lift in in. Do they still ride like a haywagon?

[Jeepwm69]

Not the kind of hookers I was picturing......

I would get the lift.

If you buy different headers, you still have sagging springs.

If you put a lift on there, your sag is fixed and your existing headers will work fine.

[Kent Bingham]

Originally Posted by Jeepwm69

If you put a lift on there, your sag is fixed and your existing headers will work fine.

That's what I was thinking. I'll have to undent the current headers, but that's it. Unfortunately, the cost is a wee bit higher.

[daddyjeep]

I was thinking adding a leaf, but since your springs are so old it just makes more sense to replace them. I have read where a lot of guys are happy with ORD as mentioned above.

[81k]

If your leaf springs are sagging, even swapping in new stock height springs will net you a suspension lift over where your truck sits currently. Whether that would provide you with ample clearance for your header I'm not sure.

Allied Spring has a few shops around your area in East Syracuse, Rochester, and Elmira. They should certainly be able to help you obtain stock height spring replacements.

[Pine Bark Auto]

Since you say it only happens under braking, I would try a 2" add-a-leaf to the front and see how you like it. Usually just levels out the truck and doesn't look odd with stock or near stock size tires. Chip.

[Kent Bingham]

Originally Posted by Pine Bark Auto

Since you say it only happens under braking, I would try a 2" add-a-leaf to the front and see how you like it. Usually just levels out the truck and doesn't look odd with stock or near stock size tires. Chip.

The truck looks level. I just assume they are tired because they are so old. They've been holding that truck up for a long time. Maybe sagging was the wrong word to use. I would change that to something that means 'gets lower due to weight transfer'

[andrewmp6]

Off road design also has their own custom leafs,I would email them or talk to them on the phone.They do run what they sell and build some amazing trucks.