what lift company gives the best ride - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

swampbuck · 02-22-2005, 08:49 PM

Just hoping to get some thoughts on who makes the best riding lifts for a 79 k10. Thinking of a 6inch lift. I have a Skyjacker on my 69 blazer but I still have not finished it and it's been so long since I drove it I forgot how the ride is. Also what are the pros/cons of blocks vs. all spring lift for the rear. Thanks for all the input.

victoryauto · 02-22-2005, 09:03 PM

The Skyjacker softride system is the best I have had. I have it on my 78 k10 and it rides great. I have the leaf springs front and rear with the nitro shocks. It is also a 6" lift. It was one of the best lifts I have ever had. I had the the blocks and it bounced alot with the springs it makes a smooth transition.

*1FaastC10* · 02-22-2005, 09:38 PM

BDS and Tuff Country offer the best spring rates as far as out of the box lift kits go. BDS carries a no questions warranty too. just remember, you get what you pay for.

**JIMs70GMC** · 02-22-2005, 09:42 PM

I have tuff country on my 70 and currently rough country on my 71, hands down the tuff country rides better. I plan on swapping out the rough country springs for tuff country HD units and add some rear springs I bought off another member.
Blocks in the rear exagerate axle wrap, i.e from a stand still or during hard acceleration the axle tends to rotate, this could cause the block to be spit out(extreme instance), more likely accelerate u-joint wear. I've had rancho and rugged trail lifts also and like the tuff country.

Gyva · 02-23-2005, 01:10 AM

My super lift rides like a tank I got the 6 inch with rear blocks..... convinced it'll never sag but it rides like a tank.....

schmidty_dog · 02-24-2005, 01:05 AM

Go to ColoradoK5.com and click on the technical section. Towards the bottom of the page there is a spring rate chart for most lifts. I think the tests were done with all of the lifts being 4". chris

swampbuck · 02-24-2005, 06:37 PM

Thanks for all the input.

Both local shops said the same, The all will ride horrible no matter who makes the lift. But thanks to all of you I think better.

454_72_4X4 · 02-24-2005, 07:00 PM

I've got the Rough Country 4in "soft ride". Mine also rides like a tank.
Thanks god I didn't get the "heavy duty" version!
I've rode in a SB 1/2ton truck with a Skyjacker 4in softride and it rode almost like stock.

**JIMs70GMC** · 02-24-2005, 07:50 PM

Quote:

The all will ride horrible no matter who makes the lift. But thanks to all of you I think better.

Did I miss something or maybe I miss understanding what your saying? I've put 56000 miles on my 70 GMC, it had the stock HD springs front and rear, the tuff country HD I put on 3 yrs ago(about 25000 miles ago) rides a whole lot better than stock, and way better than the rough country springs on my 71.

454_72_4X4 · 02-24-2005, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMs70GMC

Did I miss something or maybe I miss understanding what your saying? I've put 56000 miles on my 70 GMC, it had the stock HD springs front and rear, the tuff country HD I put on 3 yrs ago(about 25000 miles ago) rides a whole lot better than stock, and way better than the rough country springs on my 71.

I think you missed the part about
"Both local shops said the same, The all will ride horrible no matter who makes the lift."

And I think he means he now knows different thanks to the posts here.

After reading your post Jim, I might just look into the Tuff country springs myself. Are both your 70 and 71 3/4 tons?

**JIMs70GMC** · 02-24-2005, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Are both your 70 and 71 3/4 tons?

Yep, only difference: drums on the 70. The rear axles are different also, dana60 in the GMC and an eaton under the chevy. Both have 350/SM465/NP205.

swampbuck · 02-26-2005, 07:49 PM

I wanted to say "they". Sorry. Yes 454 72 4x4 is correct on what I was getting at.

Brewski* · 03-17-2005, 03:30 PM

my skyjunker soft lift ride blew~! I tried Rancho 9000 shocks, Edlebrock IAS, Skyjacker hydro shocks>>>>>BLEW~! I am stock height with Edlebrock IAS and it rides like a Escallade~!

Dean · 03-17-2005, 03:41 PM

I've got the 4" Skyjacker lift on all of my K20 and the ride is good. I'd have to say better than stock. I would not recommend the Nitro shocks though. I'm sure all of them are pretty good or they wouldn't stay around. And you do not want to over tighten the spring bolts or you will get a rough ride...made that mistake once on a 78 K10. Now I do not over tighten and I double nut the bolts.

Brewski* · 03-17-2005, 04:14 PM

The ride was not rough just way to bouncy and the spring bolts were not overtighened as I had a post you replied to before I bought and installed the lift. The U-bolts they (skyjacker from the factory) sent must have been for a 6" or 8" lift. When I would hit a bump they would bottom out into the frame which gave a hell of a jolt on the passenger side. Only figured that one out when taking the lift back off. But under no circumstances was the ride anywhere close to stock with the Edelbrock IAS shocks

4x4Poet · 03-18-2005, 02:33 AM

OT: Go custom. Pimping linky (not affiliated)

Dean · 03-18-2005, 09:36 AM

Glad you finally got it all sorted out Brewski. Sounds like you deserve a vacation after all that work.

I'm sure a ride that is acceptable to one person might not be to another. When I compare mine to my very first 78K10 (12" lift) with blocks and square 38" Gumbo Mudders I think I'm in a Cadillac....lol. So many variables when you look at ride.

Brewski* · 03-18-2005, 05:16 PM

Yeah I kinda knew I always wanted 'r stock but had to try the lift deal. I may put that lift on the new to me 68 Burb. or sell it I don't know yet. I think the burb would ride a lot better as when I had my topper and tools in it with the lift it road pretty nice. We'll see.

4x4Poet · 03-20-2005, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brewski*

...I think the burb would ride a lot better as when I had my topper and tools in it with the lift it road pretty nice. We'll see.

I do luv my burbs' roof weight for ride and traction. Great interior security, too.

02-22-2005, 08:49 PM	#1
swampbuck Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: carleton,mi Posts: 45	what lift company gives the best ride Just hoping to get some thoughts on who makes the best riding lifts for a 79 k10. Thinking of a 6inch lift. I have a Skyjacker on my 69 blazer but I still have not finished it and it's been so long since I drove it I forgot how the ride is. Also what are the pros/cons of blocks vs. all spring lift for the rear. Thanks for all the input.

02-22-2005, 09:42 PM	#4
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I have tuff country on my 70 and currently rough country on my 71, hands down the tuff country rides better. I plan on swapping out the rough country springs for tuff country HD units and add some rear springs I bought off another member. Blocks in the rear exagerate axle wrap, i.e from a stand still or during hard acceleration the axle tends to rotate, this could cause the block to be spit out(extreme instance), more likely accelerate u-joint wear. I've had rancho and rugged trail lifts also and like the tuff country. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

02-24-2005, 07:00 PM	#8
454_72_4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: N.E. MO Posts: 1,749	I've got the Rough Country 4in "soft ride". Mine also rides like a tank. Thanks god I didn't get the "heavy duty" version! I've rode in a SB 1/2ton truck with a Skyjacker 4in softride and it rode almost like stock. __________________ 72 C20 4X4 454 4 speed 89 Trans Am (was) 305 TPI 700r4 93 C1500 2wd Extended cab 350 700r4 98 Sonoma (TPI outa the Trans Am) 03 Yamaha 660 Raptor 03/04 660 Raptor 07 700 Raptor 85 Honda Odyssey

03-18-2005, 02:33 AM	#16
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	OT: Go custom. Pimping linky (not affiliated) __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup.

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02-22-2005, 09:03 PM	#2
victoryauto Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: natchitoches, louisiana Posts: 112	The Skyjacker softride system is the best I have had. I have it on my 78 k10 and it rides great. I have the leaf springs front and rear with the nitro shocks. It is also a 6" lift. It was one of the best lifts I have ever had. I had the the blocks and it bounced alot with the springs it makes a smooth transition.

02-22-2005, 09:38 PM	#3
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	BDS and Tuff Country offer the best spring rates as far as out of the box lift kits go. BDS carries a no questions warranty too. just remember, you get what you pay for.

02-23-2005, 01:10 AM	#5
Gyva Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Mountain Home Idaho Posts: 544	My super lift rides like a tank I got the 6 inch with rear blocks..... convinced it'll never sag but it rides like a tank.....

02-24-2005, 01:05 AM	#6
schmidty_dog Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 15	Go to ColoradoK5.com and click on the technical section. Towards the bottom of the page there is a spring rate chart for most lifts. I think the tests were done with all of the lifts being 4". chris

02-24-2005, 06:37 PM	#7
swampbuck Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: carleton,mi Posts: 45	Thanks for all the input. Both local shops said the same, The all will ride horrible no matter who makes the lift. But thanks to all of you I think better.

02-26-2005, 07:49 PM	#12
swampbuck Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: carleton,mi Posts: 45	I wanted to say "they". Sorry. Yes 454 72 4x4 is correct on what I was getting at.

03-17-2005, 03:30 PM	#13
Brewski* Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Rocky Mount, MO Posts: 1,293	my skyjunker soft lift ride blew~! I tried Rancho 9000 shocks, Edlebrock IAS, Skyjacker hydro shocks>>>>>BLEW~! I am stock height with Edlebrock IAS and it rides like a Escallade~!

03-17-2005, 03:41 PM	#14
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	I've got the 4" Skyjacker lift on all of my K20 and the ride is good. I'd have to say better than stock. I would not recommend the Nitro shocks though. I'm sure all of them are pretty good or they wouldn't stay around. And you do not want to over tighten the spring bolts or you will get a rough ride...made that mistake once on a 78 K10. Now I do not over tighten and I double nut the bolts.

03-17-2005, 04:14 PM	#15
Brewski* Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Rocky Mount, MO Posts: 1,293	The ride was not rough just way to bouncy and the spring bolts were not overtighened as I had a post you replied to before I bought and installed the lift. The U-bolts they (skyjacker from the factory) sent must have been for a 6" or 8" lift. When I would hit a bump they would bottom out into the frame which gave a hell of a jolt on the passenger side. Only figured that one out when taking the lift back off. But under no circumstances was the ride anywhere close to stock with the Edelbrock IAS shocks

03-18-2005, 09:36 AM	#17
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	Glad you finally got it all sorted out Brewski. Sounds like you deserve a vacation after all that work. I'm sure a ride that is acceptable to one person might not be to another. When I compare mine to my very first 78K10 (12" lift) with blocks and square 38" Gumbo Mudders I think I'm in a Cadillac....lol. So many variables when you look at ride.



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03-18-2005, 05:16 PM	#18
Brewski* Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Rocky Mount, MO Posts: 1,293	Yeah I kinda knew I always wanted 'r stock but had to try the lift deal. I may put that lift on the new to me 68 Burb. or sell it I don't know yet. I think the burb would ride a lot better as when I had my topper and tools in it with the lift it road pretty nice. We'll see.

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