Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JAKES 68GMC · 12-30-2008, 10:26 PM

I want to put a small lift on my GMC, 2-3 inches just to give it alittle more authority. Whats the easiest/cheapest way to do this? Add-a-leafs or rearched springs? I'd like to stay away from lift blocks, as my rear end already wheelhops bad enough when it spins posi. Thanks for the help guys.

dammitmitchell · 12-31-2008, 04:03 AM

add a leaf is what i did to gain a little more to clear my tires i also added in a wedge block to make sure my driveshafts matched up fine
cant remember what i spent.. but also
add a leafs might stiffen your ride a little bit and adds to towing capacity...taller sidewall tires? as long s they arent too ridiculous

BurnoutNova · 12-31-2008, 04:25 AM

I wanted to get a 2.5" rough country ez ride kit for my 71 K10. 2.5" blocks are ok with me. I was just recemtly looking at thier site tho and could only find 4" kits. I might have to get my springs re-arched and just by some blocks.

I've also heard you stand a risk of the springs cracking when the're heated for the re-arching process. I'm not sure I want to take the chance paying someone to ruin my springs.

**special-K** · 12-31-2008, 09:33 AM

I`d arch the springs.I never use heat and neither does a spring shop.They ose a roller press and I use a BFH and anvil.You take a pack apart,on the main leaf you pound from center-out in both directions staying near the mounting area/center,match the other leafs to the main,then match the other side main to the first one,and repeat matching lesserleafs.A spring shop will want a couple hundred per axle and will add a long leaf,most likely.

CPNEJR · 12-31-2008, 12:55 PM

i'd have a spring shop re-arch the springs for me unless you want to try it yourself the way Special-K described it.

BurnoutNova · 12-31-2008, 06:47 PM

[QUOTE=special-K;3057282]I never use heat and neither does a spring shop.QUOTE]

I thought they used heat? Anyway I've heard they can break once thier re-arched. Maybe it was just a horror story that rearely comes true,

**special-K** · 01-01-2009, 10:53 PM

Well,old fatigued springs can brake.I`m sure if a spring that`s seen better days was re-arched it might break easier.I`ve seen springs break that were original.
Usually what you`ll hear is the`ll just settle back down.I never have that problem.Any freshly arched spring can settle,new or old.

JAKES 68GMC · 01-02-2009, 12:16 AM

Ok, I'll probably get them rearched and have an extra leaf thrown in to help keep their arch. And my springs now are pretty soft. Thanks for the help guys.

**special-K** · 01-02-2009, 09:14 AM

Sounds good.Let us know how it turns out.I still need some altitude on my white truck.

Don`t be a stanger.Heck,we have a couple young guns that need a good example to follow.

**CUSTOM/10** · 01-03-2009, 09:52 AM

Jake

You have a PM.

Gary

msgross · 01-03-2009, 09:57 AM

THis short add-a-leaf gave me 1.5" and more stiffness on my K-10. You could do it and a zero rate leaf from ORD or DIY... You might need new U-bolts though.

*FormerMember* · 01-03-2009, 10:24 AM

You should get new ubolts every time. They are stretch to yield hardware.

JAKES 68GMC · 01-04-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Sounds good.Let us know how it turns out.I still need some altitude on my white truck.

Don`t be a stanger.Heck,we have a couple young guns that need a good example to follow.

I try not to be a stranger, Tim. But sometimes I just get so busy I can't find time to bring my 2 cents to the board. But I try to come around and post more then i was.

**special-K** · 01-04-2009, 07:37 PM

As long as you`re too busy.That`s a good excuse.

12-30-2008, 10:26 PM	#1
JAKES 68GMC Aluminum slot wheels rule... Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 6,211	Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift I want to put a small lift on my GMC, 2-3 inches just to give it alittle more authority. Whats the easiest/cheapest way to do this? Add-a-leafs or rearched springs? I'd like to stay away from lift blocks, as my rear end already wheelhops bad enough when it spins posi. Thanks for the help guys.

12-31-2008, 04:03 AM	#2
dammitmitchell the pollock Join Date: May 2008 Location: abilene, texas Posts: 4,423	Re: Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift add a leaf is what i did to gain a little more to clear my tires i also added in a wedge block to make sure my driveshafts matched up fine cant remember what i spent.. but also add a leafs might stiffen your ride a little bit and adds to towing capacity...taller sidewall tires? as long s they arent too ridiculous __________________ Jack of ALL trades, Master of none.. (but one... procrastination) Army vet 02-08 RIP El Jay! Miss you brother! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=343538 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=386042

12-31-2008, 04:25 AM	#3
BurnoutNova Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,057	Re: Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift I wanted to get a 2.5" rough country ez ride kit for my 71 K10. 2.5" blocks are ok with me. I was just recemtly looking at thier site tho and could only find 4" kits. I might have to get my springs re-arched and just by some blocks. I've also heard you stand a risk of the springs cracking when the're heated for the re-arching process. I'm not sure I want to take the chance paying someone to ruin my springs.

12-31-2008, 09:33 AM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift I`d arch the springs.I never use heat and neither does a spring shop.They ose a roller press and I use a BFH and anvil.You take a pack apart,on the main leaf you pound from center-out in both directions staying near the mounting area/center,match the other leafs to the main,then match the other side main to the first one,and repeat matching lesserleafs.A spring shop will want a couple hundred per axle and will add a long leaf,most likely. __________________ "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 ~

12-31-2008, 12:55 PM	#5
CPNEJR Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Franconia,N.H. Posts: 1,029	Re: Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift i'd have a spring shop re-arch the springs for me unless you want to try it yourself the way Special-K described it. __________________ (Only) Member of the CPNE Fan Club Aint that the truth 67 C-10 350 with 3-speed tranny and 308 gears swb step 82 Z28 Camaro 355 small block over 350 hp and a borg warner super t-10 (blown engine) 72 Chevy K20 Suburban (future project) 70 Chevy K20 now 68 GMC K2500 2003 Chevy 2500hd ccsb 4X4 (daily driver)

12-31-2008, 06:47 PM	#6
BurnoutNova Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,057	Re: Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift [QUOTE=special-K;3057282]I never use heat and neither does a spring shop.QUOTE] I thought they used heat? Anyway I've heard they can break once thier re-arched. Maybe it was just a horror story that rearely comes true,

01-01-2009, 10:53 PM	#7
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift Well,old fatigued springs can brake.I`m sure if a spring that`s seen better days was re-arched it might break easier.I`ve seen springs break that were original. Usually what you`ll hear is the`ll just settle back down.I never have that problem.Any freshly arched spring can settle,new or old. __________________ "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 ~

01-02-2009, 12:16 AM	#8
JAKES 68GMC Aluminum slot wheels rule... Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 6,211	Re: Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift Ok, I'll probably get them rearched and have an extra leaf thrown in to help keep their arch. And my springs now are pretty soft. Thanks for the help guys.

01-02-2009, 09:14 AM	#9
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift Sounds good.Let us know how it turns out.I still need some altitude on my white truck. Don`t be a stanger.Heck,we have a couple young guns that need a good example to follow. __________________ "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 ~

01-03-2009, 09:52 AM	#10
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,855	Re: Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift Jake You have a PM. Gary __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

01-03-2009, 09:57 AM	#11
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift THis short add-a-leaf gave me 1.5" and more stiffness on my K-10. You could do it and a zero rate leaf from ORD or DIY... You might need new U-bolts though. Attached Images __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer" Last edited by msgross; 01-03-2009 at 09:57 AM.

01-03-2009, 10:24 AM	#12
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift You should get new ubolts every time. They are stretch to yield hardware.

01-04-2009, 07:37 PM	#14
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Easiest way to get 2-3" of lift As long as you`re too busy.That`s a good excuse. __________________ "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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