Best/Cheapest way to lift my 1 ton 4x4? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BBC Beater · 10-12-2005, 09:33 PM

Hello, I've got a 1 ton 4x4 it's the RV style (like 73-87) 1990 crew cab, so its got solid axles. It has a 14 bolt rear and a dana 60 front. I want it to be "drivable" (ie~safe), but I don't really care about how it rides or drives.

AND NO body lifts, I also want extra clearance.

I want to run something like 34 inch tires like 305/75/16's I think. Will the 305's rub? Also, I need to be able to retain my tow rating or at least near it so I can stay safe.

Thanks in advance.

Joe

toroflow · 10-13-2005, 01:43 PM

any front lift spring from a 73-87 1/2 or 3/4 ton will work. you can either run a rear block or purchase new springs (check length first, either 52" or 56" rear springs).

BBC Beater · 10-13-2005, 03:35 PM

Anyone have any experience towing with those tires?

How much lift will I need to run 34" tires. I'm thinking 4 inches.

Mudder · 10-13-2005, 03:37 PM

4" Tuff Country lift (heavy duty). Lifting is not good for towing IMO.

1967k30 · 10-13-2005, 03:43 PM

I haven't towed with my lifted truck yet but there are a lot of guys doing it.

BBC Beater · 10-13-2005, 05:20 PM

I'm looking at having to be able to tow a considerable amount of weight every once in awhile. Will a block lift affect my towing ability? This is a farm truck that won't spend much time on the road, maybe 15% on road.

**JIMs70GMC** · 10-13-2005, 06:09 PM

Throw some add-a-leafs front and rear and keep the wheels less than 8" wide and you should have no problems.

toroflow · 10-14-2005, 01:35 PM

my tow rig...on 42" swampers....tows an 8500 pound boat....no problems ever (the dual wheels help immensely though)....

Dean · 10-14-2005, 02:20 PM

Any of you guys have factory exhaust manifolds on your K30s with the big block? I'm looking for a pic of the manifolds. Thanks.

shilo · 10-14-2005, 07:59 PM

why do you want manifolds instead of headers?

BBC Beater · 10-14-2005, 09:25 PM

I don't have pics but I took them off my 454 today and I'm putting headers on as soon as I buy some. They are a pretty tight fit though.

10-12-2005, 09:33 PM	#1
BBC Beater Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 57	Best/Cheapest way to lift my 1 ton 4x4? Hello, I've got a 1 ton 4x4 it's the RV style (like 73-87) 1990 crew cab, so its got solid axles. It has a 14 bolt rear and a dana 60 front. I want it to be "drivable" (ie~safe), but I don't really care about how it rides or drives. AND NO body lifts, I also want extra clearance. I want to run something like 34 inch tires like 305/75/16's I think. Will the 305's rub? Also, I need to be able to retain my tow rating or at least near it so I can stay safe. Thanks in advance. Joe Last edited by BBC Beater; 10-12-2005 at 09:35 PM.

10-13-2005, 01:43 PM	#2
toroflow Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 103	any front lift spring from a 73-87 1/2 or 3/4 ton will work. you can either run a rear block or purchase new springs (check length first, either 52" or 56" rear springs). __________________ Ken '60 GMC 3/4T 4x4 '60 GMC Suburban 4x4 '64 GMC Suburban 4x4

10-13-2005, 03:43 PM	#5
1967k30 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NE Posts: 363	I haven't towed with my lifted truck yet but there are a lot of guys doing it. __________________ 01 2500 Duramax,6spd,4x4,Not stock. Estimated 550rwhp/1100rwfp on fuel only. 03 3500 Duramax,6spd,4x4,Pac-Brake,not stock Estimated 500rwhp/1000rwfp fuel only 67 K10 in many pieces Little Brothers truck 67 K20 Cummins 12V/NV4500/205, D60/Eaton w/ Detroit,37" Xterrains,crossover steering, Future plans,Twins and lots of fuel.

10-13-2005, 06:09 PM	#7
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Throw some add-a-leafs front and rear and keep the wheels less than 8" wide and you should have no problems. __________________ 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

10-14-2005, 01:35 PM	#8
toroflow Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 103	my tow rig...on 42" swampers....tows an 8500 pound boat....no problems ever (the dual wheels help immensely though).... Attached Images __________________ Ken '60 GMC 3/4T 4x4 '60 GMC Suburban 4x4 '64 GMC Suburban 4x4

10-13-2005, 03:35 PM	#3
BBC Beater Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 57	Anyone have any experience towing with those tires? How much lift will I need to run 34" tires. I'm thinking 4 inches.

10-13-2005, 03:37 PM	#4
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	4" Tuff Country lift (heavy duty). Lifting is not good for towing IMO.

10-13-2005, 05:20 PM	#6
BBC Beater Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 57	I'm looking at having to be able to tow a considerable amount of weight every once in awhile. Will a block lift affect my towing ability? This is a farm truck that won't spend much time on the road, maybe 15% on road.

10-14-2005, 02:20 PM	#9
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	Any of you guys have factory exhaust manifolds on your K30s with the big block? I'm looking for a pic of the manifolds. Thanks.

10-14-2005, 07:59 PM	#10
shilo Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grand Junction , CO Posts: 602	why do you want manifolds instead of headers? __________________ 71 swb 4x4, 37" Iroks, t400/205 496 77 CJ-7, Narrowed Dana 60 Lockrite, 14 Bolt Spool, 4.56 gears, 39.5" boggers. 360 t-18/d20

10-14-2005, 09:25 PM	#11
BBC Beater Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 57	I don't have pics but I took them off my 454 today and I'm putting headers on as soon as I buy some. They are a pretty tight fit though.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.