Building an 85 k20 4x4 help please!

[67TexasC-10]

I have an 85 k20... it is currently lifted 4 inches on 33s.

Im running a mild built 350.
It is a four on the floor/with granny gear
approx 4:10 gears....

I would like to lift it between 8-12 inches total and wonder how perfoemance is affected from an 8 to a 10 to a 12 inch lift and also wonder what size tires can be ran at these size lifts without rub? This truck will most likely be a daily driver with most of its time spent on the pavement. But if i want to go offroad i want to know ill have a pretty solid truck that wont break so easily.... What other suggestions do yall have? all input is appreciated!!

Also I would like to do crossover steering.... I think i have determined a 10 bolt gm is up front and a 14 bolt out back. Where is a good place to get a complete kit? And can some one explain to me the differneces in crossover steering vs a high steer kit?

Thanks in advance

[67TexasC-10]

Also how can I post pics of the truck?

[msgross]

Originally Posted by 67TexasC-10

Also how can I post pics of the truck?

you can "go advanced" when you make an entrry and use the paperclip icon to attach pics, or upload them to photobucket.com (account required) and copy the IMG link and paste that in the area where you type...


10-12" of lift is a monster

1. check your lift laws to make sure it's legal
2. do it safely, no junk lift blocks or body lifts (they are ok but a pain to install).
3. I don't know what size tires, maybe 37" or 40"
4. if you go that big then invest in a dana 60 front axle, the 10-bolt will die off-road with those big tires.
5. Then upgrade everything else, brakes, drivetrain, clutch, u-joints (get my drift $$$$$)
6. croosover steering uses the stock tie rod to turn the drivers wheel, high steer moves that tierod up to the top of the knuckles so that you don't break it off on a rock on the trail.

These are all very serious and expensive upgrades. I would keep the daily driver and buy/build a trail rig so that you can run it hard and still get to work on Monday...

[67TexasC-10]

Thanks! How about an 8 inch lift on 38s? I plan on doing a straight suspension lift... no blocks! And why is the 10 bolt not capable?

<a href="http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/beezeebdse/?action=view&current=P1000149.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/beezeebdse/P1000149.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[67TexasC-10]

[67TexasC-10]

[Chevy1TonFun]

Crossover steering:



Hi Steer:


You can go with the cross over steering if you are going to stay out of the rocks. You need to get rid of the 10 bolt if you are going bigger than 35s. Depending on how hard you are going to be pushing your truck, you can get away with having a dana 44, but it would be recommended to have a dana 60.

As for the performance factor with a lift kit, you will loose a little due to the added weight from the bigger tires and some of the suspension mods. One thing that will need to be accomplished is gearing. Running 38s or bigger you will want to run at least 4.88s if not 5.13s.

As for how much tire you can run with a 10-12" lift depends on each truck. First it depends on how much lift you end up with and also what type of 4 wheeling you will do. Will you be needing articulation for rocks and trails? If you do then you have to run a smaller tire. If you are going to go mud and sand then you can probably run a bigger tire. There are so many factors to all your questions.

The end result it all cost lots of money, its a learn experience to what you want, and it will be a never ending project. I have $20,000+ and I'm still not done. Like msgross said, keep the daily driver and go find some cheap truck to build up or a little civc to zip around town. Less of a headache when monday comes around and you've broke the truck 4 wheeling over the weekend.

[Chevy1TonFun]

I'd go with a 10" with 38s. The 10 bolt has weak joints and smaller axle shafts. Overall it is not known for its strength.

[msgross]

that's a sharp truck.. i wish I had one like it to drive everyday...

Originally Posted by 67TexasC-10

[67TexasC-10]

Thankyou for the advice and thankyou for the compliments! I dont think i would like to change axle out at this point so Im kinda thinkin an 8inch lift on 36s... Dont plan on pushing to hard and the toughest terrain it will see is probably the 5 mile drive from the gate of my ranch to my actual camp.... the beach... or some mud.... So how would this truck perform with an 8 inch lift on 36s and is crossover steering necessary? from wat i read it is and from what i read it will run me just under a grand probably for the steering... what do yall say? Know anywere to get hd bumpers for the truck or would they have to be custom fabbed? Thanks!

[msgross]

you can do a raised steering arm and a dropped pitman arm to include an "S" drag link to help the steering.. I don't think corp10's had flattop knuckles so you would really have to tear you hubs apart to swap them out. I think you could do it for under a grand but not if you want a fancy low ratio steering box...

[67TexasC-10]

I was plannin on just using a 2wd gearbox out of compatible truck...? and as far as "fixing" the current steering to make the drag link level... how would this perform?

[justcuz]

I ran 36" tire with a 4" lift and a little fender trimming. Why so high, it ruins your center of gravity and makes it ride like a buckboard.

[Chevy1TonFun]

Originally Posted by 67TexasC-10

I was plannin on just using a 2wd gearbox out of compatible truck...? and as far as "fixing" the current steering to make the drag link level... how would this perform?

"you can do a raised steering arm and a dropped pitman arm to include an "S" drag link to help the steering.." msgross

Pitman arm:


Raised Steering Arm:


Drag Link:

[Jaredchevyk20]

What brand is the 4 inch lift? all spring or is there any blocks? thanks man