Help/Suggestions with Lifting a 2wd truck

[davbell22602]

I have a 90 c2500 8lug. I want to run 35's. I will use a 3in body lift. I want to use a suspension spindle lift kit but the only one I found was from fab tech. Fab tech said it fits 92-99 2wd 8 lug only but is was never tested on anything older than a 92. I dont want to buy a 4x4 at this time. I wish to stick with a 2wd.

[84 400]

I would think it would fit as it is a Control arm set up but I have never lifted a 2wd. I think that the 87-99's all use the same type of front suspension. Why lift a 2wd tho? For the look or is it a pre runner type set up.

[davbell22602]

Someone told it might have to do with the abs. Does a 2wd have abs in the front? haynes book said theres two types RWAL or 4WAL.

[davbell22602]

Plus I'll regear to 4.56 ratio on the rearend for 35's also.

[special-K]

What transmission do you have?Are you sure you want 4.56s?I`d think with 2wd ou may want more momentum at slower wheel speed?I know the 4wds began having adjustable torsion bars in`92.I wonder if something changed then with 2wds too.

[davbell22602]

I have 4speed L-1-2-3-R trany according to the rpo's its a m21 or m22 . my rear ratio is 3.73 now.

[special-K]

Ok,you`ll have 4.10s once you do the 4.56s.If you go with 4.10s you be back at 3.73 with 35s...both are approximate and that`s based on 235/85s,not the shorter 245/75 series that came on these trucks.I don`t know about the RPO codes.I guess it`s a coincidence the numbers match the old car 4spds in muscle cars.When I say 4spd (or 3spd),I mean manual.When talking automatics I say TH350,TH400,700r4,4l60E,4L80E,etc.I don`t think 700r4s went into 3/4t vehicles.I just looked again and it looks like you have a 4spd...no O/D,right?

[davbell22602]

yes no overdrive on manual but have a low gear. 35's I would use is 315/75/16 and they are 34.6inches diameter. I have 245/75/16 which the is the factory size on my truck now. Heres a link to tire diameter/gear ratio chart from where I got my info from.

http://www.4lo.com/calc/geartable.htm

[benoit454]

man you got bigger tires stock then my 4x4 stock, my 88 k1500 said it had 225/75 16 stock I think that's small an older 2wd came with 235/75 15's stock.

[davbell22602]

I 'm getting to throw on 265/75/16 tires til I get some rims and the tires (35's).

[davbell22602]

I have either the muncie m21or m22 transmission.

[special-K]

the tires are bigger on heavier duty trucks from factory.You don`t have an M21 or M22 or M20.Those are car 4spds w/o granny and never came in a truck.Haven`t been in cars for a few decades.That`s what came in a Vette,for instance.I don`t need the chart,seen it and now have that stuff memorized in the range I deal with.I`ve altered many a truck.It doesn`t have to be so precise.Afterall,there aren`t an infinite choice in ratios.Might as well round off to what`s available.Basically they vary from about 1/4 to 1/2 a turn of the axle.All tire diameters vary in the same size,even within the same brand between different designs.A 1/2" means nothing.air pressure can vary a tire that much.It also varies by width of wheel mounted on.Only the radius concerns you and that`s 1/2 the diameter.Figure that`s only when brand new.It`s just not all that technical and the exact numbers just don`t matter.You basically have a choice of 3 3/4 turns,right about 4,about 4 1/2,right between 4 3/4 and 5,about 1/4 more than that,etc.The chart is helpful to calibrate speedo correction,if you actually know the exact dimensions.Again,"right about..." is close enough.I use mile markers to figure mine.Anti-loc brakes allow approximately 10% variation.So about 3 more inches in diameter can be gotten away with anti-locs before disabling.

[davbell22602]

ok my mistake

[special-K]

Not a mistake,just K.I.S.S. Don`t size by a chart.Start with available ratios and go from there.The chart is very helpful.

[davbell22602]

ok, I'll have to get picture of the rearend and maybe someone can tell what model I have. I was told its the 14sf 10 bolt. Based on the picture on my avator. I look and see to be sure. I noticed alot mods changes from dash to front end clip.

[davbell22602]

I found out I RWAL abs system which in the rear and spindles from a 88-00 on 2wd 8lug wheel pattern will fit also.

[special-K]

You have a 14-bolt semi-floating axle.They have a 9 1/2" ring gear.A full loating rear has a hub protruding.

[davbell22602]

ok, so the ring gear would be 9.5 14 bolt then when gear upgrades, right?

[sbc383rulz]

if your truck is a 4 speed manual, with a "granny" gear (extremely slow first) you have a SM465 wich is a muncie but its not a M21 or M22. Gill

[davbell22602]

if your truck is a 4 speed manual, with a "granny" gear (extremely slow first) you have a SM465 wich is a muncie but its not a M21 or M22. Gill

I already figured that out. thanks though.

[davbell22602]

Is there any recommendation on brands or styles of 16in 8 lug rims for the biggers tires?

I will be using 315/75/16 generals.


What about the longer shocks and coil springs too. What length do I need?

[benoit454]

you can get el cheapo's from summit chrome ones cragar or us wheels brands in like star pattern, holes, saw blades, or the 8 spoke wagon wheels for cheap.

Or you can step up to some expensive ones, my advice, hit summitracing.com

go to wheels and tires, then wheels, then select size, and width, then bolt pattern and go from there.

[davbell22602]

Ok thanks benoit454.

summitracing .com doesnt have 16in 8 wheels when looking up a 90 chevy c2500.

What width size do I get for the wheels/rims for the bigger tires? 315/75/16

What wheels do I have the truck now? stock? See picture of my avator.


What about the longer shocks and coil springs too. What length do I need?

[davbell22602]

Found out that the 315/75/16 width is 9.30 inches.

So can I use 8.5 or 9.0 width rim?

I have a set of 16.5 rims that are 9.72 inches width(measuring with ruler) that came with the truck. Will these work? Difference in diameter 1.44 inches on the tires.

[63chevyll]

a 9 inch wheel would be fine, but id stay away from 16.5's