lifting my 81

[vycc]

i want to lift my 81 GMC SWB 4x4 but i'm very tight on $$$$. i was looking into a 4" lift... i was told to use blocks under the leafs. i've seen this before and i does look nice, i only wish i could get new re-arched leafs, but i can't... so is this a decent way to go. help me out.

[yellowgmc]

blocks are ok in the back but not the front. there's too much leverage on the front axle and the blocks can be spit out. try and add a leaf and a small bady lift?

[Mudder]

Agree! Don't use blocks on the front. 4 inch lifts are very common and you may get lucky and find a used one cheap.

[twistedmetal]

Take your springs down to a spring re arching shop and tell them you want them to have 4 more inches arch on them,but you must buy the 4" corection steering component or it will be a scary ride,bumpsteer isn't nice.use 3/4 ton springs stay away from blocks if you are gonna be doing big jumps as they tend to bent u bolts and the blocks jump out.Don't forget shocks.Blocks on the front is a no no,unles you are just doing a local mud bog and towing it there and back.

If Fall Guy only knew how many trucks I wrecked,He'd be proud

[vycc]

i am thinking of using 3/4 ton leaf all around as well as shocks... i just want to have enough clearance for my 33's when i go into the bush

[Ryan Flowers]

Seen a 4" lift kit with all hardware on ebay for $175............

Like the other gear heads said..... DO NOT USE BLOCKS ON THE FRONT .....................


If $$$$$$ is an issue, I would save until you had enough. Do the job right for your safety.......................& ours!



Put up a wanted post on the parts board..........Someone should be able to come up with something.

Good luck

[JIMs70GMC]

If your only going to run 33s all you would need is an add-a-leaf in the front (about $60) and one in the back and maybe new u-bolts. That will give you plenty of room for 33s on 8" wide rims and a small 33" on 10" wide rims. The add-a-leafs would give you about 1.5"-2" of lift. This is what I did on an 85 K5 I had with 33s on 15" x 10" rims. When I put the 4" lift on the 33s were too small looking and I ended up getting 35s.

[vycc]

that's a good idea, i never thought of that before.. would i need longer shocks?? about how long??

..... do ya think that 3/4 ton leafs or would be too much work.i heard that i'd have to replace the shackles. thanks for all your advise

[JIMs70GMC]

I didn't use longer shocks. Most of the shock applications I've seen are listed 0-2" of lift. To put in the add-a-leaf you would not need to take the spring loose from the truck, just remove the u-bolts(support truck at frame) and allow the axle to seperate from the spring pack. remove the spring center bolt(new one w/ add a leaf). Long leaf will go near the main leaf a short leaf will probably go on the bottom. of the pack. Put in new center bolt and reassemble spring u-bolts.
As far as re-arching spring two local shops I called wanted around $350 and all they were going to do is add-a-leaf so it would maintain it's arch. I don't think 3/4 ton springs will get you any higher.

[vycc]

just so i'm clear... find a set of leafs, take them apart, add 1 leaf spring to my existing leaf pack on my truck, new center bolts and u-bolts... and that should give me enough lift... could i use used leafs ( cheap, cheap ) or do they need to be a certain add-a-leaf.
Jims70GMC you have been a HUGE help, thanks for humoring a 4 whelin' newbie

[Big Bad Buddy]

hey man i'm no expert bit if it were me i would save the money up until you can do this lift right... add a leaves are a bad idea in these spring packs because of the negative arch in your stock spring and the positive arch in an add a leave. the add a leaf will rub on the stock spring until it finaly breaks through it...trust me it's not pretty. i would save up and buy a two inch lift if that's all you want or go with a 4" a some 35's. i think those trucks should come factory like that anyways! your call but it"s better to do it right the first time and learn from other peoples mistakes. hope this helps.

[vycc]

well money is tight and yeah i don't want crap under me, but i have heard people doing the add-a-leaf and it being totally fine... i mean if it would indanger you then they wouldn't sell it. but i appreicate you concern.

[JIMs70GMC]

I wouldn't use used leafs, it would be hard to gauge the amount of lift get your add a leafs from a manufacture. For ride quality get longer add-a-leafs vice short ones. Some manufacture's have both depending on what you want. I have a short add-a-leaf on the rear of my truck now, it went right above the over load leaf. Should be pic in the link in my signature.

[vycc]

that makes it a lot clarer.... thanx Jim