What size lift do I need for my 72?? - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

-Greg72 · 03-03-2008, 05:29 PM

You don't have to spend a lot of money for axles if it's just going to be a poser truck.

That 14BFF can be had for between $50 - $300 depending on the deal you find. 8-Lug conversion parts for your existing D44 should be less than $200. A front D60 is a waste of money for your stated application...

But no matter what, you'll still need crossover steering to make it drive correctly.

Did you ever end up figuring out if your front springs were installed backwards?

.

**special-K** · 03-03-2008, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Greg72

You'll need crossover steering.....it's not really a debatable point.

"Non-debatable?"Does this mean I haven`t been able to steer my trucks all these years?Please explain.

Up front, you can do an 8-lug conversion to your existing D44, but unless you are building a truck for the mall, it's kind of a waste to spend the money on crossover steering on a D44 axle.

It`s for the mall.

I haven`t been to the mall in my truck and unless I try some real extreme (IMO) 4 wheeling I have no problems w/o crossover steering which never existed as an option until recently.
I agree,going with this amount of lift and large tire size there are alot of other points that need addressed.We`re here to help and 4wd magazines and books have all you need to know and they all will agree running tires of this size are not a bolt-on thing.It gets expensive over 35".
I do plan crossover/high steer on my next 6" lifted truck I have planned.But,it only makes a difference in real twisty circumstances that most trucks don`t get into.There`s an endless list of offroad enhancing mods,but you can get by w/o most.It`s all a matter of limitations.

-Greg72 · 03-03-2008, 07:07 PM

SpK,

With crazy tall lift, there's almost no way to get the draglink into the correct horizontal position again (except for dangerous steering arm spacers, etc). Having the draglink at a severe angle is going to adversely affect steering...and not just offroad.

If the axle is moved forward (as it sounds like it is in this case) that draglink is going to need to be shortened to get equal amounts of "left" and "right" steering. An even shorter draglink will be less tolerant of bumps or hard braking and will either want to pull or push the steering wheel as it drives. I learned this one on my own truck when I moved the front axle 1" forward. The truck was a real handful on the highway, and that was only with 4" of lift and 36's. The swap to crossover steering was a night-and-day improvement in driveability, and my turning radius (at the mall

) was dramatically better also....

**special-K** · 03-03-2008, 07:38 PM

Yeah,I was just thinking about the 6" springs and not the Zero-Rates,shackles,and odd spring/axle configuration(which I think should all be reconsidered).I`d want 8" springs and Zero-Rates or custom 9" springs if it was mine.I think these springs are backwards.
But,my truck with 6" lift handles/steers as well as any new truck.I can haul along with one finger on the wheel.It is rock-solid with no noticeable bumpsteer.I extended my drag link to center the steering and use the steering arm for 4-6" lift.
I don`t know the overall condition of this truck.But,before lifting my truck it got new bearings,rod ends,ball joints...everything.Any play will be magnified with the bigger tires and effects will be worsened.Not to mention eating up those expensive tires.
Probably a good rule would be:Build the truck,then buy tires that fit what you have.
I hope our discussion is paying off here.

justincasey57 · 03-03-2008, 08:08 PM

oh yeah this helps a lot thanks guys!!!
I installed the 6" springs and the 6" raised steering arm and the drag link is pretty much level(horizontal) and I think the springs were backwards I installed the 6" springs and after the 4" springs came out and I measured them and there is a diff. from one side to the other!!!the springs I installed had and ---> on them to let me know plus I spent good money for 6" ezride's not the cheap rough county like before.!!!!!I am checking into the axles conversions.Any other suggestions?

justincasey57 · 03-03-2008, 08:09 PM

NO zero rates used either!!!!sorry I forgot to add that.

**special-K** · 03-04-2008, 12:03 AM

Good deal.Let us know how it goes.I think it`s good you`re going to the 3/4t Dana44 or 10-bolt(later).They`ll be 8-lug,do you have 6-lug wheels,now?Although you`ll have the same axle shafts/differential,you`ll have larger bearings and bigger brakes.There`s no way the previous owner had a complete 1t brake set-up with the 6-lug hubs.The most he ould have done was use a 1t master cyl/booster/proportioning valve.I believe the m/c is the same as 3/4t and the booster is the only heavier part.Which really just boils down to giving more boost to the pedal effort.Usually this would just make a 1/2 or 3/4t have "touchy" brakes.But,with 39.5s that would be compensated for and prolly feel right.After`72 the 1t trucks went to hydro-boost.That is really the best set-up for what you`re up to,IMO.It can be done without surprisingly little effort over bolt on.Talk to Yukon Jack (off the top of my head),he`s done this.I think that`s what I will be doing.

justincasey57 · 03-04-2008, 08:15 AM

yeah I have 6 lug wheels.I talked to a guy around here and he said theres a company in Tennesee that makes axles and axle parts that you can keep you 6 lug pattern but have 1 ton gear?I'm not sure and I didnt get the name of the place but I am going to check into it but I'm going to see how the 39.5's handle and stop and steer and see what pro's and con's I have with the way its setup now.thanks for the info.

**Yukon Jack** · 03-05-2008, 03:37 AM

Make sure you look at this link. Guy is running 40" Ground Hawg's but I don't know what amount of lift he is using.

justincasey57 · 03-05-2008, 05:27 AM

I sent him a PM. he's running 1/2 ton gear it looks like.

justincasey57 · 03-05-2008, 06:16 AM

He said he has a 4'' Rancho lift with a 3'' body lift and I added two leafs to the front and rear springs which gave it another 1.5'' for a total of 8.5''.So i will have plenty of room.

justincasey57 · 03-07-2008, 08:23 PM

Here's a pic of my truck with 4" susp.3" body and flipped shackle in the rear and 2" shackles up front. with35" Nitto mud grapplers with 20x10's

justincasey57 · 03-07-2008, 08:23 PM

[IMG]

[/IMG]

justincasey57 · 03-07-2008, 08:24 PM

[IMG]

[/IMG]

vtblazer · 03-09-2008, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justincasey57

[IMG]

[/IMG]

This is the same lift your going to use with the 39.5's?

Already looks close enough with the 35's to me but maybe it's the pic.

**special-K** · 03-09-2008, 04:52 PM

Are you trying to rack up your post count or don`t you know how to edit or know the fact that each post can handle up to 5 pictures?Not being mean,it`s just something the staff doesn`t want done and you`ll end up getting a talking to if it keeps up.

BTW,nice Stepside.(see?I added that in,rather than make another post which is known as a double post and against the rules we all clicked "agree" to.)

vtblazer · 03-11-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Are you trying to rack up your post count or don`t you know how to edit or know the fact that each post can handle up to 5 pictures?Not being mean,it`s just something the staff doesn`t want done and you`ll end up getting a talking to if it keeps up.

BTW,nice Stepside.(see?I added that in,rather than make another post which is known as a double post and against the rules we all clicked "agree" to.)

Bad day?

justincasey57 · 03-11-2008, 06:26 PM

sorry about the double post thats the first time Ive posted pic's.

**special-K** · 03-11-2008, 06:35 PM

It`s not just the pictures I`m talking about.I found out you can post 5 when I tryed to post more than 5 and I couldn`t.It`s the post following the other only minutes apart with an after thought.The staff wants members to click the "edit" button and add your after thought in the post you just made.I`m just letting you know how things work here.It`s one of the rules.

Kurt,leave me alone

You`re hurting my feelings

justincasey57 · 03-12-2008, 05:40 AM

sorry didnt know there was an EDIT button!!!!!!!! a little info would help b4 you just lay into me thanks.

**special-K** · 03-12-2008, 02:43 PM

Not laying into anybody.Just giving a little info.Sorry if you saw it differently.Just trying to help.
Who makes those wheels?I think I`ve seen them on something before but can`t put my finger on it.

justincasey57 · 03-12-2008, 10:26 PM

american eagle alloy

BIG HEAD · 03-22-2008, 04:47 AM

justincasey57 if i understand you right, in your pictures you have 4 inch springs. and you have since addes 6 inch springs. which puts you at 3 body & 6 suspension. that should be more than enough lift. your dana 44 front is fine for a 39.5 tire on a 10 inch wide wheel. for street use. make sure your ball joints are tight. and you have a stablizer shock. great truck.

AMD6769 · 03-22-2008, 09:01 AM

what size wheels are those. NICE I like it

justincasey57 · 03-25-2008, 02:44 AM

they are 20x10 and thanks for the input I will post a few pics of the truck in a few hours or so.Rides like a dream compared to the 4" and 35" nitto's.

03-03-2008, 05:29 PM	#26
-Greg72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 308	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? You don't have to spend a lot of money for axles if it's just going to be a poser truck. That 14BFF can be had for between $50 - $300 depending on the deal you find. 8-Lug conversion parts for your existing D44 should be less than $200. A front D60 is a waste of money for your stated application... But no matter what, you'll still need crossover steering to make it drive correctly. Did you ever end up figuring out if your front springs were installed backwards? . __________________ 1972 K5 - 502BBC/4L80E/Magnum205/Mog-9s/5.26s/38" BFG KM2s Find me on INSTAGRAM @MIGHTASWELLK5 '72 K5 - Greg's "Might As Well™" Build

03-03-2008, 07:07 PM	#28
-Greg72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 308	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? SpK, With crazy tall lift, there's almost no way to get the draglink into the correct horizontal position again (except for dangerous steering arm spacers, etc). Having the draglink at a severe angle is going to adversely affect steering...and not just offroad. If the axle is moved forward (as it sounds like it is in this case) that draglink is going to need to be shortened to get equal amounts of "left" and "right" steering. An even shorter draglink will be less tolerant of bumps or hard braking and will either want to pull or push the steering wheel as it drives. I learned this one on my own truck when I moved the front axle 1" forward. The truck was a real handful on the highway, and that was only with 4" of lift and 36's. The swap to crossover steering was a night-and-day improvement in driveability, and my turning radius (at the mall ) was dramatically better also.... __________________ 1972 K5 - 502BBC/4L80E/Magnum205/Mog-9s/5.26s/38" BFG KM2s Find me on INSTAGRAM @MIGHTASWELLK5 '72 K5 - Greg's "Might As Well™" Build

03-03-2008, 07:38 PM	#29
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? Yeah,I was just thinking about the 6" springs and not the Zero-Rates,shackles,and odd spring/axle configuration(which I think should all be reconsidered).I`d want 8" springs and Zero-Rates or custom 9" springs if it was mine.I think these springs are backwards. But,my truck with 6" lift handles/steers as well as any new truck.I can haul along with one finger on the wheel.It is rock-solid with no noticeable bumpsteer.I extended my drag link to center the steering and use the steering arm for 4-6" lift. I don`t know the overall condition of this truck.But,before lifting my truck it got new bearings,rod ends,ball joints...everything.Any play will be magnified with the bigger tires and effects will be worsened.Not to mention eating up those expensive tires. Probably a good rule would be:Build the truck,then buy tires that fit what you have. I hope our discussion is paying off here. __________________ "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 ~

03-03-2008, 08:08 PM	#30
justincasey57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: dallas ga Posts: 54	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? oh yeah this helps a lot thanks guys!!! I installed the 6" springs and the 6" raised steering arm and the drag link is pretty much level(horizontal) and I think the springs were backwards I installed the 6" springs and after the 4" springs came out and I measured them and there is a diff. from one side to the other!!!the springs I installed had and ---> on them to let me know plus I spent good money for 6" ezride's not the cheap rough county like before.!!!!!I am checking into the axles conversions.Any other suggestions?

03-03-2008, 08:09 PM	#31
justincasey57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: dallas ga Posts: 54	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? NO zero rates used either!!!!sorry I forgot to add that.

03-04-2008, 12:03 AM	#32
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? Good deal.Let us know how it goes.I think it`s good you`re going to the 3/4t Dana44 or 10-bolt(later).They`ll be 8-lug,do you have 6-lug wheels,now?Although you`ll have the same axle shafts/differential,you`ll have larger bearings and bigger brakes.There`s no way the previous owner had a complete 1t brake set-up with the 6-lug hubs.The most he ould have done was use a 1t master cyl/booster/proportioning valve.I believe the m/c is the same as 3/4t and the booster is the only heavier part.Which really just boils down to giving more boost to the pedal effort.Usually this would just make a 1/2 or 3/4t have "touchy" brakes.But,with 39.5s that would be compensated for and prolly feel right.After`72 the 1t trucks went to hydro-boost.That is really the best set-up for what you`re up to,IMO.It can be done without surprisingly little effort over bolt on.Talk to Yukon Jack (off the top of my head),he`s done this.I think that`s what I will be doing. __________________ "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 ~

03-04-2008, 08:15 AM	#33
justincasey57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: dallas ga Posts: 54	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? yeah I have 6 lug wheels.I talked to a guy around here and he said theres a company in Tennesee that makes axles and axle parts that you can keep you 6 lug pattern but have 1 ton gear?I'm not sure and I didnt get the name of the place but I am going to check into it but I'm going to see how the 39.5's handle and stop and steer and see what pro's and con's I have with the way its setup now.thanks for the info.

03-05-2008, 03:37 AM	#34
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? Make sure you look at this link. Guy is running 40" Ground Hawg's but I don't know what amount of lift he is using. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-05-2008, 05:27 AM	#35
justincasey57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: dallas ga Posts: 54	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? I sent him a PM. he's running 1/2 ton gear it looks like.

03-05-2008, 06:16 AM	#36
justincasey57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: dallas ga Posts: 54	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? He said he has a 4'' Rancho lift with a 3'' body lift and I added two leafs to the front and rear springs which gave it another 1.5'' for a total of 8.5''.So i will have plenty of room.

03-07-2008, 08:23 PM	#37
justincasey57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: dallas ga Posts: 54	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? Here's a pic of my truck with 4" susp.3" body and flipped shackle in the rear and 2" shackles up front. with35" Nitto mud grapplers with 20x10's

03-07-2008, 08:24 PM	#39
justincasey57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: dallas ga Posts: 54	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? [IMG][/IMG]

03-09-2008, 04:52 PM	#41
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? Are you trying to rack up your post count or don`t you know how to edit or know the fact that each post can handle up to 5 pictures?Not being mean,it`s just something the staff doesn`t want done and you`ll end up getting a talking to if it keeps up. BTW,nice Stepside.(see?I added that in,rather than make another post which is known as a double post and against the rules we all clicked "agree" to.) __________________ "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 ~ Last edited by special-K; 03-09-2008 at 04:54 PM.

03-11-2008, 06:26 PM	#43
justincasey57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: dallas ga Posts: 54	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? sorry about the double post thats the first time Ive posted pic's.

03-11-2008, 06:35 PM	#44
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? It`s not just the pictures I`m talking about.I found out you can post 5 when I tryed to post more than 5 and I couldn`t.It`s the post following the other only minutes apart with an after thought.The staff wants members to click the "edit" button and add your after thought in the post you just made.I`m just letting you know how things work here.It`s one of the rules. Kurt,leave me alone You`re hurting my feelings __________________ "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 ~ Last edited by special-K; 03-11-2008 at 06:43 PM.



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03-12-2008, 05:40 AM	#45
justincasey57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: dallas ga Posts: 54	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? sorry didnt know there was an EDIT button!!!!!!!! a little info would help b4 you just lay into me thanks.

03-12-2008, 02:43 PM	#46
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? Not laying into anybody.Just giving a little info.Sorry if you saw it differently.Just trying to help. Who makes those wheels?I think I`ve seen them on something before but can`t put my finger on it. __________________ "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 ~

03-12-2008, 10:26 PM	#47
justincasey57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: dallas ga Posts: 54	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? american eagle alloy

03-22-2008, 04:47 AM	#48
BIG HEAD Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: lake city florida Posts: 327	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? justincasey57 if i understand you right, in your pictures you have 4 inch springs. and you have since addes 6 inch springs. which puts you at 3 body & 6 suspension. that should be more than enough lift. your dana 44 front is fine for a 39.5 tire on a 10 inch wide wheel. for street use. make sure your ball joints are tight. and you have a stablizer shock. great truck. Last edited by BIG HEAD; 03-22-2008 at 04:49 AM.

03-22-2008, 09:01 AM	#49
AMD6769 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: OAKLAND CALI Posts: 61	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? what size wheels are those. NICE I like it

03-25-2008, 02:44 AM	#50
justincasey57 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: dallas ga Posts: 54	Re: What size lift do I need for my 72?? they are 20x10 and thanks for the input I will post a few pics of the truck in a few hours or so.Rides like a dream compared to the 4" and 35" nitto's.

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