Lifting my 1985 K20 (need help)

[chevylu630]

I am trying to find out how hard it would be to install a 8" Skyjacker suspension lift on my 1985 K20? I would also like to see pictures of any year K20 lifted 8". I'd really appriciate feedback! Thank You!

[Chevy1TonFun]

Its not hard if you have ever installed a lift kit before. Is the truck stock or does it already have a lift on it? The hardest part will to remove the rusty bolts. Don't forget you'll need new brakelines, extent you drivelines, and install new steering components.

[chevylu630]

My truck has a 4" Rough Country now. I'll be honest I've never installed a suspension lift. I just don't want to spend $800 more for installation.

[Chevy1TonFun]

Give it a try and we'll answer any question you have. Do you have an engine lift? You need to be able to safely lift the truck without the suspension.

[Mr-Jack]

have you done any suspension or mechanical work before? Not trying to be rude in any way...I'm just saying if you don't trust your mechanical skills, you'd be safer and better off spending another 800 bucks to have a professional install it...that way it's warranteed as far as the install by someone that is responsible if something goes wrong.

[chevylu630]

@ Mr-Jack - I've done plenty of mechanical work. Suspension lifts I have never done.
@Chevy1TonFun - I do not have an engine lift. My buddy does who will probaly giving me a hand.

[Beersnob]

It's a fairly simple process on leaf sprung vehicles if you have everything you need. Are you going with springs in the rear, or blocks? I would suggest springs for reliability. Blocks can come loose and fall out (ask me how I know!). Whatever you do, don't go cheap. Take the hit and buy everything new. A lot of people try to reuse u-bolts and stuff like that an it's disastrous.

Out of curiosity, what kit are you using?

[special-K]

There's nothing so technical about installing a lift that I'd advise having a "professional" do the job. Matter of fact,I've seen so-called ones botch up an installation. It's more like grunt work to endure more than anything. The bolts can be a bear. Soak with PB blaster,but you may wind up using a cutting wheel on a mini-grinder. I always cut the u-bolts under the axle,just once,then turn them with a wrench to pull the spring plates. It's the spring eye bolts that can be ornery. The hardest part is removing the steering arm. There are split tapered cones seated in the arm and they don't like to come out. Soak,beat,soak,heat,soak,beat,beat,beat...they "WILL" come out,trust me
Going 8",as mentioned,will require having the drive shafts lengthened,you'll need longer brake hoses,and e-brake cables. I think if I even did an 8" lift I'd absolutely change it to crossover steering.

[chevylu630]

I was planning on cross over sterring. Thank you for the helpful info!

[chevylu630]

@ Beersnob - I was planning on getting a 8" Skyjacker Softride

[Shooters_7]

Look at Offroad Design and their products. If your going that high then do a shackle flip and their crossover steering. I had it on my 87 and it road a hell of a lot better than you'd think.

[chevylu630]

@ Shooters_7 - Thank you for telling me about that site!! Do you remeber how much everything end up costing you and what lift you went with?

[Chevy1TonFun]

if you do a shackle flip then you can run 4" lift springs in the rear and your ride will be a lot better than 8" lift springs. The only time my truck rides nice is when its got a load in the bed.

[Shooters_7]

chevylu630, as far as cost, I ended up buying a Dana 60 and Corp 14 bolt on top of the suspension items. In the end I think I spent around 4K on just suspension items and includes the lockers and rear disc brake kit. Some of what I used for my 87 Chevy SWB 4x4 as is follows:

-8” Superlift springs in front with Offroad Design FUSH (shackle mounts) and greasable bushings
-6” Superlift rear springs with Offroad Design 2.5” shackle flip kit and greasable bushings.
-PSC ported steering box (don't forget to strengthen the frame) and hydraulic assisted steering.
-Offroad design "Hi Steer" crossover steering for the D60 front

Good luck on the build!