Biggest tires....

[MidwestMan]

I can go with on my 87 4X4 with stock suspension? It has 31/10.5's now, at full lock it appears to have plenty of room if I went with 33's. I'm not opposed to putting a minor lift on the truck down the road, but tires aren't cheap and only wanna buy them once.

Thanks fellas!

[mud.man.rj]

Do the lift first, then see what you want unless just moving up to 33" is enough for you, depends on width also, a 33" isn't a lot more if same width but not if you go to a 12.50 width. Like you said do it once.

[MidwestMan]

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

Do the lift first, then see what you want unless just moving up to 33" is enough for you, depends on width also, a 33" isn't a lot more if same width but not if you go to a 12.50 width. Like you said do it once.

This is gonna be my toy, winter ride ect. Who makes a good lift kit without breaking the bank? This is my first four wheel drive so I'm new to this. I was thinking maybe a three or four inch tops.

[mud.man.rj]

Just about anyone makes a good lift, Superlift, Rancho, lots of main brands. Could buy add a leaf kit for the front, which could be installed w existing u bolts if they come apart easily and an adda leaf kit or blocks for the rear, most add a leaves add about 2.5 to 3" so cheaper or could buy a dedicated lift of complete spring packs for front and rear..or also a cheaper kit would be a kit with a front spring pack and rear block to add under your leaf pack which can easily be a 4" lift. Any more than 4" mean drive shaft mods which cost to much so stick w 4" or less. W a 4" total spring lift should squeeze a 35" tire, tight but will work so a 33" will easily fit. Like I mentioned earlier the width is a huge factor because it comes into play when turning and rubs, so a skinnier 35" that is 10.50 wide will fit a 4" easily but a wider 12.50 width will maybe rub or be close. Check out some lift sites. Must have some shops in your area you could talk to. Buy a kit w shocks so the length is correct for the lift.

[MidwestMan]

Not a bad price.


http://www.superlift.com/pc_product_...BE6A3596394195

[mud.man.rj]

That is a nice price, and nothing wrong with a spring front and rear block kit as long as your rear leaves are good. The related items, steering arm or drop pitman arm is a nice addition, not both but one only with the 4" lift will correct the steering angle and stop bump steer.

[MidwestMan]

I appriciate the help bud! I've been looking but who makes a 35/10.5 tire?, I've had my heart set on some BFG's but always open to other avenues.

[mud.man.rj]

A mud type tire or more all terrain.

[MidwestMan]

More of a mud style tire.

[mud.man.rj]

Hmm, will have to think, a lot of 12.50 width out there but not as many skinny 10.50's

[50seven]

I would recommend while you are knee deep into the lift to add a steering box reinforcement kit. The higher the lift and the larger the tire can lead to the steering box tearing out the side of the frame.

Fixed a couple of trucks and bought a few trucks real cheap because of it.

Easy fix kits around $100 that is before the frame is torn apart 1/2 tons are more prone than 3/4's. Have a good look around the bolt holes of the steering box while you are under there.

[mud.man.rj]

That is a good idea on a Gm for sure, depends how you use it, any 4x4ing at all will require it, strictly street isn't to bad.

[MidwestMan]

Something like this?


http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/steeringkit.htm

[gchemist]

Any bigger and you'll need minor trimming. Use this chart as a guide: http://coloradok5.com/tirefitmenttable.shtml

[50seven]

That is the kit Midwest.

Bit of a pain to get in there but fit nice and actually work from my experience. Alot easier to get in when the diff is out also. Relatively cheap.

The first place I look to see if a square body 4x4 has been ridden hard and put away wet is the frame area around the steering box.

Get someone to sit behind the wheel of your truck (while the engine is running) and gently apply a turning back and forth till you just hear the power steering pump start to work. Stick your head in the wheelwell and look for flex in the attachment location of the steering box and frame. Sometimes you may see cracks coming out of the bolt holes in the frame - hopefully you don't!

[MidwestMan]

Ok thanks!! One more question, I've got the auto hubs. Should I ditch them for a set of warn manuals?

[mud.man.rj]

You can on the auto hubs but prob have to convert your transfer case also. Is it a 203 case case w a chain.

[mud.man.rj]

Oh ya yours is an 87, so should have the 208 case I think, aluminum w a chain. is it full time 4wd.

[MidwestMan]

So what's that mean? Hahaha like I said this is my first 4X4, I've been into S-10's and bagged/lowered stuff for years.