6" Lift on a 1980 k20 HELP

[ChevyFreak60]

Whats up guys, I score me a 1980 K20 with a 4" lift kit installed on it already. The PO was running 35's, the truck needed tires so I decided to stay with same size. Now that I have been using her for a couple weeks now I noticed that the front tires are rubbing on the front fenders when I go over a bump or curb. Is it worth it to lift my truck with a 6" lift? If so what is a good brand for a good price? I noticed that the Rough Country is cheap but I have read tons of bad reviews on here but they were fairly old. Are the newer springs from today any better? Thanks for ya'lls input.

[andrewmp6]

To go 6 inches you will need to upgrade the steering or go crossover.Probably need a track bar in the front and maybe new driveshafts.Only place i would buy from is http://offroaddesign.com/catalog.htm they only deal with our trucks and own a few they are one of us.They sell tuff country springs or their own custom made springs.On the 6 inch lift i would do a shackle flip in the rear which will ride better and gives you a 4 inch lift and use 2 inch left springs so you have 6 inches total.

[Mike C]

Like Andrew said, 6" changes everything. 4" should be plenty for 35's with some minor fender trimming which is the route I would pursue. Looking at your driveshaft spline engagement will let you see if you can go a little higher. an ORD zero rate would get you almost another 1" for not much money and your driveshafts should work.

[special-K]

That's a sweet truck!! If just an inch will do you, zero-rates would be a simple fix. A 6" lift requires the same steering correction parts as a 4" (steering arm). If the P.O. did the 4" right, you are good to go up to 6". I have the same deal on my '85 Jimmy (35/12.50s,10" wheels,4" lift) and I can drive it w/o rubbing, just have to be aware and careful. 8" wheels would make it all work fine

[ChevyFreak60]

Thanks special-k!! I'm thinking of maybe just doing a zero rate. It wont be used for too much wheeling. I just dont like how much it rubs when I do have to go off road and it bent up my fenders. I am running 8 inch wheels on it right now.

[special-K]

That should do it. I don't like how my Jimmy is now, really have to watch it. so far no fender damage, but the '91 Suburban the axles/wheels/tires came from had both fenders crunched. The plan was to put the Dana60 under it (and FF 14-bolt) which would give another inch, then see if it needed zero-rates, or maybe go to 8" wheels when I get tires. Just been finishing the tires off till I get new ones

[2 Far Gone]

I'm in the process of installing the Ruff Country 6" lift in my 79 3/4 ton. I've changed the steering arm and decided to add the 2" Super Lift steering link to make it flat again. I'm running 35's and stock rims. Miles of room now.

[ChevyFreak60]

Do you have any pictures you can share 2 far gone?

[2 Far Gone]

Originally Posted by ChevyFreak60

Do you have any pictures you can share 2 far gone?

Sure thing......
The hoist arms are up but not holding the weight of the truck. Still waiting for parts to finish some other jobs on the truck.

[2 Far Gone]

I'm expecting the front to drop about 1.5 -2 inches because the truck was in the air when I torqued the spring bushing bolts.

[ChevyFreak60]

So how do those springs ride? Is it rough?

[2 Far Gone]

Its no Cadillac, not to bad for a 3/4 ton.

[ChevyFreak60]

Nice!!you got anymore pics of it outside the shop?

[2 Far Gone]

Headed back there on Thursday. I'll get some then.

[Axe]

If you want to go cheap a 3in body lift would be your best bet. If you go to NTW (national tire & wheel ), I have bought a couple of lifts from them. I have an 8in on my blazer from them right now, it's super lift brand.

[ChevyFreak60]

Cool, I'll check it out Axe.

[slotard]

If you're using it off road at all I'd stay away from a body lift, especially one as big as 3 inches.

[ChevyFreak60]

I agree w you slotard. I've never really cared for a body lift.

[71K20chevy]

I have RC 4" springs on my truck, ride is basically like a lifted 3/4 ton truck, but it's not too bad.