4" Suspension lift

[jlindquist]

I am in the market for a 4" lift for my '71. Since this is my daily driver, I am more concerned about a softer ride than anything else. I'm not really interested in custom making anything.
Any suggestions?

[hemi43]

Geez, I like it just the way it is !!

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by hemi43

Geez, I like it just the way it is !!

X2....hemi how many tools do you have? Do we count tool boxes, or every wrench.lol

[audaciousduo]

I did the rough country all spring front and the shackle reversal with a 2" rough country spring in the back as I hate blocks. The truck sits about 1/2" high in the back but I tow with it and use the cargo capacity on a regular basis. There are no easy 4" leaf spring lifts in my opinion. You are at the upper end of the capacity of as single u-joit if you wheel the truck. I went to double cardan joints, 6 degree axle shims for the pinion angle and may end up going to a double cardan in the front yet. I did a four inch lift in my FJ80 coil sprung land cruiser in four hours. This has taken days and I still have a vibration in the front drive shaft. If you do a shackle flip count on shims as it changes your pinyon angle. If your not experienced I'd stick with a modest 2" lift.

[71jimmy]

Are you planning to run the same tires as you have on the blazer now? What size are they?

In my opinion TUFF Country makes some very good springs, I like the ride quality. I just removed a Tuff Country six inch all spring lift from my Jimmy. When I originally installed it, it did take quite awhile because the original hardware was rusted etc. This time however it went very smoothly and fast.

[PanhandleDon1972]

I installed the 4 inch TUFF Country lift from Suspension Connection on my 72 Jimmy and really like it. It is a complete spring lift with no blocks. It came with shocks and steering arm. The Suspension Connection guys provided great support too.

[jlindquist]

Thanks for the info PanhandleDon1972.

The end result for me is 35x12.5x15 tires. I assume a 2" lift on the '71 would not be enough for this tire size, correct?

[jlindquist]

71Jimmy
33x15.5x15's are on there now. I eventually want 35x12.5x15's

[68panelman]

Too bad your so far, I want to bring my '70 down off its 4" lift

[jlindquist]

Originally Posted by 68panelman

Too bad your so far, I want to bring my '70 down off its 4" lift

Do you know if a 2" lift would give me clearance for 35x12.5x15's?

[68panelman]

Definitely not, my Blazer has 35s and 4" lift. Fits just right.

[jlindquist]

Originally Posted by 68panelman

Definitely not, my Blazer has 35s and 4" lift. Fits just right.

i figured.. I had an '87 Jimmy with same tires and it needed every bit of the 4" lift. Thanks

[PanhandleDon1972]

I sometimes wish I'd put 35s on my Jimmy, but with 3.07 gears I was concerned with tall tires. I just had the rear axle rebuilt and didn't want to change all the gears so I went with the 33x12.50. Plus I was worried it wouldn't fit in my garage, which was a good call. I only have about 1 1/2 inches of clearance now with the top on.

[68panelman]

I too have the 3:08 gears and 35's, but it doesn't harm the 4 spd, and I actually get really good gas mileage.

[71jimmy]

35s with a 4 inch lift will work, you will probably get some rubbing at full right and left turns on the street. If you plan on taking it offroad you will get more rubbing and fender trimming will be necessary. A six inch lift with 35s is considered by many to be the best for tire fitment and no rubbing. Personally I think 35s with a six inch lift also looks the best.

[jlindquist]

Originally Posted by 71jimmy

35s with a 4 inch lift will work, you will probably get some rubbing at full right and left turns on the street. If you plan on taking it offroad you will get more rubbing and fender trimming will be necessary. A six inch lift with 35s is considered by many to be the best for tire fitment and no rubbing. Personally I think 35s with a six inch lift also looks the best.

Won't a 6" really tweak driveshaft/pinion angles?

[mcmlxix]

My 72 came with a 4" lift and blocks in the rear. I used DIY4X rear shackle flip to get rid of the blocks. I also added 1" billet aluminum body lift pucks from ORD to help clear 35" tires. I would never recommend anything over a 1" body lift. I also suggest new bolts and body bushings at the same time. Original body mounts will collapse and you'll probably gain 1/2" back just with new mounts. It always rode a little rough, so I may upgrade to Deaver springs once I get all the bugs out after the restoration....

[71jimmy]

Originally Posted by jlindquist

Won't a 6" really tweak driveshaft/pinion angles?

I used 6 degree shims in the rear to counter that.