Lifting my 1967 K20

[jeffahart]

Originally Posted by Chaparralman1974

Morning all!

So, I am going to move forward with lifting my 1967 K20. I opted for the Skyjacker 4" kit (leaves in the front, blocks in the rear) with the Blackmax shocks. I went with this kit due to the Softride front springs and the good reviews that I have read up on them. It is worth noting that this truck is a pavement princess and will never see any dirt at all! I opted for the blocks for the rear due to my truck being a '67 with the oddball rear leaf springs. The truck rides fine and the springs are not sagging, so I think that a block lift for the rear is the best option. The kit comes with the square Ubolts for the 69-72 trucks, but I will just get a set of "U" bolts built up by my local spring company. I am also swapping out the front axle for a "Big Hub" Dana 44 at the same time so that I can do the power steering / disc brake swap as well.

Obviously, in order to ensure that this truck doesn't look like it skipped leg day at the gym, I am going need to go with new shoes under her as well. I do like my steel wheels (16x8 Ford Accurides). I had them powder coated white and I like the look of them on a blue truck. I am considering going with a 315/75/R16 tire which is 34.6" tall and 12.4" wide. Given my wheel width, should I be worried about backspacing or anything? I definately don't want to trim anything at all but I want to ensure that that the wheel wells are filled such that the truck has a good look to her. Again, this truck is a pavement queen so I am not worried about beating anything up with extreme axle articulation.

I am also staying with the SB327 and 4 speed / T221 combo for now. I did swap out the rear end (HO52) with a 4.10 setup and the new donor front axle is also 4.10's as well. Speed isn't all that much of a concern as I rarely take this thing out on the highway. It is more for pleasure cruising around town. Should I have any concern with this tire size and my gearing? Should I look at a larger tire?


Thanks, Clay

How's it going?
I don't think you can go taller than 35s without cutting the fenders or going to 6". you'll rub on turns with bumps, like going into a parking lot. I'm running the 35" BFG ATs. Once you run some tread off and air down a livable air pressure, you'll be more like 33" If you're careful how you turn you can probably squeeze a 36.5" but you will get an occasional rub for sure.

Regarding the lift. Start thinking about grab handles, here's why. You're pretty tall, so you can probably step into a 4" lift with 35s. But I bet you'll find yourself using the steering wheel to yank yourself up. More impotently the wife. She's going to need something to grab onto to get in and out, especially if the bottom of her shoes are wet. It's an issue, my wife can be a bit of a klutz! Plus it seems the purse and what ever else she packing along are more important than getting her own body safely in there. Grab handles are annoying but they are a safety concern for your shorter or less agile passengers! Run the truck onto some blocks so cab is about the same height as lifted... ask wife to get in and out. Don't make her hate the truck. Mine likes to ride in the truck. She's a good sport when I yell "Don't slam the Door"!!!

Good Luck and Merry Christmas!

jeff