Lifts - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bad69 · 03-04-2004, 04:16 PM

Question; how much lift is too much in you're opinion?

GreenMystChevy · 03-04-2004, 04:31 PM

If you are not doing it for offroad reasons, it's all opinion. I personally think that a nicely done, only nice day cruiser, should have as much lift as can be afforded, and then some.
I have always loved the philosophy of Go Big or Go Home!

When it comes to usability for offroad, it then depends on what you are doing: mud, deep water crossings, rocks, trails, etc.

Everyone has a personal opinion but I like to strike awe into peoples minds so they think, wow, that thing is huge. Kinda like how Bigfoot started.

If it's 2 wheel drive, put it on the ground, if it's 4 wheel drive, put it in the sky.

blazerboy72 · 03-04-2004, 05:13 PM

I agree with GreenMystChevy. I lifted mine as high as i could afford and then borrowed money to go a little higher.

J.Lance · 03-04-2004, 07:33 PM

Since this is all opinion, I'll chime in....4 to 6 inches max with up to 35s for a driver with decent off road capability. 2 to 4 inches and a sawzall if you want a rockcrawler and then pop on some 40s! Any taller on the street and you'd be compensating for something else.

Seriously, just stay practical! Decide what you'll use it for most and gear your lift and tires to those needs. You don't want to be running a 8" lift and 38s if you're driving to work everyday. Don't forget the money you'll have to put into gears with bigger tires also!

Trucks · 03-04-2004, 09:36 PM

It all depends if you want to park in a garage, a parking ramp, or go under over passes on the freeway! And if you can drive, so you don't roll it over, otherwise the sky is the limit. Just don't jacker up and leave dinky tires on (looks dumb)

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 03-04-2004, 10:56 PM

6-8 would be my choice for a daily driver with 35 or 38 tall tire's..

Blue_71 · 03-04-2004, 11:25 PM

personally for a driver or never see anything but black top, 2 inch MAX, maybe a leveler kit for the front, but if your gonna use it, build it for what your doing... i cant stand lifted 4x4s if they dont see mud, thats what that front axle was put there for IMO

Trucks · 03-16-2004, 10:34 PM

How do you lift yours?
Is there an easy trick thats cheap for the leafs? I know I'd buy new proper length shocks, I want to go whatever gets me to 33" tires or so, about 4" lift then? Should I do a body lift, what combo do you use? Thanks

WORNBRAKES · 03-16-2004, 11:31 PM

http://rough.roughcountry.com/Lift%2...re%20Chart.htm

Try this chart. It should help you out. You have the right idea though, choose the tire size you want and then lift the truck to accomidate them.
I am running 35x12.5's with 4'' susp lift and 3'' body lift and have enough room to clear 37's without any other modifications.
If you want to go cheap and do not plan on doing a lot of offroading, you could use blocks to lift it. They sell them at most parts houses. I do not recomend this if it is going to be used off road often. I would buy a full susp kit with new springs from one of the big manufactures like Superlift or Skyjacker There are a few others out there, just do some shopping and ask people what they have and how they like it.
I hope I helped?
Mario

1969 GMC · 03-17-2004, 12:41 AM

i think 8 inches is about as far as it can go and still look good. when your truck starts to go into the realm of not even having tires in the wheelwells cuz you are lifted so high and the tires are so big, I don't think it looks too good. However, I know you need this kind of clearance for some kinds of offroading. This may make me sound like a pavement pounder, but i like a good compromise of looks & performance. I want to eventually get 6" all spring lift and use 35's. Heck, when my truck ran, I would still wheel it where I could with open diffs, stock ride height, and 32" tires.

As far as lifting trucks just for show, I don't know if I necessarily agree with that. However, lifting 2wd trucks is (IMO) one of the dumbest things someone can do.

714x4lover · 03-17-2004, 01:24 AM

i put a 4" rancho lift, big o big foot at's 33" looks real tough but sure wish i would have spent the money and did a 6" lift and 35" tires, i think this summer i will take my front springs off and take the press to them and make 5 or 6" of lift leave the 4" blocks on the rear and have the rear springs arched 2", already have done the longer braided brake lines to accomidate 6" lift. done the raised steering arm, anyways my opinion the 67 to 72 look bad ass with 4" or 6" i like 6, dont forget to get some nerf bars so you can get in without a ladder. hope this helped

Trucks · 03-17-2004, 01:41 PM

helped alot, when would I need to adjust steering? Certain height? I think I will flip the spring perches possibly. Would I need to do the steering? Is it tough?

Trucks · 03-17-2004, 01:52 PM

How big will fit without a lift?

**JIMs70GMC** · 03-17-2004, 03:45 PM

I had 325/60R15s on 15x10s that rubbed a little on my 70. I installed a 2" tuff country HD springs up front and a 2" block w/ add-a-leaf in the rear. I actually ended up with about 3" in front. I now have 33s on 15x10s and no clerance issues.
Will be installing a 4" rough country lift on the 71 here soon.

**JIMs70GMC** · 03-17-2004, 03:46 PM

Don't need to flip the spring perches they are on top now.

useRc10 · 03-17-2004, 03:50 PM

i like the 2" lift with 33s on my '85...it can still fit in parking garages and under low hanging branches but has enough ground clearance to clear hurdles.

-Nick

RICHARD MORGAN · 03-17-2004, 06:06 PM

I HAVE A SUPERLIFT 6" LIFT WITH 35" TIRES..IM VERY HAPPY. VERY SMOOTH RIDE. HERES SOME PICS..

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...hlight=RICHARD

Trucks · 03-17-2004, 09:48 PM

how about the steering thing? is there anything else that needs adjusting?

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 03-17-2004, 10:54 PM

Hey truck's you may wanna pm pont he could help ya out with some great info....

Trucks · 03-18-2004, 01:23 PM

thanks again

ABHaulR · 03-18-2004, 01:57 PM

I lifted mine 10 1/2" put 40" tires on it and take it everywhere. Drive it daily. Put a od trans in it. has lots of bottom end and good freeway rpms too. around town i get 10 mpg, hwy 16-18 mpg.
Dwayne

you can check it out @
www.geocities.com/scbeoffroadunlimited

Joey-D · 03-20-2004, 02:13 AM

I started with an 83 3/4 ton with 4" lift and 33", then went to a 92 K1500 with 6" lift and 35". Now they both seem real tiny, then were big for a while. I want to go stupid big now. 10-5" lift and 44". Probaly 10" with a little fender hacking, big but with a low center of gravity. Just remember wide tires; not only do narrow tires look funny, but they are un-safe. You need a good base. As modifications, remember you might have to hack fenders, over 8" of lift need crossover steering, and I would say a 33" tires on solid axle and 35" tires on IFS need steering stab. or else you will be wondering all over the road. Just my 2 cents!

bagged78 · 03-20-2004, 03:34 AM

not mine, no info, just posting pic that I like..

03-04-2004, 04:16 PM	#1
bad69 Struggling Artist Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Battle Ground WA. Posts: 122	Lifts Question; how much lift is too much in you're opinion? __________________ 69 1/2 ton lwb lowrider 90 C-1500 2wd 08 2500 HD 4WD 94 Grand Cherokee 49 Cadillac sedan

03-04-2004, 04:31 PM	#2
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	If you are not doing it for offroad reasons, it's all opinion. I personally think that a nicely done, only nice day cruiser, should have as much lift as can be afforded, and then some. I have always loved the philosophy of Go Big or Go Home! When it comes to usability for offroad, it then depends on what you are doing: mud, deep water crossings, rocks, trails, etc. Everyone has a personal opinion but I like to strike awe into peoples minds so they think, wow, that thing is huge. Kinda like how Bigfoot started. If it's 2 wheel drive, put it on the ground, if it's 4 wheel drive, put it in the sky. __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

03-04-2004, 07:33 PM	#4
J.Lance Too many is never enough! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Idaho Falls, ID Posts: 455	IMO Since this is all opinion, I'll chime in....4 to 6 inches max with up to 35s for a driver with decent off road capability. 2 to 4 inches and a sawzall if you want a rockcrawler and then pop on some 40s! Any taller on the street and you'd be compensating for something else. Seriously, just stay practical! Decide what you'll use it for most and gear your lift and tires to those needs. You don't want to be running a 8" lift and 38s if you're driving to work everyday. Don't forget the money you'll have to put into gears with bigger tires also! __________________ Jason 1968 K10 SWB Fleetside 1971 K2500 GMC LWB 1968 K20 (later frame, donor body) 1972 C20 LWB parts truck 1993 K2500 Suburban, tow rig, 454, 4L80E NEW!! 18' Siem's car hauler 2004 Honda Odyssey (family man!)

03-04-2004, 09:36 PM	#5
Trucks Is that a Chevy 69...? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brownton MN Posts: 112	main thing It all depends if you want to park in a garage, a parking ramp, or go under over passes on the freeway! And if you can drive, so you don't roll it over, otherwise the sky is the limit. Just don't jacker up and leave dinky tires on (looks dumb) __________________ Ahhhh, the wonderful sound of a rumbling V8.

03-04-2004, 10:56 PM	#6
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,607	6-8 would be my choice for a daily driver with 35 or 38 tall tire's.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

03-04-2004, 05:13 PM	#3
blazerboy72 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Temple, Ga Posts: 854	I agree with GreenMystChevy. I lifted mine as high as i could afford and then borrowed money to go a little higher.

03-16-2004, 10:34 PM	#8
Trucks Is that a Chevy 69...? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brownton MN Posts: 112	leaf spring easy lifts How do you lift yours? Is there an easy trick thats cheap for the leafs? I know I'd buy new proper length shocks, I want to go whatever gets me to 33" tires or so, about 4" lift then? Should I do a body lift, what combo do you use? Thanks __________________ Ahhhh, the wonderful sound of a rumbling V8.

03-16-2004, 11:31 PM	#9
WORNBRAKES Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hughesville, MD Posts: 1,350	http://rough.roughcountry.com/Lift%2...re%20Chart.htm Try this chart. It should help you out. You have the right idea though, choose the tire size you want and then lift the truck to accomidate them. I am running 35x12.5's with 4'' susp lift and 3'' body lift and have enough room to clear 37's without any other modifications. If you want to go cheap and do not plan on doing a lot of offroading, you could use blocks to lift it. They sell them at most parts houses. I do not recomend this if it is going to be used off road often. I would buy a full susp kit with new springs from one of the big manufactures like Superlift or Skyjacker There are a few others out there, just do some shopping and ask people what they have and how they like it. I hope I helped? Mario __________________ Mario and Mandy Hughesville, MD 20637 69 C10 305/350 71 K5 Basket case 75 K10 Rescue Parting out 77 MG Midget Parting out 15 6.7L Cummins

03-17-2004, 12:41 AM	#10
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	i think 8 inches is about as far as it can go and still look good. when your truck starts to go into the realm of not even having tires in the wheelwells cuz you are lifted so high and the tires are so big, I don't think it looks too good. However, I know you need this kind of clearance for some kinds of offroading. This may make me sound like a pavement pounder, but i like a good compromise of looks & performance. I want to eventually get 6" all spring lift and use 35's. Heck, when my truck ran, I would still wheel it where I could with open diffs, stock ride height, and 32" tires. As far as lifting trucks just for show, I don't know if I necessarily agree with that. However, lifting 2wd trucks is (IMO) one of the dumbest things someone can do. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

03-17-2004, 01:24 AM	#11
714x4lover Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Show Low, Arizona Posts: 211	lift i put a 4" rancho lift, big o big foot at's 33" looks real tough but sure wish i would have spent the money and did a 6" lift and 35" tires, i think this summer i will take my front springs off and take the press to them and make 5 or 6" of lift leave the 4" blocks on the rear and have the rear springs arched 2", already have done the longer braided brake lines to accomidate 6" lift. done the raised steering arm, anyways my opinion the 67 to 72 look bad ass with 4" or 6" i like 6, dont forget to get some nerf bars so you can get in without a ladder. hope this helped

03-17-2004, 01:41 PM	#12
Trucks Is that a Chevy 69...? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brownton MN Posts: 112	yep helped alot, when would I need to adjust steering? Certain height? I think I will flip the spring perches possibly. Would I need to do the steering? Is it tough? __________________ Ahhhh, the wonderful sound of a rumbling V8.

03-17-2004, 01:52 PM	#13
Trucks Is that a Chevy 69...? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brownton MN Posts: 112	so.. How big will fit without a lift? __________________ Ahhhh, the wonderful sound of a rumbling V8.

03-17-2004, 03:45 PM	#14
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I had 325/60R15s on 15x10s that rubbed a little on my 70. I installed a 2" tuff country HD springs up front and a 2" block w/ add-a-leaf in the rear. I actually ended up with about 3" in front. I now have 33s on 15x10s and no clerance issues. Will be installing a 4" rough country lift on the 71 here soon. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

03-17-2004, 03:46 PM	#15
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Don't need to flip the spring perches they are on top now. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

03-17-2004, 03:50 PM	#16
useRc10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Mechanicsville, VA, 23111 Posts: 1,138	i like the 2" lift with 33s on my '85...it can still fit in parking garages and under low hanging branches but has enough ground clearance to clear hurdles. -Nick __________________ -'02 Chevy Avalanche, 5.3L, 4x4... needing a small lift and bigger tires -'72 Chevy C-10(350, bored 60 over)dual flowmasters, 3 on the tree -'85 K5 Blazer,305 NO MORE...350 is in,2" lift,33" Mickey Thompson Baja Claw Radials -dads '70 burb (red, 5-7 drop, 350...) www.geocities.com/userc10/truckhome.html AIM: Auntjoedadda



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03-17-2004, 06:06 PM	#17
RICHARD MORGAN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: HERNDON VA Posts: 216	I HAVE A SUPERLIFT 6" LIFT WITH 35" TIRES..IM VERY HAPPY. VERY SMOOTH RIDE. HERES SOME PICS.. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...hlight=RICHARD

03-17-2004, 09:48 PM	#18
Trucks Is that a Chevy 69...? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brownton MN Posts: 112	other things how about the steering thing? is there anything else that needs adjusting? __________________ Ahhhh, the wonderful sound of a rumbling V8.

03-17-2004, 10:54 PM	#19
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,607	Hey truck's you may wanna pm pont he could help ya out with some great info.... __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

03-18-2004, 01:23 PM	#20
Trucks Is that a Chevy 69...? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brownton MN Posts: 112	thanks will do thanks again __________________ Ahhhh, the wonderful sound of a rumbling V8.

03-18-2004, 01:57 PM	#21
ABHaulR Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: West Valley City, Ut Posts: 311	lifts I lifted mine 10 1/2" put 40" tires on it and take it everywhere. Drive it daily. Put a od trans in it. has lots of bottom end and good freeway rpms too. around town i get 10 mpg, hwy 16-18 mpg. Dwayne you can check it out @ www.geocities.com/scbeoffroadunlimited Attached Images __________________ 72' GMC Suburban 10 1/2" of Lift, 40" Tires! Waiting for restoration 67' Chevy, What to do??? And Bad Ass American Bulldogs!

03-20-2004, 02:13 AM	#22
Joey-D City's Articulation Ramp Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: St. Louis Missouri Posts: 452	I started with an 83 3/4 ton with 4" lift and 33", then went to a 92 K1500 with 6" lift and 35". Now they both seem real tiny, then were big for a while. I want to go stupid big now. 10-5" lift and 44". Probaly 10" with a little fender hacking, big but with a low center of gravity. Just remember wide tires; not only do narrow tires look funny, but they are un-safe. You need a good base. As modifications, remember you might have to hack fenders, over 8" of lift need crossover steering, and I would say a 33" tires on solid axle and 35" tires on IFS need steering stab. or else you will be wondering all over the road. Just my 2 cents! __________________ 85 K90 SWB Rockwells 46x19.5 on double beadlocks 20" lift 305/sm465/NP208 Toy 00 Silverado 2wd SWB 4.8 auto 3/4 drop slamair bags esclade rims Daily Driver 06 Harley Sporster 883 low 19?? Zamboni, Really I own a Zamboni! "If your gonna be stupid, then you better be tough."

03-20-2004, 03:34 AM	#23
bagged78 world class smart ass! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Clinton Utah Posts: 335	not mine, no info, just posting pic that I like.. Attached Images __________________ Aric 75 2WD BLAZER (never ending project) -some day maybe- 02 2500HD CREW CAB 4X (daily drive) -8" lift 37s and 22s- ____ ____________________________

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