Suspension Lift Help

[detroit72k5]

I'm just about to order a 6" Skyjacker suspension lift and some 35s for my 72 Blazer. I was just wondering if there's any modifications necessary not covered by the kit, mainly the driveline. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[bouncytruck]

You may have to get the drive line lengthened, it just depends on the lift. Every 6" lift measures a different. You may need a raised steering arm if the lift doesn't come with one. Also, lifts 6" and up are prone to bump-steer. Cross-over steering usually solves the issue, but in involves fabrication and $. Check your rag joint and steering setup to make sure it is tight. The 35's will put a lot more stress on your steering and any problems will most likely get worse.

Post some before & after pics for us!

[Medicanman71]

My 4" bds lift is more like 6" My drive lines are long enough (looks like the front one might be maxed). at the same time I had a custom drag link/steering setup installed, it rides WAY nicer then before... the stiff susp. is WAY better then the beat as f!ck springs. But if you're an old guy the stiffness may not be to ur liking. I opted for 33's to keep ample tire stuffing room. Most ppl have 35's My lift dwarfs my 33's. Yea, cross-over steering - most of us will keep on wishing...

[Blazerb61]

with a 6 inch lift you will also need the front end and rear shims to angle your drive line the way it is supposed to be I made my drive shafts longer I run 35s and have 6 inches of susspension and 3 of body

[bouncytruck]

The angle compensations should be built into the lift kit. I've seen a few where the t-case has to be dropped, but I don't think that is on something as small as a 6" lift.

I've got a 6" lift on my '69 (rear blocks) and the angle is built into the blocks. There is a product call zero-rates that re-center the wheel in the wheel opening. They also have other purposes, but I'm not sure what. I think that Yukon has them on his flat-bed.

[Canadian694x4]

Originally Posted by Medicanman71

My 4" bds lift is more like 6" My drive lines are long enough (looks like the front one might be maxed). at the same time I had a custom drag link/steering setup installed, it rides WAY nicer then before... the stiff susp. is WAY better then the beat as f!ck springs. But if you're an old guy the stiffness may not be to ur liking. I opted for 33's to keep ample tire stuffing room. Most ppl have 35's My lift dwarfs my 33's. Yea, cross-over steering - most of us will keep on wishing...

Where'd you get your custom Drag link setup? You still wanting crossover steering? Is Custom Drag Link just temp?

[Medicanman71]

You cant have my drag link!!! Maybe i can find out what kind it is, i dont believe it was part of the kit.... an off road shop installed it and i think it was a type of piece they had a few of, as they did lift kits all the time. Also, said 4x4 shop is 300 miles north, so as much as i'd like to for you, i cant just pop in and pick one up...

I'll check and see if i see a name on it but i doubt it...

[detroit72k5]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I guess I'll install it then see how the steering feels. It's already kind of loose now so I'm sure I'll have some work to do on it. I don't think I'll need the cross-over, but the drag-link's a good possibility, probably a steering stabilizer as well. I'll definitely post some pics when it's all done.

[Medicanman71]

I always wanted a steering stabilizer for the cool effect

but really, your ball end joints are probably shot and its the reason why your steering is so loose. Mine were before i had my lift done, and with the lift and new ball end joints, like i said... rides like a ****ing cadillac

[bouncytruck]

I've seen a drag link set-up like that on a later model Suburban before.

[Scrubby]

For my 4 inch tough country lift, I had to get both drivelines extended. I also had to get some shims to change the pinion angle back to kill the vibes. I still need to do something with the e-brake cables, but I'm not sure what I am going to do yet.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

The only problem I raninto was my front drive line being too short but its outta someother 4wd and not a stock piece.. I used a raised steering arm to correct the steering isses but it still has massive bump steer. I do have the box and steering shaft for the crossover just need to get time and a little $$$$

[detroit72k5]

Quick question, I'm working on the lift today and Skyjacker provides a small L-shape bracket for relocating the brake-line, but no installation instructions or pictures. Anyone have a picture or explanation of how this should be done? THANKS!!

[orange72blazer]

I sent you a PM. AS far as the drive shafts go I had to legnthen the rear 2" after I installed my 4" lift.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

The L-bracket should be for the rear line set bolts to the diff cover IIRC

[LUV2XCLR8]

Originally Posted by Medicanman71

Mine is straight, but my arm is angled alot more than this

(The piece on the left side of the pic, whatever it's called)

[detroit72k5]

Again, thanks for the help everyone. Progress pic. Front's all done except steering stuff, back is half-way done, hopefully I can finish it up tonight if there's no more bolts that have be cut through, but I'm sure there will be...

[cleszkie]

That drop drag link is made by Superlift. I've got one on my K5. Recommended for 4" to 6" lifts with stock steering arm. I don't have the part number handy, but it cost about $130.

[detroit72k5]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the help on the lift, brakes, and steering. Finally rolled the truck out of the garage yesterday and was happy that the roll bar fit under the garage door. I think I'll have to just go with 33s instead of 35s, but we'll see.
Thanks again!!!

[Medicanman71]

Hey Hey, looking good! so you went with skyjacker? Nothings wrong with 33's, more room to stuff them After all, i have 33's and 6" of lift. I'd be interested in more pics of your steering stablizer and what brand, $ etc.

[detroit72k5]

Thanks! Yep, I saw mixed reviews of Tuff Country and Rough Country lifts, but all the Skyjacker reviews seemed good. I found a good deal on the Skyjacker lift at autoanything.com, they had a 10% off coupon and free shipping so I think it was $900. I got the new steering arm, drag link, and steering stabilizer from ntwonline.com , it's a Skyjacker steering stabilizer, $90 for the kit. I want to put the stickers on the shocks, but they're lost somewhere in my mess of a garage which will soon be cleaned up Medicman, I'll get some more pictures of the stabilizer tomorrow. Can you post a side pic of your truck with the 33s?

[vtblazer]

detroit, lookin' good.

JMO - 33's look best with a 4" lift and 35's go better with a 6"

There's always gear ratio's to consider (and garage door height) but 35's would give you that little extra ground clearance when wheeling.

[Medicanman71]

On the other hand, as in my case, 35's werent exactly in the budget

Also my BDS 4" lift turned out to be more like 6" if not exactly a 6" kit.

I'm pretty happy with it, have thought about putting some zero rates in the FRONT, but i'm not sure...

anyways, here it is, 33" with 6" lift. Makes the 33"s look small. Left the gears in it that have been since i got it, dunno what they are, but she's no dog!

[detroit72k5]

Thanks for the pic Medicman, here are some pics of the stabilizer, let me know if you need more info. I think 35s look better with a 6" lift as well, the only factor is the garage door, but I measured last night and have 4" of clearance at the roll bar with the 31s (that actually measure 30"), so with the 35s, I should still have a little over 1" of clearance. Off to the tire and alignment shop this weekend!

P.S. We need a 1st Gen Blazer Smiley!

[Pop's72]

Looking good... Can't wait to see the finiished product.