3" lift question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BurnoutNova · 04-29-2004, 07:46 PM

im going to buy some springs and bocks from a user on the board, 2.5" springs and 3" blocks, and shocks and whatnot

my question is wont i need bigger blocks than 3" for my 69 k-20? it has blocks already (1"??) they apear factory, and it sits level. i was thinking i'll need like 4" blocks?

i know this is a stupid question but ive never done a lift and dont want to (but always do anyway) run in to any probleoms

thanks, zach

**JIMs70GMC** · 04-29-2004, 08:07 PM

You sure will. I added 2" hd front springs and had a 2" block for the rear I ended up adding an add-a-leaf to compensate for removing the factory block, which was good since the 2" springs were closer to 3". I'd say purchase an add-a-leaf and the 3" block and remove the factory block.

BurnoutNova · 04-30-2004, 12:22 AM

will the add a leaf make my suspention stiffer? i'd like to keep it as smooth as possible.

do i need to have a suspention shop add the leaf, or does it just go under there inbetween the block and spring?

also, what size tires do you run jim? 33x12.50's? i have some aftermarket 16" wheels now, and the 16.5" original ones. which is better for the bigger tires?

thanks, zach

**JIMs70GMC** · 04-30-2004, 05:26 AM

zach, I'm running 33-12.5 super swampers (about 34" tall). It's real easy to add the leaf it will make it stiffer but you might not be able to tell the difference. When you remove the u-bolts to add the block, you take a big c-clamp and clamp the leaves and remove the bolt through the center of the spring pack. Then you slowly remove the clamp and the leaves will come apart and put the new leaf (usually on the bottom(above the overload)) and put a new bolt in through the center(comes w/ new leaves) and pull the leaves back together. Put the block and install new u-bolts.
I have 15" rims on the GMC fit because of the drums up front, on the Chevy I have 16.5" rims. I believe the biggest thing is the 16" and 16.5" have stiffer sidewalls and require higher air pressures. What tires were you look at? I'd suggest going to the manufacturers web site and look at the specs on the tires.

Also i went with the 33" tsl because of the higher load rating as a 15" tire. If I had it to do over I would have went with the 16.5" rims and tires. (I don't rock crawl and have no need to air down my tires)

BurnoutNova · 04-30-2004, 12:24 PM

i would like to run a 15" rim with the same tires you have, (by the way what do those cost?) i could run the 16.5" but i think there to narrow. there the stock ones.

wildwood · 04-30-2004, 01:28 PM

Hey there. I had this set-up in my truck with 1.5" blocks and an add-a-leaf in the back it sat level. If you want to go that route I'll just send ya the 1.5" blocks. the add-a-leaf adds 1.5" so you would have a total of 3" in the rear which is about what the front springs will give you. It's the best way to go if you ask me, but I'm not supplying the add-a-leafs as you know.

BurnoutNova · 04-30-2004, 07:08 PM

actully, i think i should just go with 4" blocks in the rear and dont put an add a leaf in, easier that way.

**JIMs70GMC** · 04-30-2004, 08:54 PM

zach, $900 mounted, balanced and shipped to my door from tyres International. I bought the tires and rims, center caps, lug nuts and valve stems.

IoWnZa · 04-30-2004, 11:04 PM

I would not use Block's at all.

BurnoutNova · 05-01-2004, 02:09 AM

ive seen block in the front of 4x4's

i think there fine. the factory used 4" blocks on 74-80 doge ramchargers/plymouth trail dusters

04-29-2004, 07:46 PM	#1
BurnoutNova Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,057	3" lift question im going to buy some springs and bocks from a user on the board, 2.5" springs and 3" blocks, and shocks and whatnot my question is wont i need bigger blocks than 3" for my 69 k-20? it has blocks already (1"??) they apear factory, and it sits level. i was thinking i'll need like 4" blocks? i know this is a stupid question but ive never done a lift and dont want to (but always do anyway) run in to any probleoms thanks, zach

04-29-2004, 08:07 PM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	You sure will. I added 2" hd front springs and had a 2" block for the rear I ended up adding an add-a-leaf to compensate for removing the factory block, which was good since the 2" springs were closer to 3". I'd say purchase an add-a-leaf and the 3" block and remove the factory block. __________________ 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

04-30-2004, 05:26 AM	#4
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	zach, I'm running 33-12.5 super swampers (about 34" tall). It's real easy to add the leaf it will make it stiffer but you might not be able to tell the difference. When you remove the u-bolts to add the block, you take a big c-clamp and clamp the leaves and remove the bolt through the center of the spring pack. Then you slowly remove the clamp and the leaves will come apart and put the new leaf (usually on the bottom(above the overload)) and put a new bolt in through the center(comes w/ new leaves) and pull the leaves back together. Put the block and install new u-bolts. I have 15" rims on the GMC fit because of the drums up front, on the Chevy I have 16.5" rims. I believe the biggest thing is the 16" and 16.5" have stiffer sidewalls and require higher air pressures. What tires were you look at? I'd suggest going to the manufacturers web site and look at the specs on the tires. Also i went with the 33" tsl because of the higher load rating as a 15" tire. If I had it to do over I would have went with the 16.5" rims and tires. (I don't rock crawl and have no need to air down my tires) __________________ 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

04-30-2004, 01:28 PM	#6
wildwood Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 110	blocks Hey there. I had this set-up in my truck with 1.5" blocks and an add-a-leaf in the back it sat level. If you want to go that route I'll just send ya the 1.5" blocks. the add-a-leaf adds 1.5" so you would have a total of 3" in the rear which is about what the front springs will give you. It's the best way to go if you ask me, but I'm not supplying the add-a-leafs as you know. __________________ You can't get out if ya don't get in

04-30-2004, 08:54 PM	#8
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	zach, $900 mounted, balanced and shipped to my door from tyres International. I bought the tires and rims, center caps, lug nuts and valve stems. __________________ 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

04-30-2004, 12:22 AM	#3
BurnoutNova Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,057	will the add a leaf make my suspention stiffer? i'd like to keep it as smooth as possible. do i need to have a suspention shop add the leaf, or does it just go under there inbetween the block and spring? also, what size tires do you run jim? 33x12.50's? i have some aftermarket 16" wheels now, and the 16.5" original ones. which is better for the bigger tires? thanks, zach

04-30-2004, 12:24 PM	#5
BurnoutNova Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,057	i would like to run a 15" rim with the same tires you have, (by the way what do those cost?) i could run the 16.5" but i think there to narrow. there the stock ones.

04-30-2004, 07:08 PM	#7
BurnoutNova Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,057	actully, i think i should just go with 4" blocks in the rear and dont put an add a leaf in, easier that way.

04-30-2004, 11:04 PM	#9
IoWnZa Big Block Blazer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ellsworth, ME. Posts: 509	I would not use Block's at all. __________________ [1985 Chevrolet K5 Blazer][454BBC][TH400][NP241][Dana 44][GM 12 Bolt w/ Eaton LSD][Hedman HTC Hedders][Dual 2.5" Stainless Steel Exhaust][Hedman Turbo Muffler's][Dual Spal's 14" Electric Fan's][32x11.50R15 BF Goodrich All Terrain TA KO's on 15x8 Rallys]

05-01-2004, 02:09 AM	#10
BurnoutNova Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,057	ive seen block in the front of 4x4's i think there fine. the factory used 4" blocks on 74-80 doge ramchargers/plymouth trail dusters



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