advice needed...what size lift should I get?

[Jason71k10]

I need some advice......I'm ready to put a lift in my 71, since the pass. front spring needs to be fixed anyway, I figured now is the perfect time(and excuse ) to lift it. I've read that a lot of guys like Skyjacker because of the nice ride....which I want, cuz this will be a total pavement pounder!
I'm looking to put 32's or 33's on it. should I get the 2.5 or 4" lift?? right now it has 31's on it, and it may be a while before I get new tires on there, so I thought that the 4" might look "dopey". Will the 2.5 clear the 33's without problems, or should I just suck it up and get the 4" lift and live with the small tires for now?? also any pics of 2.5 and 4" lifts would be great(any brand), too! Thanks guys

Jason

[JIMs70GMC]

Check out the link in my signature. I just added a 2" tuff country lift. I have 33" super swampers. They are closer to 34" tall. Plenty of room no rubbing. I also added off road design heavy duty front shackles(about 1/4" of lift).

[Mike C]

I put a 4" lift on my Jimmy with 33's, and it looked stupid I thought. I would stay with 33's and go with a 2.5" lift for best all around combo.

[GMC71k20]

if you go with a 4 inch lift get 35s. this is my truck, 4 inch lift with 33s

[Jason71k10]

so 2.5" it is then
If 33's will be too small for the 4", then i'll go with 2.5. I don't want to go any larger than 33's, cuz I don't want to lose power/braking/mileage, plus I want it to look "sorta" stock still.

JIMs70gmc, I looked at your site....that's pretty much what i'm looking for....just something a little more aggressive than stock, but not too wild.

now.....WHAT BRAND.....any thoughts?? I would like the smoothest ride I can get for a good price.

[Jason71k10]

here's a pic of my truck too!

[chevypete396]

Just so you know... 33x12's will your truck now with out rubbing. Look at my avatar my ride height is stock... Pete.

[JIMs70GMC]

I had 31x12.5s on 15x8 rims that did not rub, but when I mounted the same tires on 15x10s they rubbed w/ no lift. Both rims had 4" back spacing.
Jason, as far as brands my opinion- Tuff country. I like mine, the others I've had- Rancho(scout II) Rugged trail (K5) both were rough.

[chevypete396]

I have 16.5x10 inch rims but I don't know how much back spacing. I think my height is stock?? Is there more clearance on 68 ¾ tons or something... Pete.

[chevypete396]

Stock??

[Jason71k10]

chevypete396, your's looks to be about stock to me. I used to have 32's on mine and tons of clearance, so I know that 33's can be put on, but i like the look of having extra room between the tires and fenders

JIMs70GMC, does your's ride well?? better than stock even? I'll check out tuff country's website....

Jason

[JIMs70GMC]

I'd say it's better than stock. I've posted a link to an article on a 6" skyjacker lift before and I'll post it again: http://www.truckworld.com/How-To-Tec...uspension.html

[Jason71k10]

any opinions on what brand of lift I should get??

[enigma2y0u]

I just went through the same exacty thing. In fact I still have grease on my hands from installing the lift. I originally ordered a 2.5" lift for my 82 k10, but called the guy back a day later and went with the 4". My friends talked me into it. I am still running 29" tires and it looks pretty dumb, but I get new tires in a week. I am glad I went with the 4" lift istead of the 2.5". I think I would have regretted it big time. I didn't want a tall truck was my thing, but I also wanted to run 33" tires with no problems. Aside from buying a steering are I had to replace nothing extra. The drivelines fit, brake lines were long enough, everything went well. Oh, I did have to buy a little extension for the front differential vent tube, but I could have just as easily rerouted it. If I was to give you advice, I would beg you to go with the 4". You will be happy you did. On a side note I installed a pro comp suspension. It seemed to be quality, but they give ****ty instructions. I used instructions from a skyjacker lift, much more informative.

[Jason71k10]

enigma2you, did you stick with the 33's, or are you going bigger now??
any pics?

[enigma2y0u]

I don't know what to get. I think that I will still get 33x12.50x15 tires because it looks good to me. I have seen pictures with the same thing, 4" and 33's. If you want pics you could try www.truckworld.com under "readers rides". There is a ton of pics there and you will be able to decide for yourself. On a side note, I am still running a tired 305ci engine, a few mods, and 3.08 gearing in the front and rear. makes for sweet mileage, but I don't think it will turn 35" tires even if I want them.

[Purs]

Here is mine with stock height and 33's. I"m going with a 2.5" lift as well as I really like the look of them with the 33's.