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Old 04-17-2016, 03:13 AM   #1
K20Chevrolet
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K20 1978 lift questions?

Hey guys im here to ask about lifting my truck. I know there are a few out there but just thought id ask. I have a 78 k20 that im currently been restoring and just thought to do the lifting while everything is off. I have over load springs in the back currently but i was trying to figure out how much I can lift it with out haveing to start changing things like my drive axle and all that other stuff... i was thinking either 32" tires or 33" with a 2" body and 2" suspension.....thoughts? Id almost be fine doing 33" with a 2" suspension.
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Old 04-17-2016, 03:51 AM   #2
RedRoad
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Re: K20 1978 lift questions?

4 inch suspension with 33s is pretty much the limit unless you want to cut up the fender wells. I did a 4 inch and 2 inch body with 35s and really regret the body lift.

I would recommend replacing the driveshafts regardless of what size you go with as they are probably worn out anyway and get longer brake soft lines.
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Old 04-17-2016, 07:00 AM   #3
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Re: K20 1978 lift questions?

Forget the body lift and go with a 4" suspension lift. You need longer shocks and brake hoses and that is it. Oh, and raised steering arm. No need to replace driveshafts unless they are worn out. You can figure that out once the truck is running and driving. It's pretty rare, from my experience, for a driveshaft to be shot. As long as the yokes have been greased they should be fine. No issues with drivetrain angles on a LWB with 4" lift. Go over 4" and you get into needing to lengthen drive shafts, longer cables, pinion angles...
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Old 04-17-2016, 12:35 PM   #4
Matt Man
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Re: K20 1978 lift questions?

4" lift is plenty for most offroad situations anyway, I was really impressed how capable my k10 is with 4" lift and 33's.
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Old 04-17-2016, 06:11 PM   #5
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Re: K20 1978 lift questions?

Weld in frame brace at the steering box would be advisable with 33's and up.
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Old 04-18-2016, 02:36 AM   #6
andrewmp6
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Re: K20 1978 lift questions?

If you have not seen http://offroaddesign.com/ they got everything you need.
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Old 04-18-2016, 07:41 PM   #7
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Re: K20 1978 lift questions?

Just did a 2.5" on a 78 K20, have 33.5 inch tall tires and it's just fine ...
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Old 04-21-2016, 03:23 PM   #8
El Dorado Jim
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Re: K20 1978 lift questions?

on my 74K20 and my wife's 73K20 Sub, I only have add-a-leafs,and I run 33's with no problems,I put a 2.5"lift kit on my 72K20 and run 33's ...If I were you I would just go with the add-a-leafs,alot cheaper and don't have to change anything else
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