Rough co. lift 2 or 4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CHEVYJEFF · 10-28-2003, 12:22 PM

Trying to decide on which rough co. lift kit to get for my 90 full size blazer. I have read on other posts that the rough co. 4" lift is more like a 5-6" lift so does that make the 2" lift a 3.5"????.
Blazer will run 33x12.5x15 bfg tires and will see light trail and mud. Will also be using this as a tow rig for my 21' boat and on special occasion the 57 chevy to the track.

CHEVYJEFF · 10-28-2003, 12:39 PM

pic

72MARIO · 10-28-2003, 01:03 PM

Nice Blazer.

I don't know anything about thoes lift's.

**JIMs70GMC** · 10-28-2003, 06:39 PM

I heard they live up to their name. Might want to try Tuff country, I know a lot of people here have them and like them.

soleeagle · 10-29-2003, 12:46 AM

I just put a Rough Country 6 inch on my 85 and I think its actually about 7 or so. Yes they do ride a little rough but you will get use to it, I like mine and the price was good to. Hope this might help.

Mudder · 10-29-2003, 03:44 AM

I would go with the 4"... Think you will be sorry if ya go with the 2" after its said and done.

CHEVYJEFF · 10-29-2003, 10:07 AM

funny thing is the 4" is cheaper than the 2" lift. My mai concern is with the 4" (actual 5-6) how it will affect the towing charecteristics of the blazer. If a 2" equals out to a 2.5" or 3" that would be perfect. decisions decisions....

Mudder · 10-29-2003, 01:22 PM

Not sure that you will get that much lift with a 4 "......

88Jimmy4x4 · 10-29-2003, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soleeagle
I just put a Rough Country 6 inch on my 85 and I think its actually about 7 or so. Yes they do ride a little rough but you will get use to it, I like mine and the price was good to. Hope this might help.

You got any pics?
What size tires you running?

Sweet, I ordered my 6" rough country monday, should be here this week. Im installing it Saturday and putting on 36x14.50x16's :p

79Silv4x4 · 10-29-2003, 03:52 PM

If it were a pickup I would go with the 4 inch but on a blazer I would stick to the 2 inch lift due to the shorter wheelbase.

Both lift measurements are based on a new 'stock' vehicle. Leaf springs weaken over time so your Blazer may actually sit somewhat lower than it was originally--this makes the lift springs appear to give a larger than advertised lift. Hope this makes sense.

I'd also get all new springs and avoid using blocks in the rear.

CHEVYJEFF · 10-29-2003, 05:03 PM

I read on some other posts on the colrado k5 board that the ride is a lot stiffer when using the lifted springs compared to blocks in the rear. This will be a 90% on road and 10% off road blazer. I think you correct when the advertised lift is related to the original height and mine has sagged over the years.

88Jimmy4x4 · 10-29-2003, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CHEVYJEFF
I read on some other posts on the colrado k5 board that the ride is a lot stiffer when using the lifted springs compared to blocks in the rear. This will be a 90% on road and 10% off road blazer.

I wanted a stiffer spring for mine because like you, I tow a boat and didnt want the rear to sag down low. I ordered all new springs for mine. You could order 4" for the front and a 2" spring pack with 2" blocks for the rear if your concerned about stiffness.

Spring Comparison Chart

79Silv4x4 · 10-30-2003, 04:12 PM

The primary reason I suggested new rear springs is to avoid getting the front higher than the rear (looks bad IMO). If it's sitting good now and you put new springs in the front but use a block in the rear there's a chance that this will happen.

IoWnZa · 10-30-2003, 08:46 PM

What size BF Goodrich All Terrains are those on there right now?

/IoWnZa

Prerunner1982 · 10-30-2003, 09:40 PM

33"s you could go with 2"... i run 32"s on my 2wd truck, with stock rear leaves and new HD front coils. 4" would give you room for almost 35"s, might look funny with too much wheel well not enough tire. besides, no more off roading than it will see, you wont need all that flex room. We ran 33"s on our Jeep with only 2.5" lift. never had a problem.

greenhorn male · 10-31-2003, 12:51 AM

I thought that the used front springs I paired with 4" rear blocks were 4" but they were either 2 to 2-1/2 " springs or 4" springs that sagged. The front of my 71 k10 was lower but didn't look all that bad. The 33x12.5x 15 still had plenty of room. The only problem I had was I had installed a 4" lifted steering arm and the lift wasn't high enough for the steering arm and the steering felt awkward. I didn't want to switch back to the stock steering arm after all that work removing it so I recently installed 4" Tough country front springs I bought from a boardmember. My truck sits pretty level now and the same 33" tires still look the same on the truck.

The only problem after going with with the 4" spring was my front brakelines were fully stretched on turns and I had to replace the brakelines. I also had to relocate the rear parking brake cable/bracket after installing the 4" block.

So these are things you might want to check out with your blazer when you go with a 4" lift: Possible steering arm change, longer front brakelines and modifying the parking brake lines.
FWIW

soleeagle · 10-31-2003, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 88Jimmy4x4

You got any pics?
What size tires you running?

Sweet, I ordered my 6" rough country monday, should be here this week. Im installing it Saturday and putting on 36x14.50x16's :p

At the moment I still only have my 33 inch tires on it, im planning on putting a 3 inch body and some 38 inch tires, when I can aford them.

soleeagle · 10-31-2003, 01:38 AM

This is what it looked like before the 6 inches, it has 2 inch blocks in the front and back here. That was the main reason for my hurry in getting the 6. Those blocks in the front scared the crap out of me.

alf4444 · 10-31-2003, 10:55 AM

My web shots page has pics of my 78 before and after my 6" tc. I hate rough they are crap.

http://community.webshots.com/user/alf4444

CHEVYJEFF · 10-31-2003, 11:32 AM

so many choices, I have narrowed it down to a 4" lift kit now I only have to decide between rough co. and tuff co. and springs or blocks for the rear. Guess it will be based on how many other testamonials I can find on each set up. Never thought choosing a lif kit would take so much research.

alf4444 · 10-31-2003, 11:37 AM

I just looked at roughs website to see what they are charging for their 6" lift and it is more than I paid for mine with shocks and the steering arm and extended ss brakelines. Too bad you aren't closer I'd get you the hook up on TC.

soleeagle · 11-01-2003, 10:53 AM

My Rough Country came with everything including shocks, boots and the steering arm. No it didnt have the brake lines but it did have the brackets to lower the existing ones. I got the kit with the 4 inch blocks and 2 inch helper spings for the back because of low funds at the time, spent to much at the 4x4 jamborie, but am planning on next year rerplacing with new lift springs. The wife said I couldnt spend any more on the truck till after Christmas.

88Jimmy4x4 · 11-14-2003, 09:55 PM

Aight, got my 88 Jimmy lifted, heres some before and after pics with 6" lift and 36x14.50's , I think I gained about 8" of lift because I have plenty of room...heck I could fit 38's

Mudder · 11-14-2003, 11:14 PM

Sweet, very sweet!!

**Yukon Jack** · 11-17-2003, 02:37 PM

ChevyJeff, I'm very pleased with my Tuff Country springs. Never road in anything with Rough Country springs to compare it to though.

10-28-2003, 12:22 PM	#1
CHEVYJEFF Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: WYLIE TEXAS Posts: 232	Rough co. lift 2 or 4 Trying to decide on which rough co. lift kit to get for my 90 full size blazer. I have read on other posts that the rough co. 4" lift is more like a 5-6" lift so does that make the 2" lift a 3.5"????. Blazer will run 33x12.5x15 bfg tires and will see light trail and mud. Will also be using this as a tow rig for my 21' boat and on special occasion the 57 chevy to the track. __________________ http://members.cardomain.com/chevyjeff 57 2 DOOR HDTP 82 CORVETTE 90 V10 BLAZER 97 REGAL LSR 2100 (BOAT) Last edited by CHEVYJEFF; 10-28-2003 at 12:39 PM.

10-28-2003, 12:39 PM	#2
CHEVYJEFF Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: WYLIE TEXAS Posts: 232	pic Attached Images __________________ http://members.cardomain.com/chevyjeff 57 2 DOOR HDTP 82 CORVETTE 90 V10 BLAZER 97 REGAL LSR 2100 (BOAT)

10-28-2003, 01:03 PM	#3
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,051	Nice Blazer. I don't know anything about thoes lift's. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

10-28-2003, 06:39 PM	#4
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I heard they live up to their name. Might want to try Tuff country, I know a lot of people here have them and like them. __________________ 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

10-29-2003, 12:46 AM	#5
soleeagle Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Shelbyville, Indiana Posts: 614	I just put a Rough Country 6 inch on my 85 and I think its actually about 7 or so. Yes they do ride a little rough but you will get use to it, I like mine and the price was good to. Hope this might help. __________________ Chuck '85 Chevy Silverado 4X4 '91 Chevy 4X4 Suburban http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/545941

10-29-2003, 03:44 AM	#6
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	I would go with the 4"... Think you will be sorry if ya go with the 2" after its said and done.

10-29-2003, 10:07 AM	#7
CHEVYJEFF Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: WYLIE TEXAS Posts: 232	funny thing is the 4" is cheaper than the 2" lift. My mai concern is with the 4" (actual 5-6) how it will affect the towing charecteristics of the blazer. If a 2" equals out to a 2.5" or 3" that would be perfect. decisions decisions.... __________________ http://members.cardomain.com/chevyjeff 57 2 DOOR HDTP 82 CORVETTE 90 V10 BLAZER 97 REGAL LSR 2100 (BOAT)

10-29-2003, 01:22 PM	#8
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Not sure that you will get that much lift with a 4 "......

10-29-2003, 03:52 PM	#10
79Silv4x4 Workaholic Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 1,589	If it were a pickup I would go with the 4 inch but on a blazer I would stick to the 2 inch lift due to the shorter wheelbase. Both lift measurements are based on a new 'stock' vehicle. Leaf springs weaken over time so your Blazer may actually sit somewhat lower than it was originally--this makes the lift springs appear to give a larger than advertised lift. Hope this makes sense. I'd also get all new springs and avoid using blocks in the rear.

10-29-2003, 05:03 PM	#11
CHEVYJEFF Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: WYLIE TEXAS Posts: 232	I read on some other posts on the colrado k5 board that the ride is a lot stiffer when using the lifted springs compared to blocks in the rear. This will be a 90% on road and 10% off road blazer. I think you correct when the advertised lift is related to the original height and mine has sagged over the years. __________________ http://members.cardomain.com/chevyjeff 57 2 DOOR HDTP 82 CORVETTE 90 V10 BLAZER 97 REGAL LSR 2100 (BOAT)

10-30-2003, 04:12 PM	#13
79Silv4x4 Workaholic Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 1,589	The primary reason I suggested new rear springs is to avoid getting the front higher than the rear (looks bad IMO). If it's sitting good now and you put new springs in the front but use a block in the rear there's a chance that this will happen.

10-30-2003, 08:46 PM	#14
IoWnZa Big Block Blazer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ellsworth, ME. Posts: 509	What size BF Goodrich All Terrains are those on there right now? /IoWnZa __________________ [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]

10-30-2003, 09:40 PM	#15
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	33"s you could go with 2"... i run 32"s on my 2wd truck, with stock rear leaves and new HD front coils. 4" would give you room for almost 35"s, might look funny with too much wheel well not enough tire. besides, no more off roading than it will see, you wont need all that flex room. We ran 33"s on our Jeep with only 2.5" lift. never had a problem. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call Last edited by Prerunner1982; 10-30-2003 at 09:44 PM.

10-31-2003, 12:51 AM	#16
greenhorn male Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bay Area, Northern California Posts: 1,344	I thought that the used front springs I paired with 4" rear blocks were 4" but they were either 2 to 2-1/2 " springs or 4" springs that sagged. The front of my 71 k10 was lower but didn't look all that bad. The 33x12.5x 15 still had plenty of room. The only problem I had was I had installed a 4" lifted steering arm and the lift wasn't high enough for the steering arm and the steering felt awkward. I didn't want to switch back to the stock steering arm after all that work removing it so I recently installed 4" Tough country front springs I bought from a boardmember. My truck sits pretty level now and the same 33" tires still look the same on the truck. The only problem after going with with the 4" spring was my front brakelines were fully stretched on turns and I had to replace the brakelines. I also had to relocate the rear parking brake cable/bracket after installing the 4" block. So these are things you might want to check out with your blazer when you go with a 4" lift: Possible steering arm change, longer front brakelines and modifying the parking brake lines. FWIW __________________ 03 Tahoe 72 GMC Super Custom 2500 Custom Camper, my reliable workhorse. Dual gauged tanks, dual battery trays.

10-31-2003, 01:38 AM	#18
soleeagle Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Shelbyville, Indiana Posts: 614	This is what it looked like before the 6 inches, it has 2 inch blocks in the front and back here. That was the main reason for my hurry in getting the 6. Those blocks in the front scared the crap out of me. Attached Images __________________ Chuck '85 Chevy Silverado 4X4 '91 Chevy 4X4 Suburban http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/545941



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10-31-2003, 10:55 AM	#19
alf4444 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: taylorsville, UT Posts: 778	My web shots page has pics of my 78 before and after my 6" tc. I hate rough they are crap. http://community.webshots.com/user/alf4444 __________________ 2011 CCSB GMC 2500HD DMAX 73 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 96 Chevy 1500 STD Cab Shortbed Z71 Owner of WickedWolfRC.com

10-31-2003, 11:32 AM	#20
CHEVYJEFF Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: WYLIE TEXAS Posts: 232	so many choices, I have narrowed it down to a 4" lift kit now I only have to decide between rough co. and tuff co. and springs or blocks for the rear. Guess it will be based on how many other testamonials I can find on each set up. Never thought choosing a lif kit would take so much research. __________________ http://members.cardomain.com/chevyjeff 57 2 DOOR HDTP 82 CORVETTE 90 V10 BLAZER 97 REGAL LSR 2100 (BOAT)

10-31-2003, 11:37 AM	#21
alf4444 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: taylorsville, UT Posts: 778	I just looked at roughs website to see what they are charging for their 6" lift and it is more than I paid for mine with shocks and the steering arm and extended ss brakelines. Too bad you aren't closer I'd get you the hook up on TC. __________________ 2011 CCSB GMC 2500HD DMAX 73 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 96 Chevy 1500 STD Cab Shortbed Z71 Owner of WickedWolfRC.com

11-01-2003, 10:53 AM	#22
soleeagle Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Shelbyville, Indiana Posts: 614	My Rough Country came with everything including shocks, boots and the steering arm. No it didnt have the brake lines but it did have the brackets to lower the existing ones. I got the kit with the 4 inch blocks and 2 inch helper spings for the back because of low funds at the time, spent to much at the 4x4 jamborie, but am planning on next year rerplacing with new lift springs. The wife said I couldnt spend any more on the truck till after Christmas. __________________ Chuck '85 Chevy Silverado 4X4 '91 Chevy 4X4 Suburban http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/545941

11-14-2003, 09:55 PM	#23
88Jimmy4x4 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: houston, texas Posts: 1,974	Aight, got my 88 Jimmy lifted, heres some before and after pics with 6" lift and 36x14.50's , I think I gained about 8" of lift because I have plenty of room...heck I could fit 38's __________________ 2008 Silverado Z71 RCSB 1991 GMC Jimmy 4x4 1976 GMC Sierra C15 SWB

11-14-2003, 11:14 PM	#24
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Sweet, very sweet!!

11-17-2003, 02:37 PM	#25
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	ChevyJeff, I'm very pleased with my Tuff Country springs. Never road in anything with Rough Country springs to compare it to though. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

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