Lift 1971 Suburban - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bullington · 02-05-2022, 12:31 AM

Bought a RoughCountry 4" lift with front and rear springs, shocks, raised steering arm, etc etc.

Will be putting 900-16 tires on it when completed.

pwdcougar · 02-05-2022, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bullington

Bought a RoughCountry 4" lift with front and rear springs, shocks, raised steering arm, etc etc.

Will be putting 900-16 tires on it when completed.

That will make a significant difference in stance!

**Dieselwrencher** · 02-05-2022, 11:06 AM

That is going to look killer!

bullington · 02-05-2022, 02:24 PM

Lift was installed. The front lifted 4" and the rear lifted 2". Measured from center axle to fender.

Called RoughCountry and showed them what was going on and I was told that the rear is taller and the rear spring is purposely 2" shorter to "level" it out. It is noticeably shorter in the rear by 2" (measured)

The wheel looks off as I couldn't get back far enough to stand center.

Bigdav160 · 02-05-2022, 06:00 PM

I think those kits are the same for trucks (with a lighter bed)

I had to add blocks to the rear to level my Suburban out.

And an offset plate too get the axle centered in the wheel well

52napco · 02-06-2022, 09:38 AM

My K20 has a 4" with 285-16 tires ...blocks on rear so my tire is centered in rear... I'm
Going to drop it down a little this year with ALCAN springs.

bullington · 02-06-2022, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

I think those kits are the same for trucks (with a lighter bed)

I had to add blocks to the rear to level my Suburban out.

And an offset plate too get the axle centered in the wheel well

Thanks for the tip

bullington · 02-06-2022, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 52napco

My K20 has a 4" with 285-16 tires ...blocks on rear so my tire is centered in rear... I'm
Going to drop it down a little this year with ALCAN springs.

Did you have problems with it being lower in the rear?

52napco · 02-06-2022, 04:04 PM

Yes...5" block in rear w 4" front springs...gonna do a 2.5" instead....burbs are super heavy on the rear so I'll
Get a buddy to measure all 4 corners so I can get it spot on

**too much stuff** · 02-06-2022, 06:05 PM

Nice burbs... Nothing wrong with a lifted burb.

bullington · 02-07-2022, 05:26 PM

I got it figured out. Added a Superlift Add-a-Leaf to the new rough country springs along with the OEM overload spring and it is now sitting level at all four corners.

Will post up all the data, parts, and photos soon. Night pic after getting it done.

**72gmguy** · 02-07-2022, 06:08 PM

Looks right! Love lifted burbs!

bullington · 02-07-2022, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72gmguy

Looks right! Love lifted burbs!

Thanks. I'm glad it worked out the second time.

vectorit · 02-08-2022, 04:24 PM

Looks great!
What wheels are those?
OE or new Wheel Vintiques?

bullington · 02-08-2022, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vectorit

Looks great!
What wheels are those?
OE or new Wheel Vintiques?

Thanks!

Wheels: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/w...70604/overview

Tires: https://www.cokertire.com/tires/sta-...ly-900-16.html

vectorit · 02-08-2022, 07:37 PM

Did you have to run any wheel spacers for the offset?
I ran into this with the same wheel, just not the smoothie version on my '72 k10 PU. The wheel was too close to the disc brake caliper.

bullington · 02-09-2022, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vectorit

Did you have to run any wheel spacers for the offset?
I ran into this with the same wheel, just not the smoothie version on my '72 k10 PU. The wheel was too close to the disc brake caliper.

I didn't though I thought it was going to be an issue. Stock calipers and rotors.

Will take a pic with measurement for posterity.

bullington · 02-10-2022, 04:44 PM

A couple of daytime pics of the lift and tire combo

vectorit · 02-10-2022, 07:13 PM

Looks great!
In case you haven't yet, be sure to make sure your front drive shaft is in good shape after the lift. In my case since mine was running at a very low angle for 30+ years when I raised the suspension, I found that the slip yoke was worn out and needed to be replaced being at the new angle.

bullington · 02-10-2022, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vectorit

Looks great!
In case you haven't yet, be sure to make sure your front drive shaft is in good shape after the lift. In my case since mine was running at a very low angle for 30+ years when I raised the suspension, I found that the slip yoke was worn out and needed to be replaced being at the new angle.

Great advice!

Luckily everything checked out. The original owner didn't use it much so not much wear and tear on it.

**Dieselwrencher** · 02-12-2022, 10:36 AM

It looks really nice but man, I could not live with the rear axle so far forward in the wheel well. Move that thing back.

It looks like if you load anything in the back, or hook up a trailer, you're going to hit the quarters in front of the tires.

bullington · 02-15-2022, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

It looks really nice but man, I could not live with the rear axle so far forward in the wheel well. Move that thing back.

It looks like if you load anything in the back, or hook up a trailer, you're going to hit the quarters in front of the tires.

Thanks for the feedback. Once I get it flexed and settled will measure and see where it needs t be!

72FamilyBlazer · 06-02-2022, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bullington

Thanks for the feedback. Once I get it flexed and settled will measure and see where it needs t be!

Hey hey old thread, did you ever adjust your rear end position?

**Richard** · 06-03-2022, 12:57 AM

Axle moves back as suspension cycles up. Especially with higher arch springs. Bet most would be surprised how much if you cycle the suspension to full bump.

bullington · 01-05-2023, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72FamilyBlazer

Hey hey old thread, did you ever adjust your rear end position?

No need. Everything works as designed and flexes nicely.

02-05-2022, 12:31 AM	#1
bullington All around good guy Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pendleton Oregon Posts: 131	Lift 1971 Suburban Bought a RoughCountry 4" lift with front and rear springs, shocks, raised steering arm, etc etc. Will be putting 900-16 tires on it when completed. Attached Images

02-05-2022, 11:06 AM	#3
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban That is going to look killer! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

02-05-2022, 02:24 PM	#4
bullington All around good guy Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pendleton Oregon Posts: 131	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban Lift was installed. The front lifted 4" and the rear lifted 2". Measured from center axle to fender. Called RoughCountry and showed them what was going on and I was told that the rear is taller and the rear spring is purposely 2" shorter to "level" it out. It is noticeably shorter in the rear by 2" (measured) The wheel looks off as I couldn't get back far enough to stand center. Attached Images

02-05-2022, 06:00 PM	#5
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban I think those kits are the same for trucks (with a lighter bed) I had to add blocks to the rear to level my Suburban out. And an offset plate too get the axle centered in the wheel well __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe Last edited by Bigdav160; 02-05-2022 at 06:06 PM.

02-06-2022, 09:38 AM	#6
52napco Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: upstate sc Posts: 2,095	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban My K20 has a 4" with 285-16 tires ...blocks on rear so my tire is centered in rear... I'm Going to drop it down a little this year with ALCAN springs. Attached Images

02-06-2022, 04:04 PM	#9
52napco Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: upstate sc Posts: 2,095	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban Yes...5" block in rear w 4" front springs...gonna do a 2.5" instead....burbs are super heavy on the rear so I'll Get a buddy to measure all 4 corners so I can get it spot on

02-06-2022, 06:05 PM	#10
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,790	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban Nice burbs... Nothing wrong with a lifted burb. Attached Images __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

02-07-2022, 05:26 PM	#11
bullington All around good guy Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pendleton Oregon Posts: 131	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban I got it figured out. Added a Superlift Add-a-Leaf to the new rough country springs along with the OEM overload spring and it is now sitting level at all four corners. Will post up all the data, parts, and photos soon. Night pic after getting it done. Attached Images

02-07-2022, 06:08 PM	#12
72gmguy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brigantine NJ Posts: 822	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban Looks right! Love lifted burbs! __________________ Jeremy 1969 Blazer 4x4 original cst 1971 Blazer partial 2wd convert 1972 Blazer 4x4 original cst 1970 Blazer 4x4 w/ 2 1/2in lift and 33in tires w/4 wheel camper 1970 4x4 suburban w/ 6in lift and 35in tires 1968 Corvette convertible 1970 Malibu convertible 1959 Brookwood wagon 1972 International Scout ii

02-08-2022, 04:24 PM	#14
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban Looks great! What wheels are those? OE or new Wheel Vintiques? __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

02-08-2022, 07:37 PM	#16
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban Did you have to run any wheel spacers for the offset? I ran into this with the same wheel, just not the smoothie version on my '72 k10 PU. The wheel was too close to the disc brake caliper. __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

02-10-2022, 04:44 PM	#18
bullington All around good guy Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pendleton Oregon Posts: 131	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban A couple of daytime pics of the lift and tire combo Attached Images

02-10-2022, 07:13 PM	#19
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban Looks great! In case you haven't yet, be sure to make sure your front drive shaft is in good shape after the lift. In my case since mine was running at a very low angle for 30+ years when I raised the suspension, I found that the slip yoke was worn out and needed to be replaced being at the new angle. __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

02-12-2022, 10:36 AM	#21
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban It looks really nice but man, I could not live with the rear axle so far forward in the wheel well. Move that thing back. It looks like if you load anything in the back, or hook up a trailer, you're going to hit the quarters in front of the tires. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

06-03-2022, 12:57 AM	#24
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,889	Re: Lift 1971 Suburban Axle moves back as suspension cycles up. Especially with higher arch springs. Bet most would be surprised how much if you cycle the suspension to full bump. __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746



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