73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Highs (Raising/Lifts) => Topic started by: BillWill on April 13, 2019, 09:52:51 AM

Title: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: BillWill on April 13, 2019, 09:52:51 AM
4" lift on 33's and working in the engine bay I find myself either standing on tire rim, tire itself, trying to balance on bumper, climbing in or sometimes just laying on top of whatever I need to reach.  I've tried using a small step ladder but it is always unstable and was just wondering what you guys do to work on your lifted trucks.

I've thought about getting those tire steps but the few I"ve looked at won't fit my mud tires but honestly have not spent a ton of time looking at different types yet. I work on my truck like most I"m sure just in my yard so I don't have a shop and being a full size k10 it does not fit in my garage (that and I'm not willing to kick my wife out of it).

I"ve even thought about ordering a new bumper that is big enough to just stand on but they are definitely more expensive then I'm willing to spend right now.

Title: Re: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: VileZambonie on April 13, 2019, 10:34:41 AM
You can air down the tires and reinflate them when you are done. Or use one of these which are great. https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-2252GR/Ladders/3-Step-Utility-Step-Ladder-Gray?pricode=WA9358&gadtype=pla&id=H-2252GR&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvYOftrLN4QIVbf_jBx341g02EAkYAyABEgJehfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

If you use a tire step, be careful, I've seen them ruin many fenders.

Title: Re: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on April 13, 2019, 12:05:20 PM
Considering switching to a 4.3 v-6 is out of the question for most people, but this is one reason why i did it:

(https://i.imgur.com/oAZnjtO.jpg)


Yes, i can physically stand in the engine compartment.   Makes working on the engine SO much easier.    It also helps to lose weight/be thinner and i may start a separate thread on that topic as well.

A MILE of space:
(https://i.imgur.com/KNet0Pd.jpg)
Title: Re: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on April 13, 2019, 12:09:21 PM
Most people are totally opposed to going 6 from 8, so you might consider this:

https://traxionproducts.com/products/topside-creeper
Title: Re: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: Irish_Alley on April 13, 2019, 01:19:13 PM
like vile said you can air down the tires or you can build one of those steps to fit your truck. when working on my 79k20 with 6+" lift and 40s i would climb the tire and then step on the bumper. sometimes i would climb into the engine bay. bt then i would also slip sometimes and it got real sketchy fast. i ended up getting a 3 step ladder (the type with the handle bar) that helps a lot and they tend to slip less  with the four rubber feet
Title: Re: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: ehjorten on April 15, 2019, 08:48:22 AM
Topside Creeper!
Title: Re: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: Jason S on April 18, 2019, 09:06:05 PM
A metal folding chair (as found in churches, community centers or on WWF) works great for working on my 73 with a 4" lift. 
Title: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: roundhouse on April 20, 2019, 07:31:49 AM
I use the tire step
It’s adjustable and fits 35x15 tires
But needed something else for the front of the truck plus the tire step is a little too tall sometimes


I also use a home made step box

I took two of the clear plastic storage tubs and nested them together

Lightweight but strong enough to support me at 230 lbs

Not sure of the size
They are about 18 deep 18 wide and 28 long

I used some gorilla glue in between them so they won’t come apart
Wish I had used a thin sheet of plywood or metal in between em
  It sags a little when you stand on it but hasn’t collapsed yet

Or you could make one out of plywood
But I had a bunch of the storage tubs laying around from remodeling my laundry room


I too have no garage
I do all my work in the driveway
  Did my LS swap in the driveway which is asphalt and old and soft so we had to lay down plywood for the engine hoist cause it kept sinking into the asphalt

I wouldn’t use a folding chair

To fragile and tippy
Title: Re: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: Irish_Alley on April 20, 2019, 07:36:06 AM
also somethings tend to slide when you start leaning into the engine bay
Title: Re: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: fitz on April 23, 2019, 03:30:57 PM
You could always take off your tires and rims and just bolt on spare rims without tires.
Title: Re: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: Stinky on April 24, 2019, 09:00:52 PM
Homer Depot has work platforms that you can use as well. Hold 250-300lb. Not that expensive either. 30-60 bucks or so.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gorilla-Ladders-47-25-in-x-12-in-x-20-in-Aluminum-Slim-Fold-Work-Platform-with-300-lbs-Load-Capacity-GLWP-47/305590237
Title: Re: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: Manswame on April 25, 2019, 08:43:25 AM
Try looking up work platform as at lowes. They come in different heights and are less than 100 bucks. It'll give you more range because of the length and/or a spot to bnb put things in closer reach.

Try home depot and amazon too, they might have different sizes.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: methods for working on lifted trucks?
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on April 30, 2019, 01:58:35 PM
The other thing i've thought about for a long time is doing a tilt front end.   But it might be rather involved.....or not?