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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Lows (Lowering/Drops) => Topic started by: 79chevyK10 on December 21, 2010, 08:56:46 pm

Title: Comparing suspension lifts
Post by: 79chevyK10 on December 21, 2010, 08:56:46 pm
I have a 1979 Chevy K10 that currently has add-a leafs and 32x11.5x15s.  I bought it this way but I would like to put in a 6" suspension lift from Rough Country.  I heard that the all spring kit is better, but why is it better?  Does it ride harder (rougher ride) than just adding rear blocks?

I'm pretty comfortable with installing it. I dont think I have any major questions yet, but some will probably come up when I'm in the middle of putting it in.  But I would like to have a 6" lift with 35x12.5x15s, could some of you post pictures of your trucks with a 6" and 35s setup so I could get an idea of what it will be like, and any problem you might have with it, etc...

Thanks
Title: Re: Comparing suspention lifts
Post by: beastie_3 on December 21, 2010, 11:43:54 pm
Full spring kits are better because it eliminates the block in the back.

Google has many pics of that setup, or you can use the search function too.

With a 6", I would buy longer brake lines and a raised steering arm.
Title: Re: Comparing suspention lifts
Post by: 79chevyK10 on December 22, 2010, 08:00:25 pm
Well, brake line relocation brackets and the steering arm comes with the kit I want.

Is there anything else thats better about the full spring lift? Like more flex room or something?
Title: Re: Comparing suspention lifts
Post by: Buddy on December 23, 2010, 06:56:08 am
that is the exact set up I just did to my truck, I love it. I run the tires you are talking about. I dont have it 100 percent complete yet but I still love it
Title: Re: Comparing suspention lifts
Post by: 74k20 on December 23, 2010, 11:08:02 am
Be sure to pick the brand that fits your needs.  Rough Country is good and popular, but have read that they can ride, well "rougher" on the street.  I went with the Skyjacker "softride" spring kit due to the fact that I will be driving the street 90% of the time.

just another thought  :)

MJ
Title: Re: Comparing suspention lifts
Post by: Grim 82 on December 23, 2010, 02:47:45 pm
here's some pics
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=17807.0
Title: Re: Comparing suspension lifts
Post by: 79chevyK10 on December 24, 2010, 08:06:55 pm
Thanks guys.  How much is the "softride" compared to the rough country lift I'm talking about?  And I drive mine on the street mostly too, but it rides pretty rough as it is, I dont really know why.  If my memory serves me, it has four-pack leafs in the front, and 5-6 leaf-pack in the rear with add-a-leafs.
Title: Re: Comparing suspension lifts
Post by: Big Blue 87 on January 16, 2011, 06:07:22 pm
i jus got through puttin a 6 inch rough country lift kit in my truck with blocks and add a leafs in the rear. it does ride rough but it dnt bother me none. i have 38.5x15x15 boggers that  clear fine.
Title: Re: Comparing suspension lifts
Post by: bake74 on January 17, 2011, 09:28:46 am
     The block lift kits are dangerous if not properly done right.  The block themselves can move or slip out and there goes your suspension and if you are driving, maybe even your truck.  Block lift kits are a lot cheaper, well because it's cheaper to make a block then a set of leaves.  Most people who have done both wont go back to a block kit ever.  In our opion it not worth the ease of mind knowing you have a solid suspension that wont go nowhere.
Title: Re: Comparing suspension lifts
Post by: thirsty on January 17, 2011, 11:39:56 am
     The block lift kits are dangerous if not properly done right.

I've always run 4'" lifts with blocks and 33" tires (anything bigger won't go through the garage door). Had this set up on 3 different trucks that got used plenty and never had a problem with the rear blocks. My blocks are angled to make up for the changed pinion angle, have a center bolt pin and a hole to receive the center bolt on the springs. They don't budge if put in correctly. Maybe some are just 4" riser blocks, that I could see as dangerous. I got mine long ago and money was an issue but ride quality was not.
This is just my opinion and experience with block kits.
Title: Re: Comparing suspension lifts
Post by: bake74 on January 17, 2011, 12:22:29 pm
     The block lift kits are dangerous if not properly done right.

I've always run 4'" lifts with blocks and 33" tires (anything bigger won't go through the garage door). Had this set up on 3 different trucks that got used plenty and never had a problem with the rear blocks. My blocks are angled to make up for the changed pinion angle, have a center bolt pin and a hole to receive the center bolt on the springs. They don't budge if put in correctly. Maybe some are just 4" riser blocks, that I could see as dangerous. I got mine long ago and money was an issue but ride quality was not.
This is just my opinion and experience with block kits.

     You answered your own rebuttal with  " They don't budge if put in correctly "
Title: Re: Comparing suspension lifts
Post by: thirsty on January 18, 2011, 07:56:09 am
Wasn't a rebuttal  Bake. I was agreeing with "if not done right" in your post.