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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Highs (Raising/Lifts) => Topic started by: 78chevyshortbed on December 04, 2012, 03:11:41 pm
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I have a 1978 Chevy Shortbed that is going to be my daily driver. i just would like if you guys could give me some suggestions. My truck has a 4 inch suspension lift and a 3 inch body lift. Im still wondering what i should do because it will be a rough rider. Im debating on just a 6 inch suspension lift or keeping the 4 inch suspension and cutting down the body lift to 1 1/2 inches but i still want my truck to be big. Suggestions please.
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what size tire are you trying to run? whats your gear ratio? give us some stats on your rig and your overall goal.Then we can help you
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Like the old saying goes...Run what you brung!
Why do you want to change it all around? To try and get a better ride?
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im gonna run 35s and i just got the truck so i dont know the gear ratio yet. it has a 350 automatic. like i said i just got the truck so i dont know a ton about it. i want a better ride because its gonna be my dialy driver and right now its a pretty bouncy ride.
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I have a 77 K10 with a 4" lift and i can clear 35s easily and i run it in the mud and all and have not noticed any rubbing yet. I would do away with the body lift IMO. Is the bounce coming from the suspension or the tires you could try a decent pair of shocks. Any time you lift the vehicle its gonna ride stiffer.
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ALL LIFT KITS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL, that being said you said you want it tall still.
Are you going off road with it, or for the most part is it going to be a street truck with mild off road ? 78chevyshortbed has a point, with a 4" lift and 35" tires on the street the only time you may hit is entering a parking lot off camber with your truck.
If you want the look you have now and a softer ride you will need to switch to a 6" lift of a lift kit with soft ride springs and do away with the body lift ( they are ugly anyways ).
One of the draw backs of a soft ride spring is leaning while cornering
Personally I always suggest that you ask for opinions and do your own homework at the same time, because you have to live with the end results.
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if i go with the 6 inch lift i will have to change all the driveshaft and steering components. and im not sure if i want to go through all of that hassle.
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this is my truck on 4" of lift and 35s never rubbed and rode pretty good for what it was on the road
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78 The combination you have now is fine.... with a couple changes, bake74 is very correct body lifts are less than beautiful, however with adjusted bumper brackets and black body gap fillers they can look much better. Personally I put a body lift on most of my projects 1) it's cheap lift inches and 2) I like the extra space when it comes to working on the vehicle, more "stuff is easily accessable when cleaning under the truck. I live in an area where road salt is used in winter. I can spray off the top of the gas tank,spot leaks,pull tranny bolts etc..I can't remember what thread it was but I commented on how to "loosen" up you existing springs,spring hanger, bushings etc. Each and individual springs should slide over each other..meaning as the springs are stacked up if rust/debris gets between the springs it creates friction and you loose articulation. I'm willing to bet your spring eye bushings bolts are siezed in place limiting there movement. Your best bet if you do take your suspension apart is to buy a poly kit for the spring eyes and shackles.
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i like my 4 inch lift with 35's
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thanks for all the suggestions guys. i just found out my frame is bent pretty bad now... which sucks.
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if i go with the 6 inch lift i will have to change all the driveshaft and steering components. and im not sure if i want to go through all of that hassle.
I was commenting on the fact you said you wanted a softer ride.
thanks for all the suggestions guys. i just found out my frame is bent pretty bad now... which sucks.
That right there is all kinds of bad.