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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Highs (Raising/Lifts) => Topic started by: Bearhunter on September 30, 2013, 03:34:34 pm

Title: How to lift an 86 k10 2"
Post by: Bearhunter on September 30, 2013, 03:34:34 pm

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/10/01/a5yva2er.jpg)I have an 86 that I just put 32/11.50 tires on and now I'm wanting to lift it a little, but not too much because I don't want to need bigger tires. What is the best way to lift this truck just 2"? And will 32" tires look bad with a 2" lift? Thanks

Title: Re: How to lift an 86 k10 2"
Post by: bake74 on September 30, 2013, 06:21:48 pm

      You have 2 choices, body lift or suspension lift.
     A lot of people do not like body lifts because they leave gaps in the front, rear, and wheel wells because you are only lifting the body.
     BDS makes a lift for your truck 2 1/2" front and 2" in rear.  See here http://www.offroadwarehouse.com/products/sfID1/4/sfID2/1413/sfID3/1429 (http://www.offroadwarehouse.com/products/sfID1/4/sfID2/1413/sfID3/1429).  Now that is only 1 example, you can shop around for other manufactures lift kits.

Title: Re: How to lift an 86 k10 2"
Post by: Irish_Alley on October 01, 2013, 11:09:01 pm

if you only want 2" i would op for the body lift. 400+ for 2" is kind of ridiculous imo. 

Title: Re: How to lift an 86 k10 2"
Post by: 81_Chevy on October 02, 2013, 09:34:34 am

definably go with the body lift, it would be cheaper IMO.

also i think that changing front springs and adding rear blocks just for 2inches of lift is not worth it.

if your absolutely set on doing a suspension lift, go with a 4 inch.

Title: Re: How to lift an 86 k10 2"
Post by: cramezl on October 02, 2013, 12:28:14 pm

I'm voting for suspension. I did a body lift once and will never do it again. Even for 2 inches

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Title: Re: How to lift an 86 k10 2"
Post by: 74k20 on October 02, 2013, 02:29:18 pm

Skyjacker 2.5" spring lift was EASY and glad I went that direction.  I'm NOT a fan of the body lift, but that's only my personal opinion.  Nice looking truck you go.

Title: Re: How to lift an 86 k10 2"
Post by: Irish_Alley on October 02, 2013, 11:07:59 pm

dont get me wrong, a suspension lift will look better. but its too much $ imo for only 2". now you might be able to get away with adding leafs to your front leaf springs but you WILL sacrifice your ride it will be bumpy. you could do the same for the rear but i might look better with out adding leafs cause i should equal out the ride height

Title: Re: How to lift an 86 k10 2"
Post by: rich weyand on October 14, 2013, 09:09:51 am

I did a 2" suspension lift in the front and 3" in the rear to even out the fender cutouts and give a little rake to the body.  I also wanted to get a better ride.  I used the Tuff Country EZ-Ride.  The whole package -- springs, shocks -- was over $1000, but I think it is worth it if you have a nice truck.  I also changed the shackle bushings at the same time.  I like the look, and the ride quality got MUCH better.

BTW: One reason to do a 2" suspension lift is to get rid of the stupid negative-arch springs in the front, which ride like a brick.  2" is all you need to get some positive arch in the front springs, and that is what improves the ride so much.  Given that, and that I also needed new springs and shocks all around anyway, I think it was well worth the bucks.

This is on 31x10.5 tires on 15x8 rims so you can see how that looks.  Picture is from early this year when I had it done.

(http://users.rcn.com/weyand/smalls/IMAG0124small.JPG)