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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Highs (Raising/Lifts) => Topic started by: BenB1 on March 30, 2015, 04:54:48 pm

Title: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: BenB1 on March 30, 2015, 04:54:48 pm
I have a 1984 SWB. I'm looking to put 33's on it soon but don't know what the best size/style of lift to use for on-road performance and value. Help?
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: illinoisk30 on March 31, 2015, 04:55:10 am
           I have Skyjacker lifts on all my trucks and I am very happy with the ride. They are not the cheapest lift but they do ride very nice. Skyjacker 4" Soft ride is what I have on a couple of my trucks and they look nice with a 33" tire. Usually 4" for a 33" tire and 6" for a 35" tire. If you are just going to be on pavement most of the time I would definitely go with Skyjacker, I don't go off-road to much with mine  I am not sure on the articulation of these springs. A short box will ride a little rougher because it is a short wheel base and somewhat lighter. You could go with Skyjacker springs in the front and blocks in the rear to save a little money.
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: BenB1 on March 31, 2015, 07:59:01 am
So I'd need to look at buying a kit with rear blocks instead of springs? Or would that be something I'd have to piece together more so? As you can see I don't know what I'm talking about so sorry for dumb questions in advance
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: BenB1 on March 31, 2015, 08:11:57 am
Found a kit with this description "Suspension Lift Kit ; 4 in. Lift ; Incl. Front Leaf Springs ; Front/Rear U Bolt Kits ; Bushing Kit ; Rear Block ;
Optional 4 in. Offset Drag Link Available PN[GMDL4] ; Lwrng Brkts Must Be Ordered If Equip w/Frt Swy Bar" for $683. This would be what I'm looking for?
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: Engineer on March 31, 2015, 08:29:00 am
Skyjacker.

I like a little more tire clearance so I would go with a 6" lift for 33s.
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: BenB1 on March 31, 2015, 08:35:01 am
A rough country lift is half the price on eBay , is the differnce worth it?
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: illinoisk30 on March 31, 2015, 06:24:42 pm
        It depends on how much you are going to use it.  I have tried Rough Country and it is just to stiff. The front springs are thicker and have more arch than the Skyjacker. I installed Rough Country front springs in the front of my truck and Skyjacker rear springs in my truck once, Once! My truck sat higher in the front than it did in the rear. I bought the Skyjacker front springs, installed them and the front of the truck dropped nearly 2". You cannot beat Skyjacker Soft ride lifts, I am convinced they are the best for ride quality.  Its your money I'm just saying get a pillow ready to sit on if you go with Rough Country.
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: Irish_Alley on March 31, 2015, 07:21:40 pm
this guy has 35" and 4" lift
(http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/urprey1/Chevy%20truck%20rebuild/DSCN3657_3360.jpg) (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=21690)
33s can fit a stock lift on a truck if you dont plan on off roading but you still might rub on some daily driving angles (i.e. going into a parking lot that has a slight grade to it) at max 2.5" lift
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: BenB1 on March 31, 2015, 07:29:31 pm
Well I guess it's time to save up a couple more dollars. I appreciate your help. Does anyone have any pictures of a 4 inch lift and 33's? I can't decide between a 3 inch with 33's, 4 inch with 33's, or 4 inch with 35's
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: illinoisk30 on March 31, 2015, 08:54:07 pm
Here are some pictrues of my 1980 Chevy K30 and 1978 GMC K35. Chevy is 4" all spring Skyjacker and GMC is 4" Skyjacker rear and 4" Rough Country front before I bought Skyjacker for the front as well. You can tell the GMC is about level. It is actually a little higher in the front compared to the Chevy. Both trucks have 33's.
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: Edemich on April 03, 2015, 08:03:56 am
Illinois, you could put a 1" zero rate spring on the back of that GMC to level it out.

Ben, Tuff country makes EZ Ride Springs that have more flex to them for a better ride.  I am in the process of lifting mine 4" and will eventually get 35's.  Personally I think the tires look small with 33's and a 4" lift.  However you are set with off roading cause your tires won't ever rub if bottomed out.

I am doing the custom springs for the front from the design company for off road stuff in Colorado.  Supposedly lots more flex for a better ride.  We will see.

If your rear springs are good, shackle flip the rear to save money, new springs for the front and shocks is all you will need.
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: Greybeard on April 05, 2015, 04:36:18 pm
this guy has 35" and 4" lift
(http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/urprey1/Chevy%20truck%20rebuild/DSCN3657_3360.jpg) (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=21690)
33s can fit a stock lift on a truck if you dont plan on off roading but you still might rub on some daily driving angles (i.e. going into a parking lot that has a slight grade to it) at max 2.5" lift

What he said^^^

No need for a lift with tiny little tires like 33's. I had 38's (MT Tall Baja's actually 39-15/15's) with a six inch trailmaster lift and minor front rear fender opening trimming. I rock climbed with it and it never hit enough to cut a tire or warp the fenders. Just use the appropriate rim offset. I had the old tried and true white steel wagon wheels (15x10). Anything aluminum and your mileage may very.
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: roundhouse on April 06, 2015, 07:50:36 am
We ran 33s on stock rally wheels with no lift
And had no rubbing at all

You don't need any lift to run 33s


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Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: nbertolan on April 14, 2015, 07:52:34 am
Mine has a 4" lift with 33s
Title: Re: Best lift for 33 inch tires?
Post by: Jakethesnake73 on April 14, 2015, 10:23:06 am
Ive got 2.5" with 33x12.5 on my blazer and got it stuck in a ditch macing out the flex and there was no rubbing (http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/14/3d3f76e6fe0688de976d2120d24e0c46.jpg)


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