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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Highs (Raising/Lifts) => Topic started by: Derekz93 on December 02, 2020, 12:28:01 am

Title: 2wd lift?
Post by: Derekz93 on December 02, 2020, 12:28:01 am

I have a 81 c20 long bed 2wd that I just swapped to a big block.
anyways I would really like to lift it to clear 37’s. I’d be okay with 35s is that’s the best I can get.
I’ve noticed and read up that nobody makes a kit for this anymore and it is possible but you need to swap some parts from a newer model truck? Anyone have the details on this?

I’m asking because I don’t really wanna do a 4wd conversation or cab swap to a 4wd. I live in Los Angeles.

Thanks in advance guys

Title: Re: 2wd lift?
Post by: JohnnyPopper on December 14, 2020, 06:12:07 pm

Look into front spindles that have built in drops as a start.

Taller shackles for the rear?

Title: Re: 2wd lift?
Post by: carmen77 on December 18, 2020, 07:54:21 pm

I like this question as I had a similar one but not wanting to go that big with tires. I would be happy with 33 or 35s.

Are you wanting to go bigger for the look of it or do you plan on taking it off road? Just asking out of curiosity. I live in Orange County but I don’t keep my truck there. Where I keep it there are a lot of off roading trails so I was thinking larger tires for maybe some minor off roading...maybe? 


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Title: Re: 2wd lift?
Post by: JohnnyPopper on December 20, 2020, 09:35:55 pm

Keep in mind, changing the tire diameter changes the overall performance of your truck. 

Your engine produces a max torque (muscle) at a certain RPM.

If you tire size moves you below that peak, you will be struggling unless you shift to a lower gear.

Having said that, if you're off-roading and going deep, over time you will develop other issues.

Title: Re: 2wd lift?
Post by: carmen77 on December 20, 2020, 10:05:33 pm

JohnnyPopper,

You are a never ending fountain of knowledge!

Can I hire you as my over haul manager? Lol

Great advice as always. Thank you!


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Title: Re: 2wd lift?
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on December 29, 2020, 12:00:58 am

In my small block 78 C20, I had to add big block front springs and 1.5 lift blocks in the rear to fit 33.5" tires.  You will need lift spindles to go much morethan that, as mine hits the bump stops sometimes when the truck bounces on the upstroke.  But you can get basically any kind of lift blocks for the rear.  You could also combine a lift like I did with a body lift.

Can't lift a 3/4 ton more than 1.5 to 2 inches using a 2wd front suspensions' travel.