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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 4 Wheel Drives => Topic started by: mrgbody on November 20, 2002, 09:01:00 am

Title: 2" lift questions
Post by: mrgbody on November 20, 2002, 09:01:00 am
I have a 1978 GMC Shortbed 4X4.  I bought it partially completed from someone who lost interest.  This truck had a 4" lift before the restoration started and the guy I got it from was reducing it to 2".  I prefer the 2" so I'm going to stay that course.  However, now there is a mix of 4" and 2" lift components on this thing.  I need some help figuring out what's what:

1)  It has a raised steering arm for the 4" lift.  Can I still use it or do I need to get a stock steering arm?

2)  The are 1" lowering blocks on the trans/tranfercase cross member.  Do I need them or should they be removed?

3)  Somebody screwed with the pinion angle on the rear axle and the spring perches are partially collapsed.  On a 2" lift, do I need to have a 'custom' pinion angle or will stock do?  

4)  This truck has the 12-bolt 6-lug rear which for obvious reasons I'd like to keep, and I bought new spring perches, but I don't know how to set the proper angle.  Does anybody have advice on this?

Thanks in advance,

Roy K.

Title: 2" lift answers
Post by: 73K20 on November 20, 2002, 05:15:00 pm
1.  I would use the stock steering arm.  It is good up to a 3 inch lift.

2.  The lowering blocks can be taken out.  i dont believe that they are needed for even a 4" lift let alone a 2".

3.  A stock pinion angle will do just fine for a 2' lift.

4.  i believe that the proper pinion angle for the rear axle is to have the pinion aligned with the driveshaft (at normal unload conditions).  The angle from the rear driveshaft is to be taken out by the front universal mounted on the t-case.

1973 K20 - 350/350/205

Title: 2" Lift Answers
Post by: 78GMCK15 on November 21, 2002, 12:16:00 pm
Thanks for the info (again!).  There are probably going to be more questions as I get deeper into this project, so stay tuned!  Also, I finally registered for this message board, which is why my username changed.

Roy K.

Title: 73K20 hit the nails on the heads!
Post by: 79GMC4x4 on November 22, 2002, 08:47:00 pm
Right on K20!  I agree.

Title: Re: idjiots
Post by: 73K20 on March 01, 2003, 12:50:00 pm
First of all, i guess that i didnt hit the shift key while i was trying to type an ".

Second of all you are annoying, go away.

1973 K20 - 350/350/205