4" suspension lift question

[firefighter]

I have a full size 1976 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 and want to add a 4" suspension lift during my restoration.
Will I need the "optional" 1" transfer case lowering brackets or should I be ok without them?
Thanks for any input guys.

[Irish_Alley]

with only 4" you can use all stock parts. dont even think you need brake lines, but it wouldnt be a bad ideal

[topp]

with only 4" you can use all stock parts. dont even think you need brake lines, but it wouldnt be a bad ideal

You do need the raised steering arm.
The 1" t-case bracket is recommended (you can use the existing spacers and take them from on top of the t-case cross member and move them...

[firefighter]

You do need the raised steering arm.
The 1" t-case bracket is recommended (you can use the existing spacers and take them from on top of the t-case cross member and move them...

I did get the raised steering arm and sway relocation bracket with my kit but the T/case lowering bracket was another $40 or so.
Can you please tell me more about moving some sort of spacers? I haven't run out to the garage to take a look yet.
Thanks for the replies guys.

[Irish_Alley]

you dont need it with 4" i have 6" and havnt had any problems with the pinion angle

[firefighter]

you dont need it with 4" i have 6" and havnt had any problems with the pinion angle

Thank you very much for the reply Irish Alley. Your expertise and first hand experience is really appreciated.

[rustymitchell]

I'm also installing a 4 inch lift in mine (also a '79!).  I'm not planning on dropping the T-case.  The spacers mentioned before are installed in the stock set-up above the frame rail.  I'm not sure why GM put them there.  The bolts that hold the crossmember to the frame are 2 1/2 inches long or so and have a sleeve (spacer) to take up space.  You can move these sleeves between the frame and crossmember and bolt it back together giving you a 1 inch drop.  I don't think it should be necessary with a 4 inch lift.  If your truck was apart before you owned it, then these longer bolts (and sleeves) may have been replaced with shorter ones.  As far as other stuff, I've added the steering arm, sway bar shackles (disconnects) from Offroad Design.  Heavier front shackles are a good option as are shackle flips for the rear.  I'd definitely go with longer brake hoses too or you'll have to relocate your brake lines with the cheap little brackets that come with most kits.

[ehjorten]

More like a engine, transmission and transfer-case tilt than a drop!  No you don't need it and your truck will thank you for it!  Transfer-case "drop" is a very poor way to deal with u-joint angles!

[bake74]

More like a engine, transmission and transfer-case tilt than a drop!  No you don't need it and your truck will thank you for it!  Transfer-case "drop" is a very poor way to deal with u-joint angles!

     Ahem brother, could not say it any better.  I would never use a t-case drop, the last vehicle I got that high I used heim-joint style high velocity double u-joints and corrected the angle issues and never had a problem.

[firefighter]

Thanks guys.
No T/case drop.
I hope to install the lift kit within the next couple of weeks when I get time to work on the chassis.