6 INCH LIFT 38 INCH TIRES

[TOMMYCROW44]

The lift went on in about 4 hours and the 38's fit great, I thought for sure I would have some trimming to do but to my surprise the tires clear both ways at full locks. So around corners I went and up some inclines and still no rub. I'm sure the springs will settle after time so I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I thank you for the mudflap update, those are going on this weekend. the steering got a little looser that it was, anyone have a fix for that? Still trying to figure out the pics.

[TOMMYCROW44]

Here's those pics finally I'm 5'9 so the truck sits pretty high!

[ehjorten]

I see a cracked frame at your steering box in the future.  Best put on a bolt-in brace soon.  I guess it depends on what you use your truck for.  My 1-ton frame cracked at the box and I had to grind and weld it up, then I also put on the bolt-on steering brace.  I have had no issues so far.  I also have cross-over steering.

I have 8" of lift and I think I would rub 38's pretty good, but then it comes down to how you use your truck.

The steering might just be geometry issues.  You may have a little bit of bump-steer now.  The bigger tires are also going to be harder on your wheel bearings and steering joints, so be prepared to replace that stuff at some point and keep an eye on it.  Also...make sure you check the torque on all of that suspension stuff periodically while it is new.  The last thing you want is something coming loose or heaven forbid...coming apart!

[mehunter1]

Looks good...so did you go full spring or blocks in the rear? 

[TOMMYCROW44]

I have ordered the steering brace already, and will bring it back in the shop every couple weeks to torque things down, good call on all that! The wheel bearings and ball joints seem tight now but I have already started budgeting for that issue. i don't hard mud in the truck especially with these half ton axles. and it's add a leaf and 4 inch block in the rear.

[81_Chevy]

you might want to look into getting extended brake lines, the way you did it isnt really the safest way. in my opinion

[TOMMYCROW44]

you might want to look into getting extended brake lines, the way you did it isnt really the safest way. in my opinion

I have bought some stock lines and am in the process of having them extended at a local hose place. BUT VERY TRUE NOT SAFE

[pholliday1]

*******retighten your u bolts every 1000 miles up to 5000 miles there are know canidates for stretching/loosening********** Nice job!

[bluecrew]

I rocked 8" springs and 38.5 tsl's and I could still get the fenders to meet tires.  6" and 38's rubbed when I turned into a parking spot.  Your springs will settle.  Looks good.  Nice rig.

When it comes to brake lines, I've found a cheaper route.  I've used this on several of my previous trucks.

Copied from one of my posts from another forum:

Also, for anyone lifting a 73-87 or 73-91 square body, I have rediscovered some intel that helps in terms of extended brake line hoses. The stock hoses in the front are roughly 19" long. With 6" lift springs, the hoses will be too short. But, there's a trick to this.

If you buy stock hoses for a 94 K3500 Dually, the front hoses are roughly 6" longer and with all the same fittings. Costs about $20-25 each side. The rear one is actually shorter than a SRW one, so I would buy the rear hose off a SRW 94 K3500.
Lift companies sell them for more than double the price. Just a little trick I used on my previous build that worked perfectly for me.

NAPA part numbers:
UP38622 Left front hose SRW 22.5"
UP380519 Left front hose DRW 21"

UP38623 Right front hose SRW 22.5"
UP380518 Right front hose DRW 21"

UP38823 Rear hose DRW 21.375"
UP38624 Rear hose SRW 17.375"

[TOMMYCROW44]

Thanks for the insite on the brake hoses, that will save a few coins. I'm sure these springs will settle, at that time I will probley move down to a 36 or 37 inch tire cause the boggers I have now are NOISEY! I have been looking for something a little more street friendly.

[pholliday1]

How many "inches" tall are your 38 inch tires? My forties run about 39" when new.

[TOMMYCROW44]

The tires are 37 inches tall inflated.

[TOMMYCROW44]

I would be extremely surprised if your 6" lift is compatable with 38" tires.

Washington Mud-flap law is that the mudflap must cover the entire width of the tread and come down to the centerline of the axle (I'm in WA too).

Do you know any 4x4 tracks out here in washington that are still open?

[frotosride]

I rocked 8" springs and 38.5 tsl's and I could still get the fenders to meet tires.  6" and 38's rubbed when I turned into a parking spot.  Your springs will settle.  Looks good.  Nice rig.

When it comes to brake lines, I've found a cheaper route.  I've used this on several of my previous trucks.

Copied from one of my posts from another forum:

Also, for anyone lifting a 73-87 or 73-91 square body, I have rediscovered some intel that helps in terms of extended brake line hoses. The stock hoses in the front are roughly 19" long. With 6" lift springs, the hoses will be too short. But, there's a trick to this.

If you buy stock hoses for a 94 K3500 Dually, the front hoses are roughly 6" longer and with all the same fittings. Costs about $20-25 each side. The rear one is actually shorter than a SRW one, so I would buy the rear hose off a SRW 94 K3500.
Lift companies sell them for more than double the price. Just a little trick I used on my previous build that worked perfectly for me.

NAPA part numbers:
UP38622 Left front hose SRW 22.5"
UP380519 Left front hose DRW 21"

UP38623 Right front hose SRW 22.5"
UP380518 Right front hose DRW 21"

UP38823 Rear hose DRW 21.375"
UP38624 Rear hose SRW 17.375"

Blue...thanks for the info..will definately use this once its lift time ie,$$$$  Tommy...High steer/crossover kit is highly recommended. I didn't se one here (chris correct me if I'm wrong) but check out www.ord.com They have a lot that will help the horrible factory geometry.

[pholliday1]

X2 on cross over steering. It turns your truck into a turning champ.