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davidmiddleton
Bone Stock
Posts:18
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| 10/27/2004 8:08 PM |
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| I have a 1989 K1500. I have been researching suspension lift kits for this IFS truck and am first of all amazed by the high prices. I have a set of 35X14.50r15 TSL Thornbirds on Outlaw II American Racing rims that I got from a friend for $200(total). I am wondering what lift is the best for the money. Some kits come with blocks for the rear and some actually have rear leaf replacements. I would prefer new leafs, but it is not a necessity (or is it?). Will a six inch kit be good enough to clear the 35's or will a body lift be needed also? Any suggestions from other shoppers or individuals who have added one of these systems would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
DaveΖD]
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 10/27/2004 8:26 PM |
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Lift Kit:
This is really a matter of opinion, but when it comes to IFS, you really get what you pay for. The two main factors for quality vs/ price are typically the front-axle lifting mechanism (how complex, reliable, tough it is) and the quality and rate of the front springs.
In my humble opinion, I've found that FabTech and Superlift make good quality kits for Chevy trucks. Both of which make a quality 6" kit. Others, such as Rancho, Skyjacker and ProComp all make kits, but have varying levels of spring rates, quality of components up front and so forth. Again... my opinion.
In regards to the rear lift, I would recommend new springs every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Lift blocks are, well, (again, my opinion) cheap. If you plan on doing any off roading (anything harder than a dirt trail), rear springs will suit you well, otherwise you will likely have spring wrap issues and the possibility of spitting the block out (not good).
The upside to lift blocks is that you keep the stock spring rate (softness) of the rear springs so you'll get a more comfortable ride. Just about any off-the-shelf 6" arched leaf spring will result in a stiffer ride.
This said, if you're on a budget, you can go with blocks initially, then have custom Alcan springs made for the rear with a spring rate of your choosing later on.
Tire Size:
Here's a handy chart for tire maximum tire sizes on 88-98 Chevy 1500, 2500 6 lug, Blazer IFS (full size), Yukon, and Suburban IFS
- 0" of lift will net you 31" tires
- 2" lift will net you 32" tires
- 3-4" lift will net you 33" tires
- 6" will net you 35" tires
- 9" will net you 36" tires
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
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'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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sublmnl1990
Body Lift
Posts:195
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| 10/28/2004 6:45 PM |
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Hey,
We have been installing alot of the full throtlle lifts
http://www.fullthrottlesuspension.com/ we have been having good luck with the fit and finish as well as getting all the parts with these kits, after installing lift kits for a while that is one of the biggest problems (not getting all the parts) and getting the wrong directions with kits(no names here). These guys got there act together and if you need help the have a tech line. The other thing we run into is when someone brings a lift for us to install, if your missing parts you have to contact the manufacturer (because your the purchaser) and then bring the parts to us, Then its sometimes takes days because they will send it from the point of origin in the mail. But if we order the lift and something is missing they will get it to us asap, Open a box at the nearest warehouse and pull the part(s). Just something to think about.
Nick
ps: just because you got a good deal on a set of tires doesnt mean they are the right tire for your truck. With the ifs front I would consider going with a radial. the bias plys just dont ride or wear good on ifs trucks, but thats my opinion, nick |
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You know it's going to be a good day when you get the milk to cereal ratio correct on the first bowl. |
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davidmiddleton
Bone Stock
Posts:18
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| 10/28/2004 9:20 PM |
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| nick,
thanks
dave
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Herm
Bone Stock
Posts:3
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| 11/09/2004 10:16 PM |
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I put about 3 lifts in a month at my work and have some imput on the three that i deal with the most.
with all ifs kits you will drop the frt.diff and cut the upper mount off. dont go to deep or youre screwd.
Tuff country= had good luck with install, it has a full one pice subframe, and good quility new spindls. kit dosent com with shocks, so you have to get them aside from the lift. only problem is alighing it after its in. you will most alwas max out camber ajust. so you will wear tires a little heavy on the inside, and forget the caster its going to be way neg. but you can live with it.
also sway bar has to be flipped over and the new links they give ya are a little bit chesy, just long bolts. however this is the chepest lift i deal with and for the money, a damn good deal. also it is made hear in utah, and if you have any prob. they have been reaal good about support.
Fab tec.
A great lift, insted of one pice subframe it has a three pice, with a skid plate worked into it. after lift is in alighing it is a snap. have had more than 3or4 that i dident evan have to ajust camber or caster. also super heavy say bar links.
bad thing is after you cut upper diff mounting eye, you also have to cut off a bunch of heat sinks on the side of it, kinda sucks.
also comes with shocks.
RCD
much like the fab tec, but a bit heaver plate is used, by far the heavest dudy, also the most expensive, also comes with shocks.
in a final word, if you arent the best at wrenchin, I would get some help putting one in, its not like lifting the ol' 83 chev 4x4.
also all lifts come with a 4inch rear block and a 1 1/2 rear add a leaf. springs are extra! hope this logass post helped someone out my fingers are crampin!!!!
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