Problems with lifted truck I bought

[Psuarez]

I have a lifted 78 Chevy. 3" body lift and 3" or more suspension lift. Well, it drives great on pavement, but off road...oh my gosh...nightmare! Is this the way all body lifted trucks are??? I can actually feel the floorpans lifting up when I roll over a bump. Any suggestions, comments and cheapest way to fix appreciated!!!

[Squirrely]

I can't confirm from experience, but I've read the body lift causes a tremendous amount of flex to the cab and body in off road situations. I believe that they say not to use them for that reason.

[Psuarez]

Thanks! Those blocks got to go then! I work on a lot of gravel washboard type roads. It will save me a bunch in spine care and dental bills!

[Stevens03]

I've had 2 trucks with 2" body lifts and never experienced that. I wouldn't say it's common for a truck with a body lift. Dumb question, but is everything torqued tight? I've never heard that out of the newer trucks (99-up) having body lifts either.

[Psuarez]

This is an old 78 Chevy 4x4 longbed. I'm just going to get the parts I need from autozone and get the lift blocks off of there. The three inch drop isn't going to hurt it at all. Looking forward to it! I imagine the newer trucks are much better built to take body lifts....

[Squirrely]

Just like putting blocks under springs will increase axle wrap, the 3" body-lift blocks will increase torque on the body. It's all about the extra leverage.

 

It's been years since I researched this, but I seem to remember some manufactures telling the buyer to not use body blocks for offroading. For some reason Fabtech comes to mind but I can't find it.

[SouthernSilveradoGuy85]

Just like putting blocks under springs will increase axle wrap, the 3" body-lift blocks will increase torque on the body. It's all about the extra leverage.

 

It's been years since I researched this, but I seem to remember some manufactures telling the buyer to not use body blocks for offroading. For some reason Fabtech comes to mind but I can't find it.

 

Ya that's the reason I would spend the extra money for a replacement leaf spring for the rear if I lifted a truck.

 

 

As for the body lift, I never liked body lifts anyways. Just looks funny to have a big gap between the cab and bed and the frame. Plus with some models (especially newer trucks) it's the same amount of work or more than a suspension lift. A 1" body lift added to a suspension lift isn't as bad, but 2" or more is too much and it's worse to have just a body lift.

[Psuarez]

Thanks folks, having a hard time finding the right bushings for the ol 78'. Autozone search had a good price for the set for the cab....but then said "unspecified fit"????? Wtheck. A couple other site had ridiculous prices and just as vague information. I just want the cab bushings.. Getting frustrated with the research. I would think the net would be covered with them. The bed can just be bolted to the frame I believe.

[blackout07]

Well you need to make sure everything is in place and torqued. I had a body lift on an 83 K5 that I beat, and I never had a problem whatsoever. The body lift itself is not your problem.

[Psuarez]

Will do, going to my professional mech friends house today for a total go through. Thanks folks!

[Psuarez]

Well we've been under the truck today...lol it has about a 6 inch body lift and no suspension lift besides longer shocks! Been a fun day LOL... Stock bushings will be here tomorrow and slapping on a bed from a 79' in a lot better condition! Can't wait until Saturday. I traded an AR 15 and 400 rounds for the truck. Can't wait to get it RIGHT!

[Squirrely]

Well we've been under the truck today...lol it has about a 6 inch body lift and no suspension lift besides longer shocks!

 

That is a stupid amount of body lift. I'd also rip that the hell out.

[Psuarez]

Can't wait!!! Everything from summit is here! Thank goodness they built the motor right!

[Josh]

Can't wait!!! Everything from summit is here! Thank goodness they built the motor right!

 

Excellent! Keep us posted.

[Psuarez]

Will do, thanks for reminding me, better bring my camera for a bunch of before pics