Lift question

Dover · January 12, 2005

I have a 89 chevy 4x4 and want to go as big a lift as i can without spending to much money. What size tire could i run if i put a 2 1/2 to 3 inch lift kit with 3 inch body and crank the torsion bars? And can i run stock rims with different tires? And i dont know if this matters i have the 3 speed manual tanny.

potz1999 · January 12, 2005

Forget the body lift and go with a 6" suspension lift. Might cost more, but the extra safety is worth it in my book. The look is a plus too.

Most lifts require rims with less backspacing than the stock ones. Don't know any offhand that don't.

3-sp. stick is a question I would raise to the individual company when you choose a lift, especially with the body lift (shift lever would require different extension than auto trans).

Dover · January 13, 2005

I dont have the 1500 dollars to spend on a lift kit. So the 3 inch suspensin and 3 inch body is around 600-700 dollars. You do the math.

potz1999 · January 13, 2005

4 Wheel Parts has a kit on their website from Genuine suspension. For 87-1/2 to 91-1/2 half tons, it is a 6" kit (Part # ADDGM3) for $380. Here is the link.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/4wp/products/pr...FWP&expand=sub1

Also there is a Dick Cepek 6.5" lift on performancelifts.com for $1000.

What 3" suspension lift are you looking at? I found a 3" rancho lift for $770 and body lift for $145. That's $915, not 600 to 700. You can try bargain shopping at ebay for used suspension kits.

By the way, with 6" of lift and t-bars cranked, should fit 35-37" tires with some trimming.

I offered my opinion in respect to your questions, whether you take it or not is up to you. When I post a question on here, I appreciate all the replies I get even if I don't agree with them. I did do the math. When I have lifted trucks, I have decided that $700 more is worth my safety and my passenger's safety in a crash. There are a lot of people with body and suspension lift combined, and there is nothing wrong with their decision to do that. But there has always been warnings about that combination. That is my opinion. If you don't agree, fine. I was just trying to help.

Dover · January 14, 2005

I didnt mean to offend you in any way. I didnt mean it to sounds that way. I cant find the website right now but somone makes a 2-1/2 to 3 inch kit for 400. Ill try to find it. If i run a 3 inch body with cut out fender flares from bushwacker what tire could i run?

potz1999 · January 14, 2005

3" body and cut-out alone? - probably 35x12.5's

3" body + 3" suspension +cut-outs + t-bars? - 37's should fit. I am not familiar with trimming on the OBS, so I would try to verify with measurement. You may want to try this method to estimate it:

* Measure the distance from ground to center of front wheel. (Measurement #1)

* Jack up front of truck until top of wheel lip on body is 6" higher. front tires may leave ground (can't remember downward travel on OBS 4x4's).

* Measure the distance from ground to center of front wheel again. (Measurement #2)

* Subtract #2 from #1. (refered to as "X")

* The center of the wheel after the lift will be X inches below the center of the wheel before the lift. Set tape measure to tire radius (18.5 inches for 37's) and position the end at the center wheel spot (X inches below where the center is currently hanging), and sweep around to simulate larger tire. check clearance with body.

* I believe the OBS 4x4's cycle thru 8 or 9" of travel so move the end of the tape measure up 4" or 4-1/2" and repeat last step.

Not an exact science but should get you in the right area of size. You may want to verify the exact upward travel. I just pulled to total travel out of my head and halved it. I could be off by more that an inch (which may be significant)

BTW, your first reply sounded like you were snapping at me for suggesting the bigger susp. lift, which is why I got defensive. Don't worry about, doesn't help that I am very confrontational. We're cool. Hope this helps.