New Ladder Bars

naterasmussen · September 24, 2007

Not sure how many of you have a suspension lift on your truck, but I just installed a set of Tuff Country ladder bars on my truck over the weekend.

As many of you know, a lift makes for a LOT of maintenance: frequent tire rotations, constant front end work, and the dreaded axle roll and hop. After installation, I jumped in the truck for a test drive; and both my cousin and I noticed the difference immediately. Every time i used to accel or deccel, the rear end would give a bit; and sometimes even chirp. I only have a 6" lift, and already had to replace the original rear end. I rarely off road or drive it hard (thinking of the wallet)

The ladder bars really cured the problem. Best money I've spent on this truck so far. I only used the Tuff Country because I heard the only other set I could find was a pain for installation. These installed pretty quick, would've been nicer if they weren't a direct hit on the bed mount brackets. Going to weld the brackets on the frame later, for peace of mind.

Also found out I've got more horsies under the hood than I thought. A good bet for anyone with a lift...

asilverblazer · September 25, 2007

The rear was lifted using blocks?

2004GMC1500CC · September 25, 2007

The rear was lifted using blocks?

Isn't it pretty standard to use larger (taller) blocks to lift the rear suspension?

Jameson · September 25, 2007

I always preffered complete spring packs for anything 4" or higher. I hate blocks, they freak me out.

asilverblazer · September 25, 2007

The rear was lifted using blocks?

Isn't it pretty standard to use larger (taller) blocks to lift the rear suspension?

Yes, but not better, just cheaper. A major side effect of using tall blocks is axle wrap. Thus, the likely reason for the topic starter needing to add ladder bars to keep it under control. If it were lifted using taller springs the ladder bars might not have been needed.

topdj · September 25, 2007

when I was really young in 1980 we took a 1969 chevy 3/4 ton and put 12" blocks all the way around

and 44s on it, WELL we found out we needed bars real fast 4 of them, we had to weld brakets to the frame and make mounts for the axles, But back then 1980 this thing was HUGE I was in 10th grade and it was my bro's truck ,nothing like getting a ride to school in that tank. Sure beat riding the G A Y A$$ bus LOL and I think we got 5mpg ouch

naterasmussen · September 26, 2007

Yeah, it's got blocks. My previous trucks were never lifted, just always a dream. I got injured at work shortly before buying the truck, and 6 months later a check came in the mail for $5,000! Wasn't expecting it, so I decided to blow it on a lift, and should've researched it more.

After talking to a few tech's, I decided to go with the bars instead of adding leafs for a nicer ride. One old man at the local spring and coil shop looked at me like I was stupid, and said it would ride like a train. Ease of installation also helped that decision.

As far as welding them on, I have a few friends that are welders and owe me one, but I was told that the bars need to "float" a bit, or you'll just end up ripping the rear end. I'm still learning, but decided that going cheap screwed me last time....

Off subject, does anyone know how to upgrade the stock power steering pump to something more capable of turning 35's? (Maybe from a HD?) And still keeping my children fed? Help would be appreciated...