Which brand lift kit?
 

I am looking for an all suspension lift kit for my 71 gmc. Wanting 8"-10". I can't seem to find any place that sells them.

Re: Which brand lift kit?
 

Here is Skyjacker's part number for their 8" lift - C280AKS.

http://www.skyjacker.com/products/pr...tail/?id=41761

Re: Which brand lift kit?
 

If I go with an 8" will I have to modify my drive lines?

Re: Which brand lift kit?
 

yes, you will have to have your driveshafts lenghtened. 4" pushes it, and I believe at 6" and above they will have to be lengthened. Also, I believe Skyjacker has the only 8" kit for our style out there, although Superlift may, but don't quote me on that. Trevor

Re: Which brand lift kit?
 

Whew! 8-10 inches! Tell us it's not a daily driver! Just kidding! You will have to play with your angles on your axles and you might consider using latter bars to stabilize. Dual shocks also... Its a project with alot of mods. Hey, keep us posted...

Re: Which brand lift kit?
 

I'm going with Skyjacker on my '72 K20. In researching I had found everyone stating they seem to ride the best. I ordered mine from 4wheelparts.com they seemed to have the best prices the also run specials with free shipping from time to time. The shipping charges are normally very high due to springs being very heavy.

Re: Which brand lift kit?
 

I am pretty set on an 8" now and no bigger. My buddy has a 79GMC with a 12" lift with 39" tires. He bought it that way and has thought about getting a smaller lift. I would go with a 6" if it saved me money, but the prices seem to be about the same.

Re: Which brand lift kit?
 

I would think the driveline angles would be corrected in the spring packs, they usually include shims built right in. I sold truck accessories for 6 years and never saw a lift that big that didnt have the shims right on the packs. You will definetly need the shafts extended, I would look into the 8" and make sure that you dont need a CV stlye driveshaft or have to "reclock" the transfer case. If it is a S/B, I would be concerned of the rear driveshaft angle at that height. Just my .02

Re: Which brand lift kit?
 

awesome!!!
i am thinking of the same exact thing for mine

Re: Which brand lift kit?
 

Mind if i pick your brain for some info? I have A 72 3/4t and about 12 years ago i put a 4" rancho kit on it that has front springs and rear blocks with 5000 series shocks, it definantly made foe a much bumpier ride than stock.

I'm getting close to the point where i want to go ahead and replace the rear blocks with a spring kit so was looking at this kit:

http://www.4-wheel-drive-lift-kits.c...r-springs.html

Do you think from your experiance that this kit will have a better ride than the rancho kit i have? Thanks!

Re: Which brand lift kit?
 

I have heard that the Skyjacker kits ride better than most of the other kits available. The thing to remember is that a spring rides progessively worse the more arch it has in it, BUT the lifted springs tend to be softer than "factory" springs. They usually have more leaves than stock, but are usually thinner (and sometimes tapered) to help with "flex", which is better for ride quality. So long story short, I would bet the full replacement springs would ride better for you at a 4" height, any bigger than that and the arch is gonna start killing ride quality again. I also believe that a quality (read Bilstein) shock goes a long way as well. Just my .02

Re: Which brand lift kit?
 

Thanks for the reply! The other option i have would be to try installing different shocks, are you suggesting the Bilstines may be better than the Ranchos? maybe a little less high speed dampening?