6 Inch Lift

[Critter]

I have lifted a few 73-87 trucks, but never a 69-72 K5. I have a 350/th350/np205 setup, currently using the stock 6 lug axels (which I would like to change to 8 eventually). I plan to use a new steering arm and new leafs front and back, no blocks! Here’s my question. When putting in a 6 inch lift, what drive train issues will I run into? Will I need to alter the drive shafts or anything else due to the extremely short wheelbase?

[2wdBlazer]

6 inch will require a lengthening of shafts. Bracket movement should work for brake lines.

[vtblazer]

E-brake lines going to the drums will need to be replaced.
Drive shaft will need to be lengthened and some kits come with a lowering spacert to drop the t-case.

I'm running an 8" lift with a cv joint in the rear and it works great.
Dunno about a u-joint at those angles.

Look in the 4x4 section on the board, Special-K just got done installing a 6" lift and has a thread going about it.

[makovai]

i had issues with my brake line with 6". they fit but you could hit a high c note by strumming it. I went to some braided stainless lines.

[albert lancaster]

I Have A 6" Inch Lift On My Blazer An Had No Problems With The Stock Drive Shafts Or The Brake Lines. I Have All Leafs On Mine Also. No Blocks..

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by albert lancaster

I Have A 6" Inch Lift On My Blazer An Had No Problems With The Stock Drive Shafts Or The Brake Lines. I Have All Leafs On Mine Also. No Blocks..

Interesting...

Any pics?

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by Critter

I have lifted a few 73-87 trucks, but never a 69-72 K5. I have a 350/th350/np205 setup, currently using the stock 6 lug axels (which I would like to change to 8 eventually). I plan to use a new steering arm and new leafs front and back, no blocks! Here’s my question. When putting in a 6 inch lift, what drive train issues will I run into? Will I need to alter the drive shafts or anything else due to the extremely short wheelbase?

One person's experience here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=209086

[special-K]

If you didn`t check the link,here it is (on a longbed):
*E-brake cables need to be 4" longer.I had mine made 5"longer,I think 1" less would work and have less slack/yet enough.
*Don`t buy the rear s/s hoses from Skyjacker,mine are shop wall ornaments.I ordered a hose,t-block,and axle lines from the same place as the e-brake cables...www.inlinetube.com
*About 3/4-1" of spline was showing out of the yoke on the rear driveshaft.The front seems fine for length.On my longbed,I needed 2" more shaft.I could see where the yoke "polished" the shank on the spline.The way to measure is get your total length long & short from both ends of the shaft.By long & short,I mean the amount of travel the spline has in the yoke.Now,find the center of travel and that`s where you measure to.
...You can drop the hoses and make drop-brakets for your e-brake cables.I spent around $400 on doing it my way.It`s all done to operate "as factory".

[Critter]

Thanks Special-K. I feel a little dumb for not finding that thread earlier. I have a local shop that I have worked with before when I twisted the d-shaft on my 2wd ’68, so that won’t be an issue. Have you had a chance to get a feel for the Tuff Country EZ rides? I had planned on going with the same springs, I hear they ride great.

[special-K]

I`ve been out one day.It`s no Cadillac,but rides real good.It has some bounce or "springy" feel,but no jarring and is smooth over spots that would make other lifts clunk or jar.I have the ToughCountry shocks on it,too.Now,I really want to do the body-mounts to complete the firm yet soft feel it has.Mine needs a couple cab cushions.There`s no rubber on the bottom.Just the inner sleeve.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by special-K

I`ve been out one day.It`s no Cadillac,but rides real good.It has some bounce or "springy" feel,but no jarring and is smooth over spots that would make other lifts clunk or jar.I have the ToughCountry shocks on it,too.Now,I really want to do the body-mounts to complete the firm yet soft feel it has.Mine needs a couple cab cushions.There`s no rubber on the bottom.Just the inner sleeve.

So your driving it now?

[Critter]

Originally Posted by special-K

I`ve been out one day.It`s no Cadillac,but rides real good.It has some bounce or "springy" feel,but no jarring and is smooth over spots that would make other lifts clunk or jar.I have the ToughCountry shocks on it,too.Now,I really want to do the body-mounts to complete the firm yet soft feel it has.Mine needs a couple cab cushions.There`s no rubber on the bottom.Just the inner sleeve.

Do you think a shock upgrade would help the bounce? I'm sure the body mounts will make a world of difference also!

[Critter]

Special-K, have you had a chance to form an opinion on your springs?

[johnnywagon]

Critter, Do plan to do any serious off-roading with your rig after the 6 inch lift? If so, be warned that you will most like develop the so-called chevy push-pull steering problem. You might want to research cross-over steering kits. I'll gladly share with you ALL the probs I had after going 6 inch. Let me know if you want the messy details.

[Critter]

Hell yeah I want the details! I'm open to any information. I have thought about the crossover steering setup and will probably change to it eventually. I plan on taking the Blazer off road but it won't be anything extreme. 50% on the street, 50% Creek beds, beach, etc...

[johnnywagon]

OK. My rig can be pointed downhill with the wheels pointed max-right in a rut AND the steering wheel can be cranked max-left. AND it will stay that way untill I back it up to get the stress off the front. It seems impossible but its common on Chevs. Obviously crossover will fix all that. Now, having said that, when I went from 4 to 6" lift (when I went 3/4 ton) here's all that happened in order: (1. Sheered the center pin in the new spring, twice. (2. Bent the spring shackles. (3. Ripped the spring shackle "bucket" out of the frame. (4. Several nasty tire on fender hits (in spite of 3" body lift). (5. Broke several bolts out of the front leaf spring to frame mount so as it would pivot back and forth when I turned the steering wheel. All of this happened to the driverside and all because I dont have crossover steering AND yes I do some hard wheelin (check out 4x4 action pix on 4x4 forum). I now have 4" front springs with 3" lift heavy duty Warrior brand shackles. I like this set up much better but still have probs. Its all been trial and error for me and I love it! Hope this helps. Any more Q's...fire away! ~John