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Old 09-08-2013, 09:19 PM   #1
GM_For_Life
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The "perfect" DD lift?

Hey all I was just wondering what some of you guys had done as far as a combo for body and suspension lift? I've read a couple threads but I can't seem to see what the middle ground was. Too much body lift=ugly gaps, too much suspension=lots of fooling around with steering, output shafts, etc. I was thinking about 2-3" suspension and maybe 2" body and some 33's. Just enough to look great and give me a little extra capability on the back 40. Feedback greatly appreciated!
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Old 09-08-2013, 09:35 PM   #2
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

Just do 4" suspension and be done

I'm running 35's with no issues
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Old 09-08-2013, 09:44 PM   #3
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

What's the max height I can go w/o having to upgrade the steering arm? I'm also not crazy about body lifts, but I would consider a front leveling kit.
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Old 09-08-2013, 09:45 PM   #4
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

Quote:
Originally Posted by willett View Post
Just do 4" suspension and be done

I'm running 35's with no issues
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this.
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Old 09-08-2013, 10:05 PM   #5
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

Quote:
Originally Posted by willett View Post
Just do 4" suspension and be done

I'm running 35's with no issues
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GM_For_Life View Post
What's the max height I can go w/o having to upgrade the steering arm? I'm also not crazy about body lifts, but I would consider a front leveling kit.
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Originally Posted by BONUSCAB View Post
this.
Agreed. 4' is fine without a steering arm but they are cheap if you decide it needs it.
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Old 09-08-2013, 10:12 PM   #6
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

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Agreed. 4' is fine without a steering arm but they are cheap if you decide it needs it.
4 feet of lift you say? haha but thanks for the info guys, I'm ordering right now should be done before the month is out (work schedule depending)
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Old 09-08-2013, 10:25 PM   #7
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

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4 feet of lift you say? haha but thanks for the info guys, I'm ordering right now should be done before the month is out (work schedule depending)
haha, been a long day. What brand are you going to order? Ive always run Tuff country, Id recommend staying away from rough country unless you are ok with a very stiff ride.
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Old 09-08-2013, 09:36 PM   #8
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

Personally, I think stock height or a 2.5 suspension lift looks good with 33s. Any more lift than that will make the 33s look small and a 35 would look more at home. I am not a fan of body lifts.
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Old 09-08-2013, 11:30 PM   #9
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

Body lifts suck. Either do it right or not at all.
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Old 09-09-2013, 02:37 AM   #10
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

i think the tall tire, small lift look is good, functional too.
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Old 09-09-2013, 09:22 AM   #11
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

Daily drove mine with a 4" susp and 3" body on 37's. no complaints other than going through a drive through or atm lol
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Old 09-09-2013, 10:59 AM   #12
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

4" lift and you start to mess with driveline and steering issues. It just depends on the truck.

Me, 2.5" lift with 35's. I have a raised steering arm, t-case is dropped due to vibration issues. For the most part, it's not bad but sometimes I do wish I was on 33's and a touch lower. Also, depending on the rear gears, 35's are going to slow you down too. A lot of people don't really complain about driveline issues with 2.5" lifts but at 4", that is a lot more common. You start getting into another can of worms......

To me, 4" lift is too tall....but that's my taste and everyone's is different.

Heck, my truck came with 37" tires and about 3" of lift.
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Old 09-09-2013, 12:00 PM   #13
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Smile Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

Parts started arriving Friday for my DD lift. Went 2.5 front springs with 2 blocks in back for now. Eventually I will do shackle flip from ORD for rear. Gonna run 285/75/R16 till they wear out then I might go up to 315/75/R16.
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Old 09-09-2013, 03:55 PM   #14
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

I been daily driving my 82 with 6" lift on 35s since last Oct. No driveline issues..Grease the u joints regular,no transfer case drop either.Put approx 30,000 Kms so far.It rides a bit stiff,but I set it up for a work truck.Probably 70% of the time on gravel/dirt roads.My 86 daily drove before this one,4" susp. 3" body on 35s & no driveline issues either.Keep those u joints greased too! It has close to 90,000kms since I got it too..
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Old 09-09-2013, 04:20 PM   #15
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

Quote:
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I been daily driving my 82 with 6" lift on 35s since last Oct. No driveline issues..Grease the u joints regular,no transfer case drop either.Put approx 30,000 Kms so far.It rides a bit stiff,but I set it up for a work truck.Probably 70% of the time on gravel/dirt roads.My 86 daily drove before this one,4" susp. 3" body on 35s & no driveline issues either.Keep those u joints greased too! It has close to 90,000kms since I got it too..
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I will add though, mine is a K5 Blazer, aka short wheelbase. So if you are doing this on a pickup or suburban, my issues will likely not be there or certainly minimized. Sorry, I missed that originally.

I'd also replace your u-joints for good measure anyways (as mentioned above).
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Old 09-09-2013, 04:29 PM   #16
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

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I will add though, mine is a K5 Blazer, aka short wheelbase. So if you are doing this on a pickup or suburban, my issues will likely not be there or certainly minimized. Sorry, I missed that originally.

I'd also replace your u-joints for good measure anyways (as mentioned above).
Ya,I read that in your post but forgot to mention it in mine! I was / am talking about LWB trucks here,a blazer or SWB might have more driveline issues. Good point!
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Old 09-09-2013, 08:39 PM   #17
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

4" kit arrives the 28th! Got a hot tip on some 33's too, pics will follow soon. Also, I went ahead and ordered a new adjustable steering arm and am going to re-do the rag joint and probably a new p-steering pump (bigger, better, more!)
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Old 09-09-2013, 09:50 PM   #18
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

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Originally Posted by GM_For_Life View Post
4" kit arrives the 28th! Got a hot tip on some 33's too, pics will follow soon. Also, I went ahead and ordered a new adjustable steering arm and am going to re-do the rag joint and probably a new p-steering pump (bigger, better, more!)
33"s aren't huge tire by any means but you might think about a frame brace behind the steering box so its doesn't crack. I've never had one crack but have seen plenty
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Old 09-09-2013, 10:19 PM   #19
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

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Originally Posted by GM_For_Life View Post
4" kit arrives the 28th! Got a hot tip on some 33's too, pics will follow soon. Also, I went ahead and ordered a new adjustable steering arm and am going to re-do the rag joint and probably a new p-steering pump (bigger, better, more!)
Do the Jeep XJ steering shaft.
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Old 09-09-2013, 09:57 PM   #20
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Re: The "perfect" DD lift?

4 inch lift 33s
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