Question for you guys with 6 inch lifts

[rikyric]

Did you have to lengthen your drives shafts? Please post year and brand of lift if you did. I cant remember if i read here that you did or did not have to.

I am looking at the Skyjacker 6 inch all front and rear leaf system, or the Tuff Country leaf system.

My Blazer is a 1971, not sure if it is a 52in or 56in rear leaf either?

[Critter]

In general terms...Yes and No. The back is usually fine, but the front usually needs to be a little longer. I can't comment on exact brand specifications, but this seems to be the general rule of thumb (other members are bound to jump in with details). My 72 K5 had 6 inch springs and rear lift blocks when I got it (not sure of the brand), but the PO didn’t install the front drive shaft because it wasn’t long enough. Some people recommend a transfer case drop kit to help with this, but I prefer a custom built driveshaft with the proper CV joint at one end.

[bouncytruck]

Most likely you will have to have the driveshafts lengthened. My '69 had a 6" lift installed by the PO and the driveshafts were lengthened.

[jojotonka]

Well, I put on a Tuff Country 6" lift on my 72 Jimmy. Blocks in the rear. The lift came with 1" spacers to lower your transfer case. Both of my driveshafts are completely stock and work properly. Granted I'm not a big off-roader, but I've ran it hard on the sand dunes a couple times. Everything is fine. I fit 37" swampers on 12" wide rim.

[rikyric]

Hmmm I have heard alot about dropping the transfercase. Anyone have a writeup or pics?

[1969k10stepside]

It should have 52" rear springs.I installed a 6" Rough country lift on mine.Its actually 6" rear,and 4" front.Not the best lift kit,but at $625 for 4 new springs,I went for it...might upgrade later

[Critter]

Well, so far you have 3 choices:

A. Lengthen both
B. Neigher need to be lengthened
C. Lengthen front only

Clear as mud, right?

[rikyric]

Originally Posted by Critter

Well, so far you have 3 choices:

A. Lengthen both
B. Neigher need to be lengthened
C. Lengthen front only

Clear as mud, right?

Exactly what I was thinking

Wonder why there is so much variance

[jojotonka]

Well, I guess it depends on how much of a perfectionist you are. When I say, I had to do nothing to my driveshafts. It's true, however, you can see about an inch of the spline on both shafts.

Now thats probably a sin to some guys, but unless your a hardcore off-road guy thats pushing your equipment to the max, I've never had a problem.

[BAD4X4]

I just put a 6"in my blazer last week, It's a superlift. I bought it from 4-wheel parts. They have great prices. The only thing I did was steering arm and longer brake lines. Hope this helps.

[Critter]

Originally Posted by jojotonka

Well, I guess it depends on how much of a perfectionist you are. When I say, I had to do nothing to my driveshafts. It's true, however, you can see about an inch of the spline on both shafts.

Now thats probably a sin to some guys, but unless your a hardcore off-road guy thats pushing your equipment to the max, I've never had a problem.

That is a good way to explain it. It all depends on what your definition of "having to" do something is. The pavement is alot more forgiving than the trail when it comes to things like this.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by Critter

The pavement is alot more forgiving than the trail when it comes to things like this.

Exactly.

"Technically" with any lift your moving the axles further away from the T-case and in doing so it changes the parameters of the 'perfect' length.

Can you leave em alone?
Sure.

Should you leave them alone? All depends on who you ask.

Surf the 4x4 section, there several lift question threads, they might be of help to ya.