Lift a 1966 c10

[AzCountryman]

I have a 1966 c10 fleet side long bed. Do hunting and shooting which can lead me to some rough roads. Would like to get a little more height out of my truck and possibly add a plate of some kind underneath. Last time I went offroad I smashed the oil pan right on the drain plug. Is there a way to get more heigh or has anyone added some protection?

[tincan1966]

There are several ways to do this, depending on how far you want to go. if you're just wanting an extra inch or so, you could put 3/4T front springs in your truck. Or you could install the air lift bags that go inside the springs. Either of those two will get you a little lift, but could stiffen up the ride.

There are a few other options - some of the 4X4 places make parts for 2wd for a "pre-runner" look. Most likely you'll need to switch over to '73-87 front end parts to get what you need.
There are long arm control arms available that will bolt on and change the ride height, as well as custom springs.
Another option would be to modify the control arms to step the ball joints down. I don't really recommend this unless you're a very accomplished welder or can take them to a welding/fab shop. We used to do the opposite years ago to lower trucks without changing springs/keep the same ride.
The other option would be similar to what a lot of late model lift kits do : change the mounting points of your stock suspension, by lowering them on the frame. This could be done by lowering the crossmember in the frame rails, as well as the upper control arm brackets. Again, this is may not be for a novice as there wil be quite a lot of fab work to do, along with needing the engine/trans out and probably the front clip off the truck.

Anything can be done, depending on much work and money you want to put into it.


There is a thread in the "projects and builds" section by Dino of a 2wd that he raised. It is awesome work, but there may be some special pieces made just for him there. But it's still a great reference to see what's possible.

[AzCountryman]

Thanks....I checked out his truck...not bad...more work then I can do but cool non the less