Need some input on increasing K5 lift - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hemihead · 03-08-2012, 09:20 PM

I have a 72 Blazer with a 4" all spring lift and running 35's. As it sits the back is about a inch lower in the rear.

Anyway, I am hoping to may be extend the front shackle to gain an extra 1-1.5" and make up the difference in the rear with blocks. What are thoughts on this. Would I have to by new shocks or worry about drive shafts being to short?

Are there other options besides tearing off what I have and buying a new 6" lift?

All opinions appreciated!

BLAZERMAN · 03-08-2012, 09:41 PM

Since you have an all spring lift you could use 2" blocks in the rear and 1" zero rates in the front. I wouldnt do the longer shackles in front..for however much lift you want you have to double that in the length of the shackle [for a 1" lift you would have to use 2" longer shackles], its just not a good idea and will most likely cause handling issues. Only other cheaper option than all new springs would be just get a set of 6" fronts and use the 2" blocks in the rear.
As far as driveshafts and shocks you might be ok if you just go up an inch but 2 inchs will probaby be pushing it..just measure your shocks at full extension and compression and do the math.

Burt4x4 · 03-09-2012, 10:41 AM

Good Ole Saggy Butt syndrome

I run 4" front and 5.5" rear springpacks and sit level.
For what you have I would try a set of zero rate 1" bocks in the rear and see how that looks. I doubt it would cange much other than lift you butt a bit and sounds like that's what yer after egh?

SeventyOne · 03-09-2012, 06:16 PM

Good suggestions. Zero rate 1" up front w/ 2" block out back or just the 1" Zero rate out back to get you level. Would make you have a 5" lift if numbers are your thing.

Saggy butt and all, I don't mind it - it's a 1" difference. Plus I'd rather be saggy and than have a rake. Hate raked 4x4's...

hemihead · 03-09-2012, 11:42 PM

I would prefer to get it level and a few more inches on clearence for the 35's. With the rims I am running the wheels stick out so on a hard bump they can rub the fenders.

Another option to accompany the suggestions above to would be maybe a 1" body lift...diy4x has the pucks...not big on body lifts due to all the hassles with steering and bumpers. Ah...such big decisions. New front rotors and calipers this weekend so will do some figuring I guess since I'll have the wheels off!

rcbildr · 03-10-2012, 01:05 AM

My friend used add-a-leafs to bring up the rear of his K5.

03-08-2012, 09:20 PM	#1
hemihead Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Estevan, Sask, Canada Posts: 185	Need some input on increasing K5 lift I have a 72 Blazer with a 4" all spring lift and running 35's. As it sits the back is about a inch lower in the rear. Anyway, I am hoping to may be extend the front shackle to gain an extra 1-1.5" and make up the difference in the rear with blocks. What are thoughts on this. Would I have to by new shocks or worry about drive shafts being to short? Are there other options besides tearing off what I have and buying a new 6" lift? All opinions appreciated! __________________ 1967 SWB C-10, BBC 454, T400, 3.73 posi, 20" Coys 1972 K5 Blazer, SBC 400, 4 spd, 3.73, 6" lift, 35" mud grapplers 2011 Sierra Denali HD, 6.6 L Duramax, RBP 96R rims, leveled and Nitto trail grapplers, 2009 Acura MDX

03-08-2012, 09:41 PM	#2
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,826	Re: Need some input on increasing K5 lift Since you have an all spring lift you could use 2" blocks in the rear and 1" zero rates in the front. I wouldnt do the longer shackles in front..for however much lift you want you have to double that in the length of the shackle [for a 1" lift you would have to use 2" longer shackles], its just not a good idea and will most likely cause handling issues. Only other cheaper option than all new springs would be just get a set of 6" fronts and use the 2" blocks in the rear. As far as driveshafts and shocks you might be ok if you just go up an inch but 2 inchs will probaby be pushing it..just measure your shocks at full extension and compression and do the math. __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

03-09-2012, 10:41 AM	#3
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: Need some input on increasing K5 lift Good Ole Saggy Butt syndrome I run 4" front and 5.5" rear springpacks and sit level. For what you have I would try a set of zero rate 1" bocks in the rear and see how that looks. I doubt it would cange much other than lift you butt a bit and sounds like that's what yer after egh? __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks

03-09-2012, 06:16 PM	#4
SeventyOne Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Oakland, Ca Posts: 1,370	Re: Need some input on increasing K5 lift Good suggestions. Zero rate 1" up front w/ 2" block out back or just the 1" Zero rate out back to get you level. Would make you have a 5" lift if numbers are your thing. Saggy butt and all, I don't mind it - it's a 1" difference. Plus I'd rather be saggy and than have a rake. Hate raked 4x4's...

03-09-2012, 11:42 PM	#5
hemihead Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Estevan, Sask, Canada Posts: 185	Re: Need some input on increasing K5 lift I would prefer to get it level and a few more inches on clearence for the 35's. With the rims I am running the wheels stick out so on a hard bump they can rub the fenders. Another option to accompany the suggestions above to would be maybe a 1" body lift...diy4x has the pucks...not big on body lifts due to all the hassles with steering and bumpers. Ah...such big decisions. New front rotors and calipers this weekend so will do some figuring I guess since I'll have the wheels off! __________________ 1967 SWB C-10, BBC 454, T400, 3.73 posi, 20" Coys 1972 K5 Blazer, SBC 400, 4 spd, 3.73, 6" lift, 35" mud grapplers 2011 Sierra Denali HD, 6.6 L Duramax, RBP 96R rims, leveled and Nitto trail grapplers, 2009 Acura MDX

03-10-2012, 01:05 AM	#6
rcbildr Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Gold Bar, WA Posts: 1,216	Re: Need some input on increasing K5 lift My friend used add-a-leafs to bring up the rear of his K5. __________________ My Projects: 1960 GMC 1/2ton with 305 V6 (daily driver) 1963 Chevy 1/2ton 2wd...converting to 4x4 1967 Suburban 1/2ton 2wd My Girlfriends Projects 1985 Chevy Suburban 3/4ton 4x4 with 6.2L diesel, 4" lift, converted to TH-400, Warn Premium manual hubs, & Wildcat 315/75/R16 tires. (daily driver) 1978 Camaro Type LT with a Marine 350 & vortec heads, Rochester Carb, & roller cam 1978 Camaro Z28



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