lift vs tire size. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

toddol1971 · 11-25-2003, 10:58 AM

I have a 71 3/4 ton 4x4. I am trying to figure out what lift & tire combo to go with. I dont want it to high. I've seen several pics on this site, but alot of folks dont mention lift, lift manufacturer, tire size [ height & width ]. I'am thinking about a 3" lift from Eaton Detroit Springs, with 33's. I would love for some of you to post pics of your trucks or anybodys trucks 67-72 with lift and tire info. Also, if you're happy or not happy about the lift or tires please address that. P.S. you guys have some nice trucks out there, and empty wallets too probably. HAHA!! Thanks Todd

**JIMs70GMC** · 11-25-2003, 02:44 PM

Here's mine, it has 33/12.5-15 super swampers on 15x10 rims. Lift is 2" Tuff country heavy duty springs w/ ord 1/2" longer shackles and a 2" block w/ add-a-leaf in the rear(removed the stock 1" block). Happy with the lift but it is stiff. I went w/ the tires for load rating (D). Rides real good w/ 3500lbs of sand in the back. LOL!

Beast388 · 11-25-2003, 03:48 PM

I have a 4" Rough Country lift and 35" GoodYear MT/R's mounted on 15 X 10's. I added a 1" zero-rate add a leaf to the front since the front lift didn't seem to be quite 4". I don't have any rubbing so far when off road.

toddol1971 · 11-26-2003, 05:00 PM

Thanks guys. I hope more are to come. this is definately the best way to figure out which lift & tire size I want. I appreciate your time.

71Subman · 11-26-2003, 05:12 PM

Hey Beast,
How wide are those 35s? I have a 71 sub with a 4" lift and want to go to 35x13.50...not too worried about the tire height, but width might goof me up.

2wdBlazer · 11-26-2003, 05:14 PM

Tires are 38x15.50 Parnalli Jones Dirt Grips.

Lift is 6 inch spinrg in front, 4 inch shackle flip with 2 inch blocks in rear. 3 inch Body. (9 inches total) I need some steps!

Beast388 · 11-28-2003, 07:58 PM

71Subman......the tires are 35x12.5x15's. They are mounted on 15X10's with 4.25" backspacing.

Those 13.50's should work ok as long as your rim doesn't have a crazy backspacing like 2.5" or something.

**72 Cheyenne K20** · 12-06-2003, 12:11 AM

Hi Todd, here is my 72 with a 4" lift and 33x12.5 tires on 16' rims. It's a rough ride, like trying to ride a pissed of bull. I'm going to go back to the stock ride soon. Hey, if you have the stock leaf springs in yours now and want to sell them, let me know.

Scott

ChevyGuyBC · 12-07-2003, 01:05 AM

i have a 4 inch lift and 3 inch body and i can fit 39s. i like my height not to tall with the swb.. in my opinon anyone that does a shackel lift or add a leaf wants more lift, just go with 6 inch springs and get 35 swampers and be done with it.. thats a sweet height

Destructo · 12-07-2003, 02:02 AM

How about 4" all spring and a 2" body? That may be what I do to clear 35s if they don't clear with just the 4"

bodazpa · 12-07-2003, 09:53 AM

A lot depends on the type of tire and what you plan to do with the truck.. See each brand of tire measures a different size ie;33 bfg`s may measure 32.5in where 33 pj`s measure 34.5.. I have a 4 inch tuff country all spring lift with 33 x12.5 pj`s on micky classic II wheels. When I ordered my tires the guy told me that 35`s would fit for strictly on road driving, except when I told him I wanted pj`s he said no go.....the guy at desert rat really helped me out. So talk to someone who you think knows his sheet, and go from there.. Here is a pic of my 71........hope that helps john

**JIMs70GMC** · 12-07-2003, 05:55 PM

Read this http://www.truckworld.com/How-To-Tec...uspension.html

**Canadian694x4** · 12-07-2003, 08:52 PM

Man That Frame Flex On The Jimmy Freaked Me Out!! That Is Wild...

DaHateTank · 12-08-2003, 04:36 AM

6" lift, 36x12.50R-15LT TSLs

This is probably higher than you wanna go, but I just thought Id make the point that these tires hit hard, when crossed up, and fully compressed. mIght help someone else, also...

6" of lift isn't enough to clear 36 swampers (which measure pretty close to 36" IIRC) and judging by the amount of damage to my fenders, I don't think 35s would clear, either. Of course, Im not really concerned about my sheetmetal...

The spring stops, behind the front shackle were removed at the time, as well. I don't reccomend that. Increases travel, but hard on teh frame rail.

*dtlilly* · 12-09-2003, 04:03 AM

My lift is from 3/4 ton suspension/axels re-arched to fit 1/2 ton perches. I run 33" without any rubbing off road and mudding.

*dtlilly* · 12-10-2003, 02:41 AM

Here is my 72 one ton with 16.5 X 10 and 33" tires. They are on there temporary while restoring the factory 1 piece 16" rims, and the truck has not been driven with then on (yet, I want to see)

toddol1971 · 12-10-2003, 12:23 PM

72 cheyenne k20. I'll sell em. Hows 50$ sound. How do you want to have them shipped. Also thanks to everyone else. I love looking at the pics.

toddol1971 · 12-10-2003, 12:26 PM

I fogot to tell ya k20, that the rear springs are shot, & its only the fronts i'm selling

toddol1971 · 12-13-2003, 12:49 PM

I know theres got to be more.

11-25-2003, 10:58 AM	#1
toddol1971 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: plainfield il Posts: 163	lift vs tire size. I have a 71 3/4 ton 4x4. I am trying to figure out what lift & tire combo to go with. I dont want it to high. I've seen several pics on this site, but alot of folks dont mention lift, lift manufacturer, tire size [ height & width ]. I'am thinking about a 3" lift from Eaton Detroit Springs, with 33's. I would love for some of you to post pics of your trucks or anybodys trucks 67-72 with lift and tire info. Also, if you're happy or not happy about the lift or tires please address that. P.S. you guys have some nice trucks out there, and empty wallets too probably. HAHA!! Thanks Todd

11-25-2003, 02:44 PM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	My 70 GMC Here's mine, it has 33/12.5-15 super swampers on 15x10 rims. Lift is 2" Tuff country heavy duty springs w/ ord 1/2" longer shackles and a 2" block w/ add-a-leaf in the rear(removed the stock 1" block). Happy with the lift but it is stiff. I went w/ the tires for load rating (D). Rides real good w/ 3500lbs of sand in the back. LOL! Attached Images __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm Last edited by JIMs70GMC; 11-25-2003 at 02:46 PM.

11-25-2003, 03:48 PM	#3
Beast388 Suburbans RULE! Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clinton, IA 52732 Posts: 689	I have a 4" Rough Country lift and 35" GoodYear MT/R's mounted on 15 X 10's. I added a 1" zero-rate add a leaf to the front since the front lift didn't seem to be quite 4". I don't have any rubbing so far when off road. Attached Images __________________ --Ben 71 GMC Suburban 4X4 The "Beast" 388 CID Stroker, TH350, NP205, 8-lug D44, 14BFF w/ Detroit, 4.10:1 gears, 4-Wheel Disks 4" Lift, 35" MT/R's. Last edited by Beast388; 11-25-2003 at 03:53 PM.

11-26-2003, 05:00 PM	#4
toddol1971 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: plainfield il Posts: 163	Thanks guys. I hope more are to come. this is definately the best way to figure out which lift & tire size I want. I appreciate your time. __________________ All my trucks are gone now. I'll gladly take a free one

11-26-2003, 05:12 PM	#5
71Subman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Everett, Wa Posts: 138	How wide Hey Beast, How wide are those 35s? I have a 71 sub with a 4" lift and want to go to 35x13.50...not too worried about the tire height, but width might goof me up. __________________ Noise Makin', Gas Gusslin', Big Ass Metal Monster! 1983 3/4 4x4 P/U (the Sub is gone) 1967 Firebird (Drag racer) 1967 Firebird (resto in progress) 1999 Camry (Wifey's econo-rail ) 1997 VW Jetta (Daughter's cruiser) 1989 Le Mans (just extra for the boys to drive)

11-26-2003, 05:14 PM	#6
2wdBlazer The Blazer King Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Valrico, Fl (Tampa) Posts: 1,213	Tires are 38x15.50 Parnalli Jones Dirt Grips. Lift is 6 inch spinrg in front, 4 inch shackle flip with 2 inch blocks in rear. 3 inch Body. (9 inches total) I need some steps! __________________ 72 2wd Blazer. Its the superbichinest, megacoolinest, superflowinest.

11-28-2003, 07:58 PM	#7
Beast388 Suburbans RULE! Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clinton, IA 52732 Posts: 689	71Subman......the tires are 35x12.5x15's. They are mounted on 15X10's with 4.25" backspacing. Those 13.50's should work ok as long as your rim doesn't have a crazy backspacing like 2.5" or something. __________________ --Ben 71 GMC Suburban 4X4 The "Beast" 388 CID Stroker, TH350, NP205, 8-lug D44, 14BFF w/ Detroit, 4.10:1 gears, 4-Wheel Disks 4" Lift, 35" MT/R's.

12-06-2003, 12:11 AM	#8
72 Cheyenne K20 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Staunton, Virginia Posts: 554	Hi Todd, here is my 72 with a 4" lift and 33x12.5 tires on 16' rims. It's a rough ride, like trying to ride a pissed of bull. I'm going to go back to the stock ride soon. Hey, if you have the stock leaf springs in yours now and want to sell them, let me know. Scott Attached Images

12-07-2003, 01:05 AM	#9
ChevyGuyBC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 17	i have a 4 inch lift and 3 inch body and i can fit 39s. i like my height not to tall with the swb.. in my opinon anyone that does a shackel lift or add a leaf wants more lift, just go with 6 inch springs and get 35 swampers and be done with it.. thats a sweet height

12-07-2003, 02:02 AM	#10
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	How about 4" all spring and a 2" body? That may be what I do to clear 35s if they don't clear with just the 4"

12-07-2003, 09:53 AM	#11
bodazpa Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: 283 Small Block ln. apt k10 Chevyland N.J. Posts: 261	A lot depends on the type of tire and what you plan to do with the truck.. See each brand of tire measures a different size ie;33 bfg`s may measure 32.5in where 33 pj`s measure 34.5.. I have a 4 inch tuff country all spring lift with 33 x12.5 pj`s on micky classic II wheels. When I ordered my tires the guy told me that 35`s would fit for strictly on road driving, except when I told him I wanted pj`s he said no go.....the guy at desert rat really helped me out. So talk to someone who you think knows his sheet, and go from there.. Here is a pic of my 71........hope that helps john Attached Images __________________ 71 chevy 4x4 ,np205 transfer case, 3 speed tranny, sjs 283, 4in suspension lift, and 71 hugger orange paint,33x12.5 parnelli jones on 15x10 m/t classicII, cowl hood,new bed painted, linex liner. Truck has been completed since 2005.... 2003 Chevy Avalanche Z71, on 6in super lift w/ 35in tires RNG4x4 aka the "Redneck Roller" words to live by "If it fits, it fits" "friends help you move, real friends help you move bodies..." Sponsored by "Kick Ass Kustom"

12-07-2003, 05:55 PM	#12
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Read this http://www.truckworld.com/How-To-Tec...uspension.html __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

12-07-2003, 08:52 PM	#13
Canadian694x4 Born To Lose Club Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta/Oxenden, Ontario, Great White North Posts: 13,306	Man That Frame Flex On The Jimmy Freaked Me Out!! That Is Wild... __________________ Brian Smith - "Born To Lose" 1969 Chevrolet K10 LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 20 Yrs - 1 of 208 Built & Sold In Canada! - 283 V8/350TH/NP208, 2" All Spring Lift, 32" Good Year MT/R's. 1972 GMC K2500 Custom LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 2 Yrs - 1 of 571 Built & Sold In Canada! - 350 V8/SM465/NP205, 4” Rough Country Lift, 33” Interco TSL Thornbirds 2007.5 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 - Proud Owner For 15 Yrs - 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel/Allison 1000, 2" Lift, 33" Mickey Thompson MTZ's. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700r - Proud Owner For 13 Yrs - ITP Mud Lites. 2015 John Deere 1025R - Proud Owner For 6 Yrs - 24HP Diesel/H120/54D/260B/SB1154.

12-08-2003, 04:36 AM	#14
DaHateTank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 119	6" lift, 36x12.50R-15LT TSLs This is probably higher than you wanna go, but I just thought Id make the point that these tires hit hard, when crossed up, and fully compressed. mIght help someone else, also... 6" of lift isn't enough to clear 36 swampers (which measure pretty close to 36" IIRC) and judging by the amount of damage to my fenders, I don't think 35s would clear, either. Of course, Im not really concerned about my sheetmetal... The spring stops, behind the front shackle were removed at the time, as well. I don't reccomend that. Increases travel, but hard on teh frame rail. Attached Images

12-09-2003, 04:03 AM	#15
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	My lift is from 3/4 ton suspension/axels re-arched to fit 1/2 ton perches. I run 33" without any rubbing off road and mudding.



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12-10-2003, 02:41 AM	#16
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Here is my 72 one ton with 16.5 X 10 and 33" tires. They are on there temporary while restoring the factory 1 piece 16" rims, and the truck has not been driven with then on (yet, I want to see)

12-10-2003, 12:23 PM	#17
toddol1971 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: plainfield il Posts: 163	72 cheyenne k20. I'll sell em. Hows 50$ sound. How do you want to have them shipped. Also thanks to everyone else. I love looking at the pics. __________________ All my trucks are gone now. I'll gladly take a free one

12-10-2003, 12:26 PM	#18
toddol1971 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: plainfield il Posts: 163	I fogot to tell ya k20, that the rear springs are shot, & its only the fronts i'm selling __________________ All my trucks are gone now. I'll gladly take a free one

12-13-2003, 12:49 PM	#19
toddol1971 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: plainfield il Posts: 163	I know theres got to be more. __________________ All my trucks are gone now. I'll gladly take a free one

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