4 inch lift question

[SnowNeck]

I Just got a 4 inch lift for my 1985 gmc high sierra stepside. I got a transfer case drop, Should I use it? is it needed? and if any of yall have experience with putting one on, how hard is it?

[dieseldawg142]

not hard at all, but i really don't think you need it with 4". my k5 (pretty much the same w.base) had a 4" with no mods to anything except a steering arm.
my k30 crew has a 8" lift & i dropped the case 1" for my shaft angles (front mainly)

[swamp rat]

I never used one on my 72, but the 85 may need it, not sure. I'd probably install the lift springs first and check out the drive line angle, if its not too extreme and you don't get any vibrations i'd consider running without it.

[argonaut]

I too doubt you'll need to drop the transfer case.
If you have a tape measure, angle finder and a flat patch of concrete then you can figure out if you'll need it or not.
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[jjzepplin]

If you plan on wheeling this truck you might consider putting it in. When that rear starts drooping off a good angle you may wish you had that drop on the case. Especially when your 6 miles deep in the Rubicon and bust a rear "u" joint. Ask me how I know... This extra time on the trail gives you a chance to ponder the things you should have done-Take in some fishing-a little hiking- and waiting for someone to come along with some tools and a spare joint for their truck that they will spare for you.

[Dale99]

I'm not sure on the t-case drop as thats a different animal then my 72 has.

However, I will say the drop steering arm is the best 100bux I have spent on mine.

[argonaut]

Be aware that if you drop the transfer case that the angles of your yoke will change and depending on your driveshaft setup you may need to adjust the angle of your axle yoke.
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[71K20chevy]

Originally Posted by Dale99

However, I will say the drop steering arm is the best 100bux I have spent on mine.

That does make a huge difference...but they are not fun to remove. Unless you're as lucky as I am and changed it in 15 minutes.

[Dale99]

Originally Posted by 71K20chevy

That does make a huge difference...but they are not fun to remove. Unless you're as lucky as I am and changed it in 15 minutes.

Mine wasnt difficult either, but the 9mo of power steering fluid leaking onto it likely helped the situation

[jjzepplin]

Originally Posted by argonaut

Be aware that if you drop the transfer case that the angles of your yoke will change and depending on your driveshaft setup you may need to adjust the angle of your axle yoke.
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That's why it's included. When he lifts the truck the angles will increase. The drop will help that a bit. There are usually some shims for this in the kit as well to lessen the axle angles. I don't suggest you use them on the front axle though as it would change steering geometry.

[SnowNeck]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

That's why it's included. When he lifts the truck the angles will increase. The drop will help that a bit. There are usually some shims for this in the kit as well to lessen the axle angles. I don't suggest you use them on the front axle though as it would change steering geometry.

Thank you for the response, but what do you mean shims? i might be misreading this and please correct me if i am, but by dropping the t case wouldnt it adjust both the front and rear drive shaft angles back down to near normal, since only doing a 4 inch lift? and i really dont do to much wheeling any more, i just need all new leafs, steering stabilizer, and shocks so it was the perfect excuse for a lift hah.

[SnowNeck]

Originally Posted by argonaut

I too doubt you'll need to drop the transfer case.
If you have a tape measure, angle finder and a flat patch of concrete then you can figure out if you'll need it or not.
Posted via Mobile Device

never thought of that, I could just see what my angles are before and then after the lift an then decide to drop it.... DO any of yall know if i can install the t case drop with out disconnecting the drive shafts?????

[SnowNeck]

Originally Posted by Dale99

Mine wasnt difficult either, but the 9mo of power steering fluid leaking onto it likely helped the situation

Yeah I also got the drop steering and a adjustable drag link, along with a new HD steering stabilizer.

[argonaut]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

That's why it's included. When he lifts the truck the angles will increase. The drop will help that a bit. There are usually some shims for this in the kit as well to lessen the axle angles. I don't suggest you use them on the front axle though as it would change steering geometry.

Unless he is using longer shackles, I don't see why the pinion angle of his axles would change significantly.
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[dieseldawg142]

i would occasionally sky the tires on my k5 & never had a problem, no t-case drop. you really shouldn't need it. if you are going to wheel it good, i would just get a longer, hi angle slip yoke for the front shaft, much easier, depending on your t-case, there's a good chance you will have to trim around your shifter.
after i dropped my case i pretty much lost 4lo unless i jammed my foot against it, ended up doing the trim & fill.
at 6 or 8 inches of lift, then you should start thinking about one
my truck is an '85 too

[jjzepplin]

Originally Posted by SnowNeck

Thank you for the response, but what do you mean shims? i might be misreading this and please correct me if i am, but by dropping the t case wouldnt it adjust both the front and rear drive shaft angles back down to near normal, since only doing a 4 inch lift? and i really dont do to much wheeling any more, i just need all new leafs, steering stabilizer, and shocks so it was the perfect excuse for a lift hah.

Now your thinking! And you are right. It will also help out your u joints from wearing prematurely as well if your going to use this truck as a daily driver. The shims I speak of are usually aluminum wedges that go between your rear axle perches and your blocks or if you don't have blocks, the springs. Giving your rear end a little bit better angle tilting your yoke up a smidge toward your t-case. This is all of course compounded on short bed or Blazer trucks as the shorter they are the more angle.
I have the t-case drop about 2" and a front AND rear double cardan joints in the drive shafts and also removed the rear perches and clocked the rear end to point right at the t-case output and longer slip-joints in the shafts. A little custom but I used to do some extreme wheeling. It's a working truck now but haven't had a joint fail in over a decade and it's still tight. Even totaled the Blazer and dumped this whole setup in my SWB. Still good. Thank You Tom Woods!

[SnowNeck]

Before and after picture. Rough Country 4 inch lift, 33/12.5/15s

[jjzepplin]

Nice!

[SnowNeck]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

Nice!

THANKS!!!! I'm really lovin the new look and ride. I just think these stepsides look pretty sharp.

[meatwagon83]

thats a good looking truck!