Lift Kit - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

WAXER · 03-31-2005, 03:52 PM

Hi guys, newbie here and looking for answers. Just bought a 1991, 4wd, 1500 burb w/350 auto. Looking to put a 4in lift (no blocks) and bigger tires. What kind of drive-train problems can I expect changing the angle of the components by that amount? If I put a new steering arm and stablizer on along with the kit, will I need to beef up the frame or steering box (only being a 1/2 ton)? Any suggestions on brand name? What would be the max size tire for a lift of that height? Anyone here do the same thing?
Thanks,
Scott, Maryland

Jonboy · 03-31-2005, 06:10 PM

Pro comp makes a nice lift kit for the price. Check out the 4 wheel parts wholesalers ad in something like 4 wheel and off road mag. They usually have a big ad. On the newer trucks, 35's should not be a problem with a 4" lift. That Sub should have dual shocks on the front, which would help. If you are doing more extreme stuff, you might want to consider 33's.

Adding the steering box brace probably would not be a bad idea, but probably not mandatory, either. Another thing to consider is gear ratio. 4.11 would probably be the absolute minimum for 35's. I would suggest 4.56's, though.

**special-K** · 04-13-2005, 10:21 PM

On my`91 3/4t I have the TuffCountry 4" all spring lift w/Rancho RS9000s.I`m running 12.50/35 Goodyear MT/Rs on 10" rims.I put a front stabilizer bar exteension kit and dual steering stabilizers on it.The gears are 4.10s and I didn`t notice any loss of power.Was going to go to 4.56s to compensate for increased tire diameter,no need Mine`s a 6.2 diesel with 4L80E.The fenders can rub when turning and twisting at same time.Haven`t seen any cuts in tires.They all recommend 4"lift/33"tire and 6"lift/35"tire.

1987SierraClassic · 05-21-2005, 01:39 PM

I have an '89 1/2 ton Sub with BDS springs all around. I wanted springs that weren't made overseas. The BDS springs are made in Canada or USA. They have a 'no nonsense' guarantee. "if it breaks we'll replace it...period." At any rate, I put the steering arm on mine. The steering box modification depends on how hard you plan to use it. Mine doesn't do any serious off-roading, so I didn't put one on when I did the kit, but I may in the future just as a 'belt and suspenders' sort of thing. Driveline angles shouldn't be a problem since most kits have an offset center pin on the rear springs to tilt the axle to the proper angle. The front springs will have a wedge. My local shop told me that he ran his Sub for years without the wedges in the front, so I chose not to put mine in. No problems so far.
My Sub had the 7000lb GVW option which had 56" springs which are the same as the 3/4 ton, so be sure that you get the right u-bolts if you have that option. The 3/4 ton u-bolts are 1/2" bigger. I found that out after the parts stores closed!
I replaced the rear shackles on my front springs with a set from Off-Road Unlimited. They are greasable, heavier, and 1/2" longer than the stock ones so that at maximum flex, the spring won't hit the frame. Again...not necessary, but I liked them!

I run 33x12.5 tires which are about as big as I'd want to go without trimming front fenders. I have 3.42 gears and it does 'okay' albeit a bit 'numb' at times. As a daily driver I live with it for now until I can put 4.10's in.

Good luck with your build!

03-31-2005, 03:52 PM	#1
WAXER Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3	Lift Kit Hi guys, newbie here and looking for answers. Just bought a 1991, 4wd, 1500 burb w/350 auto. Looking to put a 4in lift (no blocks) and bigger tires. What kind of drive-train problems can I expect changing the angle of the components by that amount? If I put a new steering arm and stablizer on along with the kit, will I need to beef up the frame or steering box (only being a 1/2 ton)? Any suggestions on brand name? What would be the max size tire for a lift of that height? Anyone here do the same thing? Thanks, Scott, Maryland

03-31-2005, 06:10 PM	#2
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Pro comp makes a nice lift kit for the price. Check out the 4 wheel parts wholesalers ad in something like 4 wheel and off road mag. They usually have a big ad. On the newer trucks, 35's should not be a problem with a 4" lift. That Sub should have dual shocks on the front, which would help. If you are doing more extreme stuff, you might want to consider 33's. Adding the steering box brace probably would not be a bad idea, but probably not mandatory, either. Another thing to consider is gear ratio. 4.11 would probably be the absolute minimum for 35's. I would suggest 4.56's, though. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

04-13-2005, 10:21 PM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	On my`91 3/4t I have the TuffCountry 4" all spring lift w/Rancho RS9000s.I`m running 12.50/35 Goodyear MT/Rs on 10" rims.I put a front stabilizer bar exteension kit and dual steering stabilizers on it.The gears are 4.10s and I didn`t notice any loss of power.Was going to go to 4.56s to compensate for increased tire diameter,no need Mine`s a 6.2 diesel with 4L80E.The fenders can rub when turning and twisting at same time.Haven`t seen any cuts in tires.They all recommend 4"lift/33"tire and 6"lift/35"tire. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

05-21-2005, 01:39 PM	#4
1987SierraClassic Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Buxton, ME Posts: 91	I have an '89 1/2 ton Sub with BDS springs all around. I wanted springs that weren't made overseas. The BDS springs are made in Canada or USA. They have a 'no nonsense' guarantee. "if it breaks we'll replace it...period." At any rate, I put the steering arm on mine. The steering box modification depends on how hard you plan to use it. Mine doesn't do any serious off-roading, so I didn't put one on when I did the kit, but I may in the future just as a 'belt and suspenders' sort of thing. Driveline angles shouldn't be a problem since most kits have an offset center pin on the rear springs to tilt the axle to the proper angle. The front springs will have a wedge. My local shop told me that he ran his Sub for years without the wedges in the front, so I chose not to put mine in. No problems so far. My Sub had the 7000lb GVW option which had 56" springs which are the same as the 3/4 ton, so be sure that you get the right u-bolts if you have that option. The 3/4 ton u-bolts are 1/2" bigger. I found that out after the parts stores closed! I replaced the rear shackles on my front springs with a set from Off-Road Unlimited. They are greasable, heavier, and 1/2" longer than the stock ones so that at maximum flex, the spring won't hit the frame. Again...not necessary, but I liked them! I run 33x12.5 tires which are about as big as I'd want to go without trimming front fenders. I have 3.42 gears and it does 'okay' albeit a bit 'numb' at times. As a daily driver I live with it for now until I can put 4.10's in. Good luck with your build!



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