Suspension lift kit recommendations

[landy]

Looking for recommendations/opinions for a mild suspension lift, i.e., 2 in. or so for a '71 GMC K1500. Springs, bushings, etc.

Thanks!

[Stocker]

All I can recommend is the only one I'm familiar with -- Skyjacker Softride (2 1/2"). I put 'em on the front of my K20 several years ago because the OEM springs were sagging badly. Quality is excellent, ride is decent, and I still have no complaints. Only difficulty was the bushing inserts (they use poly bushings BTW) were a smidge too long for the front hangers, and I had to grind them off a bit so they'd fit. I never did install the rear blocks. They also make 4-spring kits if you plan on replacing the rear springs too.

On a related note, you'll need longer front shocks. Just so happens that stock rear shocks are the correct length for a 2" to 2.5" front lift. No other changes needed -- steering arm is OK and brake hoses are long enough.

[landy]

Thanks! Front and rear springs aren't actually too bad. It's the rubber bushings and shocks that are pretty well shot, so I thought I may as well replace everything and get a mild lift to go with it.

So you're kit was front springs only? No driveshaft issues?

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by landy

So you're kit was front springs only? No driveshaft issues?

Front springs and rear blocks, and new u-bolts & locknuts all around. No driveshaft issues at all -- the only issues were grinding the bushing inserts and replacing front shocks as noted above.

[ryanroo]

i have tuff country 2.5" springs in the front of my k20. it was a no issues install. not the smoothest set of springs i have ever had. i have rancho 2.5" lift springs for a square body k30 in my jeep and they are better.

i have also installed 4" rough country springs in my other K20. also an easy install, but i have yet to get the truck out of the garage, and i pulled them in favor of a different set up, so i can't comment on the ride.

[landy]

On these 2.5-inch lifts, no need for a different pitman arm or other steering components? Why the rear blocks instead of springs?

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by landy

On these 2.5-inch lifts, no need for a different pitman arm or other steering components?

No recommendation came with the kit, and I found no need for anything.

Why the rear blocks instead of springs?

Money. Blocks are cheaper than springs.

In my case, my rear spring packs, which include AALs I installed many years ago, were still in good shape and *might* have greater load capacity than new lift springs. I have since added Hellwig overloads too. A working-class K20 might as well be stout...

[ryanroo]

i have no correction on my 2.5" lift. the truck has a dana 60 in the front. i bought a correction block for it when i did the install. after getting it back on the ground i left it off. everything looked fine and it drives just fine.

generally, depending on the use of the vehicle i advocate for springs front and rear, for anything over 2.5-3" the block doesnt seem to have much in the way of negative efffect in my experience at that height. and they are easy to find. a lot of oems used a block about that height in the rear of trucks. my k20 uses blocks from a dodge 2500.

over that 2.5"-3" range and the blocks are a little tall. they will add a lot of leverage to the natural reaction the axle housing has to torque input. that causes spring wrap and axle hop. none of which is good.