71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

thump426er · 08-27-2015, 01:23 PM

Doing some digging on here to try and help me decide a lift and tire size for my 72 K20 lwb as I rebuild her this winter. I see some pics on here which I'm sure fit the bill of what I'm looking for but usually just a pic with no description of the lift or tire size so anyone interested to post some pics of your 71/72 K20 (not that any of the other years wouldn't help so feel free with 67-72) with either:

- level kit and 33's (not sure if a 35 will fit under a couple inches raised in the front)
- 4" lift with 33's or 35's (unless 35's don't fit and I don't know that yet..)

Can you please post the lift (brand too if known) and exact tire size if you don't mind.
Thanks for the input.

57taskforce · 08-27-2015, 01:39 PM

35:12.5s should fit with 4" 33s will fit a stock truck without sagging springs. Mine is stock but ive messed with lifts on these things before.

webfoot · 08-27-2015, 01:44 PM

Here is a 70 with 6" lift on 35" (34.5") tires.

I read on here that a 4" lift on 35s would rub, but I never tried it.

BTW if you have a dana 44 front and want a lifted steering arm, I have one I never used I'd sell kinda cheap, PM me if interested.

thump426er · 08-31-2015, 09:09 AM

Thanks, from that pic it looks like a 4" would be pretty dang close at the front where your tire is turned with 35's. (nice rims btw, I run those on my gen 1 cummins and am considering for the 72).
Any others out there, 4" and 33's/35's or level kit with 33's?

Tdrcreyn4 · 08-31-2015, 09:53 AM

You should look at the thread here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=561516

Lots of pictures on stance. Mine is a 1969 with a 4" suspension and 35's. No clearance issues at all.

**jeffahart** · 08-31-2015, 06:44 PM

Here you go 4" Skyjacker front, 4" ORD shackle flip with zero rate rear, 285/70R 17 (just shy of 33") tires

67swb72klb · 08-31-2015, 07:12 PM

Mine has a 4'' and the 35's are close to the front cup when turning

webfoot · 08-31-2015, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thump426er

Thanks, from that pic it looks like a 4" would be pretty dang close at the front where your tire is turned with 35's. (nice rims btw, I run those on my gen 1 cummins and am considering for the 72).
Any others out there, 4" and 33's/35's or level kit with 33's?

Thanks, 6" is plenty of lift just to have the 14 bolt drag anyway!

sboris · 08-31-2015, 10:30 PM

Normal driving no rub..
4inch rough country 315/16s

57taskforce · 08-31-2015, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sboris

Normal driving no rub..
4inch rough country 315/16s

How do you like that rough country lift? I've contemplated getting it for mine down the road...

**special-K** · 09-01-2015, 07:21 AM

"Level kit" is an IFS thing since those trucks sit nose down like a 2wd. So, step away from that term here. You need 4" of lift for 35/12.50s and it can rub in extreme positions. What no one is mentioning is wheel width. 8" over 10" makes all the difference in the world in this lift/tire range. 8" should work fine with rarely barely a rub

sboris · 09-01-2015, 09:34 AM

57TASKFORCE

No issues with the lift. I have never run any other to compare, but i think it rides great. Way better than i expected. Again, no off-roading though.
As far as rims go, mine are 10inch. Yes they are close to the cup, but they do NOT rub with normal full wheel turn. With a flex situation, probably.

**jeffahart** · 09-01-2015, 07:07 PM

what special-K said plus offset. But you, also, may want to consider your driving habits and gearing. I always buy tires to fine tune my gearing issues, as they are rubber gears. You could be real bummed out with 35s... just sayin... although I have been know to let form rule over function!

RMBLFSH · 09-01-2015, 08:55 PM

No lift.
32.5 x 11.5 BFG Mud Terrains on 10" wheels.
No Rub. (even during some pretty gnarly wheelin')

**jocko** · 09-01-2015, 10:31 PM

that sure gets my vote rmblfsh. I prefer level. In fact, thought you meant you were trying to decide between level (no lift) w/33's or 4" with 35's... If you in fact meant a leveling kit, no, that's not what you need. I like 2" lifts as well. But it's all personal preference - I like em tall n skinny (tires) with minimal or no lift. Some like em sky high. Hopefully folks pics will help you decide.

sboris · 09-01-2015, 10:57 PM

^^x2. Yeah that thing looks sweet. Needs nothing.

swamp rat · 09-01-2015, 11:06 PM

Heres a look at a 4" lift with 23" BFG's

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=131

thump426er · 09-03-2015, 11:28 PM

Special-K you're absolutely right on with me mentioning "level". For some reason I was thinking the truck sits front low, but it is pretty level. So 2" or 4", 33 vs 35 is where I'm sitting.
Truck has 4.11's, will be a road queen with no off road to speak of so is purely me going with a certain look I like.
Great call on rim width and offset, wasn't on my mind. But also haven't done any searches for that yet and figure there may be some threads out there for me to find. Assuming say ~10" wides work on 8's and 12.5's on 10's as a rough idea? I'd likely stay to a width that won't have a bunch of tire hanging out the side, which I'm hoping some of these pics will help me figure what that is.
Nice trucks, keep em coming in that tire/lift range. Thanks

thump426er · 09-03-2015, 11:30 PM

sboris, meant to ask if you have any full side shots of your rig?

BrianG · 09-04-2015, 10:03 AM

Question... would a K10 with say a Skyjacker 4" all spring kit (all new springs) sit the same as a K20 with a SkyJacker 4" all spring kit? They do not sell a 1/2 ton and a 3/4 ton kit. They are the same. So, once, you start replacing the springs, other than the axles, themselves (Dana 44 for both up front) would there be any difference in clearance between a K10 and K20?

57taskforce · 09-04-2015, 11:16 AM

I wouldn't think there would be much difference at all. Both long bed k/trucks (10&20) use the same identical frame. Springs and axles are the only real difference between the two. So if you've got a k/20 then you could possibly loose some weight carrying ability with a spring swap but it should as far as I can see sit the same on either truck. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong on that.

sboris · 09-05-2015, 01:34 PM

^^ agree. Makes sense. K 10 and k20 use the same springs w/rough country.

sboris · 09-05-2015, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thump426er

sboris, meant to ask if you have any full side shots of your rig?

Well heres a quicky, dirt and all. Need more let me know.

HeavyChevy70 · 04-30-2016, 06:42 AM

My 70 restoration project with 33s.

**special-K** · 04-30-2016, 07:03 AM

No lift (actually, 1.5" blocks on rear) with same 33/12.50 tires on 9.75" steelies and 8.25" alloys, stock 6" wheels with 235/85s, and 4" lift with 35/12.50s on 9.75" slots. Then another truck with 6" lift, 12.50/35s, & 10" wheels

08-27-2015, 01:23 PM	#1
thump426er Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: MT Posts: 46	71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's Doing some digging on here to try and help me decide a lift and tire size for my 72 K20 lwb as I rebuild her this winter. I see some pics on here which I'm sure fit the bill of what I'm looking for but usually just a pic with no description of the lift or tire size so anyone interested to post some pics of your 71/72 K20 (not that any of the other years wouldn't help so feel free with 67-72) with either: - level kit and 33's (not sure if a 35 will fit under a couple inches raised in the front) - 4" lift with 33's or 35's (unless 35's don't fit and I don't know that yet..) Can you please post the lift (brand too if known) and exact tire size if you don't mind. Thanks for the input.

08-27-2015, 01:39 PM	#2
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Farmington, New Mexico Posts: 6,266	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's 35:12.5s should fit with 4" 33s will fit a stock truck without sagging springs. Mine is stock but ive messed with lifts on these things before. __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 315/75/16's ‘87 IROC-Z all original 50K mile survivor TPI 305 IROC Blue ‘10 Camaro 2SS/RS Aqua Blue Metallic #93 -version 2.0

08-27-2015, 01:44 PM	#3
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's Here is a 70 with 6" lift on 35" (34.5") tires. I read on here that a 4" lift on 35s would rub, but I never tried it. BTW if you have a dana 44 front and want a lifted steering arm, I have one I never used I'd sell kinda cheap, PM me if interested. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

08-31-2015, 09:09 AM	#4
thump426er Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: MT Posts: 46	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's Thanks, from that pic it looks like a 4" would be pretty dang close at the front where your tire is turned with 35's. (nice rims btw, I run those on my gen 1 cummins and am considering for the 72). Any others out there, 4" and 33's/35's or level kit with 33's?

08-31-2015, 09:53 AM	#5
Tdrcreyn4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 702	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's You should look at the thread here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=561516 Lots of pictures on stance. Mine is a 1969 with a 4" suspension and 35's. No clearance issues at all. Last edited by Tdrcreyn4; 08-31-2015 at 10:21 AM.

08-31-2015, 06:44 PM	#6
jeffahart Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,893	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's Here you go 4" Skyjacker front, 4" ORD shackle flip with zero rate rear, 285/70R 17 (just shy of 33") tires Attached Images __________________ White K20

08-31-2015, 07:12 PM	#7
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,451	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's Mine has a 4'' and the 35's are close to the front cup when turning __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project

08-31-2015, 10:30 PM	#9
sboris Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Osceola, Ia Posts: 2,016	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's Normal driving no rub.. 4inch rough country 315/16s __________________ Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039

09-01-2015, 07:21 AM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's "Level kit" is an IFS thing since those trucks sit nose down like a 2wd. So, step away from that term here. You need 4" of lift for 35/12.50s and it can rub in extreme positions. What no one is mentioning is wheel width. 8" over 10" makes all the difference in the world in this lift/tire range. 8" should work fine with rarely barely a rub __________________ "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 ~

09-01-2015, 09:34 AM	#12
sboris Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Osceola, Ia Posts: 2,016	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's 57TASKFORCE No issues with the lift. I have never run any other to compare, but i think it rides great. Way better than i expected. Again, no off-roading though. As far as rims go, mine are 10inch. Yes they are close to the cup, but they do NOT rub with normal full wheel turn. With a flex situation, probably. __________________ Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039

09-01-2015, 07:07 PM	#13
jeffahart Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,893	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's what special-K said plus offset. But you, also, may want to consider your driving habits and gearing. I always buy tires to fine tune my gearing issues, as they are rubber gears. You could be real bummed out with 35s... just sayin... although I have been know to let form rule over function! __________________ White K20

09-01-2015, 08:55 PM	#14
RMBLFSH Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 60	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's No lift. 32.5 x 11.5 BFG Mud Terrains on 10" wheels. No Rub. (even during some pretty gnarly wheelin') Attached Images

09-01-2015, 10:31 PM	#15
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,937	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's that sure gets my vote rmblfsh. I prefer level. In fact, thought you meant you were trying to decide between level (no lift) w/33's or 4" with 35's... If you in fact meant a leveling kit, no, that's not what you need. I like 2" lifts as well. But it's all personal preference - I like em tall n skinny (tires) with minimal or no lift. Some like em sky high. Hopefully folks pics will help you decide.

09-01-2015, 10:57 PM	#16
sboris Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Osceola, Ia Posts: 2,016	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's ^^x2. Yeah that thing looks sweet. Needs nothing. __________________ Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039

09-01-2015, 11:06 PM	#17
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's Heres a look at a 4" lift with 23" BFG's http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=131 __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

09-03-2015, 11:28 PM	#18
thump426er Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: MT Posts: 46	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's Special-K you're absolutely right on with me mentioning "level". For some reason I was thinking the truck sits front low, but it is pretty level. So 2" or 4", 33 vs 35 is where I'm sitting. Truck has 4.11's, will be a road queen with no off road to speak of so is purely me going with a certain look I like. Great call on rim width and offset, wasn't on my mind. But also haven't done any searches for that yet and figure there may be some threads out there for me to find. Assuming say ~10" wides work on 8's and 12.5's on 10's as a rough idea? I'd likely stay to a width that won't have a bunch of tire hanging out the side, which I'm hoping some of these pics will help me figure what that is. Nice trucks, keep em coming in that tire/lift range. Thanks

09-03-2015, 11:30 PM	#19
thump426er Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: MT Posts: 46	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's sboris, meant to ask if you have any full side shots of your rig?

09-04-2015, 10:03 AM	#20
BrianG Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oakley, Michigan Posts: 735	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's Question... would a K10 with say a Skyjacker 4" all spring kit (all new springs) sit the same as a K20 with a SkyJacker 4" all spring kit? They do not sell a 1/2 ton and a 3/4 ton kit. They are the same. So, once, you start replacing the springs, other than the axles, themselves (Dana 44 for both up front) would there be any difference in clearance between a K10 and K20?

09-04-2015, 11:16 AM	#21
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Farmington, New Mexico Posts: 6,266	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's I wouldn't think there would be much difference at all. Both long bed k/trucks (10&20) use the same identical frame. Springs and axles are the only real difference between the two. So if you've got a k/20 then you could possibly loose some weight carrying ability with a spring swap but it should as far as I can see sit the same on either truck. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong on that. __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 315/75/16's ‘87 IROC-Z all original 50K mile survivor TPI 305 IROC Blue ‘10 Camaro 2SS/RS Aqua Blue Metallic #93 -version 2.0

09-05-2015, 01:34 PM	#22
sboris Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Osceola, Ia Posts: 2,016	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's ^^ agree. Makes sense. K 10 and k20 use the same springs w/rough country. __________________ Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039

04-30-2016, 06:42 AM	#24
HeavyChevy70 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: Bradford, Maine Posts: 10	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's My 70 restoration project with 33s.

04-30-2016, 07:03 AM	#25
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: 71-72 K20 level or 4" and 33/35's No lift (actually, 1.5" blocks on rear) with same 33/12.50 tires on 9.75" steelies and 8.25" alloys, stock 6" wheels with 235/85s, and 4" lift with 35/12.50s on 9.75" slots. Then another truck with 6" lift, 12.50/35s, & 10" wheels Attached Images __________________ "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 ~ Last edited by special-K; 04-30-2016 at 06:47 PM.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.