Lifting my 90 model k5

[andrewmp6]

Have you looked at http://offroaddesign.com/catalog.htm

[chevymadness]

I was just going to reply on this thread in furry about running 35s because I think it's extra beef to carry for no good reason unless you mud or do sport and it's more gas which ticks me off.But after seeing bohman kids pickup I changed my mind real fast.And on a shackle flip I think is terrible talking about a dangerous and out of wack and bouncy type of lift I wouldn't abuse my truck with that crap.

[special-K]

When talking what fits with tires and lifts we see answers all over the place. The reason is,for the most part,people forget to list the wheel width. That is the make or break factor on many lift/tire combos. I run a 4" spring lift with 315/75s on my '85 Jimmy and I can rub the fenders. That's because I am running 10" wheels. I'm willing to bet with 8" they wouldn't rub...or only in extreme maneuvers. In my opinion,for the quality,ride,and cost,you can't beat Tuff Country EZ-Rides. That's what I've been running on the last few lifted trucks I've had

[Your41Plague12]

Go with a Tuff Country lift and EZ Ride springs. Best spring rate around for a readily-available lift kit. I had a Rough Country 6" kit on mine, and I literally dented my roof hitting a speed bump at about 3 mph. No suspension flex at all, axles may as well have been welded to the frame. The only suspension I had was the cushion in my seat.

[Ski-me]

Originally Posted by DetroitDan

I had a 91 Blazer last year with a 4 inch all-spring lift and BFG 35s. Could get them to rub hitting a bump while turning (into my driveway, every day) so I clearanced it with a sawzall just a little. Had 3.08s and a 700r4 behind a tbi 350, too much tire height for those gears, but I would definitely not recommend 4.56s. Way too much imo. 3.73s would be enough to satisfy most, 4.10s are pretty much ideal. Keep in mind, your carriers won't support a drastic swap. May want to consider swapping in 3/4 axles, easy swap. Radial tires rarely measure anywhere near their stated size, so you're probably only getting a 33 anyway.
Hey Ski-me, are you sure that's only 2.5 inches of lift?! Mine had the same exact tires and yours is as tall, probably taller. I would have bet that was a six inch lift. Doesnt look like theres any bodylift there either.

Sorry man, missed your question from way back....But yes, it is only a 2.5" lift from BDS. In fact, I felt that it was just a "little springy" so I took one leaf out up front. It now rides more smoothly too. Block in rear measures a little over 2" and the rear springs are new, stock height replacements.

15x10 wheels.

[Zoomad75]

I'm baffled when people blast shackle flips as dangerous. More so when you look at earlier trucks and other leaf spring suspensions have been used with the similar tension (shackle pointing down) shackle position with no ill effects at all. It's not unsafe. I've run a flip on my K5 for years with no ill effects other than fixing the crappy pinion angle my rear diff had before the lift and making the ride nice and soft. It's a very effective way to maintain factory spring rate and gain lift without a rough ride of high arched springs.

Now out front, I've got a set of 4" rough country springs. Not ideal, but have done the job well over the years. It's firm but not spine jarring, but I think having the rear being soft does seem to off set it some. For the price, which was a big issue for me, they are just fine. I've not felt the need to go with softer spring rate springs up front.

I'm running 35x12.50's and had a small rub at the front lower fender area with the suspension twisted up and the wheels turned. I chopped the bottom 4" off the front fenders and solved that problem, but a small shave on the lip would have solved it.

[jbristo67]

Chevymaddness I'm not sure if you noticed but I work in the oil and gas industry. Fuel economy is not my top priority. That being said I'm not building this truck for you. I'm glad you approve now though.