little help figuring out my k20 springs/lift

[bmph8er]

I recently picked up a 87 3/4 ton from my buddys uncle. well I'm trying to figure out whats all hacked and whats all right. I know it has a small transfer case drop on it. I think it has a raised steering arm on it. but I don't know if it has stock springs or what on it. I know it has a 3 inch body lift, and 2 inch front and rear blocks on it. these are the pics please help.

these are worn out 35s

side shot

the rear from what I can tell 14 bolt with 4 inch and 2 inch stacked blocks

front 2 inch home made block.....

front spring best pic I could get sry

bad pic I know but is this a raised steering arm?


now what I'm wanting to do is save the truck. repaint all the under side black and the body silver make it a driver with light wheel time. 8 inch springs and 3 body will be more then big enuff without extreme driveshaft and steering mods I think. but for now please help me figure out if these are stock springs. thank you

[b454rat]

Looks like 4" springs. But before you drive it, get rid of the front blocks, bad joo-joo.....

[bmph8er]

ya I'm wanting to get rid of all the blocks and do springs front and rear. I didn't think it had 9 inchs on it (springs, blocks, and body lift) I was hoping they was stock springs with just a body lift and blocks lol. just kind of wanna take it higher but don't wanna throw 8 inch springs on it and only raise 2 inchs. it rides kinda good suprising for 4 inch springs. I cleaned the springs tryin to find a part number with no luck.



them bushings is what made me second guess stock springs. and the 6 inchs of rear blocks

[special-K]

Oh my, the question is what is right? I'd rip it all out and start over again for sure, Driveshaft is over extended, brake lines too short, front blocks, stacked rear blocks,and body lift? I agree those look like 4" springs, and yes that's a raised steering arm for 4-6" lift. Was all this done just to run those tires? I'm glad you got it and will change all that. That thing scares me.

[bmph8er]

Ya I'm not to sure what they had in mind with this truck. I'm thinking 8 inch front springs and get the front rebuilt. After that's done and back on the ground a diy shackle flip and new rear leaf spring. After that fix steering, driveshafts, and brake lines. Likely running way to big of tires so I will be leaving the body lift. Went to run the rpo codes from the glove box and shock shock it's a glove box door from a half ton. So as of now all I know is it's a 350 tbi with a 208 transfer case. Front axle is a Dana 44 best I can tell it doesn't have the ears as the 10 bolt did. There's 4 layers of paint on the axle can't read any numbers. What is all needed for a front 8 inch spring? Just brake lines, steering box brace, drop pitman arm, and extend front driveshaft or is there a driveshaft extension block? Thanx

[b454rat]

Looks like axles are from the mid 70s. For an 8" lift you should go crossover steering. Check pass side knuckle if it's a flat top. It should be that style of axle. All 1/2 and 3/4 had a 208, but some 3/4 tons had the 700r like the 1/2 tons did. Might need a CV front shaft, getting steep on the lift, and course it needs to be longer.

[special-K]

Yep, all that.

[bmph8er]

I actually have no clue if the axles are right for the truck or not. I know the vin in the glove box shows the number 1 for half ton. Haven't checked the dash yet. I know about cross over steering and all that just there a link for the front CV driveshaft? Thanks

[b454rat]

Axles are swapped in for sure. GM stopped using a Dana 44 in 77/78 for 1/2 tons. High Angle Driveline is bout the best for anything driveshaft related. You can also get a clocking ring, that will lower output of the case down for better angles. Prolly be cheaper too.

[dieseldawg142]

it is completely possible to use the stock fr d-shaft, with some mods, on an 8" lift.
my '85 k30 has a 8" lift. i lowered my t-case an inch, ground the stops on the cv and run a spicer hi-angle longer slip yoke. the slip has almost 4" of movement, never managed to yank it apart yet

[bmph8er]

I'm pretty sure the front driveshaft is shot. It's lose where the splines are. Thanks for all the info guys

[slotard]

If you want it to stay that high I'd go with custom perches rather than big lift springs but that's your choice. I prefer trimming to a body lift, but to each his own.

I'm glad you're redoing it, front blocks and blocks that big out back are scary.

[bmph8er]

I had some paypal money to blow so I ordered 8 inch skyjacker easy ride or soft ride or whatever springs. Ordered a rear shackle flip kit and still need to order the shackles. All that's left as of now is shocks and brake lines then figure driveshafts out. It'll likely end up with a cut body and a Dana 60 when I find one. Super swamper has 44 and 47 inch boggers on the blemish site for sale

[74CustomK20]

You poll got 6" lift, as my 8" cleara 39's with ease.

[bmph8er]

I'ma say they are 4 inch springs with the home made 2 inch blocks. I changed out the blocks and springs with 8 inch springs and gained a little over 2 inchs. Was really hoping for more but its done. I keep telling myself the tire lift will help.