Anyone have 8" suspension lifts?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DaHateTank · 01-01-2003, 07:24 PM

Im considering lifting my Blazer a little more, and Id like to hear some opinions, from those who have this much lift (8") in the suspension...

Did you have to have the front end cut, and twisted to restore the caster (??? - angle thru the ball joints, in the plane parallel to the front-rear axis of the vehicle)

If not, how does the truck drive?? Im concerned about making my Blazer even squirrelier...

thanks
-Marty

Pont · 01-01-2003, 08:37 PM

Yep, 8" suspension lift on mine. Nothing funky about the front end of mine other than some really wicked driveshaft angle. I'm in the process of making a high pinion Dana 44 to fix this problem. Other than that, my truck rides and handles better than stock. Pitch the stock steering and build a crossover setup. If you need anymore info, don't hesitate to PM or email me.

Rob

Slick71 · 01-02-2003, 10:31 PM

Hey Pont, Did you have the front springs custom made? If not, who did you buy them through? I've been considering going bigger since the 33's are about worn out.

Pont · 01-03-2003, 01:43 AM

Hey Slick, the front springs were NOT custom made but the rear springs are. The front springs are SkyJacker Softride and fit 1/2 ton & 3/4 ton 67-72's if I remember correctly. Simple bolt in install without any mods other than extended brake hoses. I think I paid around $280/pair + shipping if that helps. I bought mine through 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers but I had such a terrible experience with them, I wouldn't recommend them. I'm sure there are other suppliers out there at very competitive prices.

DaHateTank · 01-03-2003, 02:17 AM

Pont,

Do you have any picas, of your steering setup?

How much tire is under that beastie??

Wheelbase??

Thx

-Marty

PS: I think the 8" springs are up around $320, now.

powermad · 01-03-2003, 03:50 AM

My fronts are Burbank HD ones and the rears are Tuff Country easy rides, they have been sitting in the shop for almost a year, I don't have them on yet.

Pont · 01-03-2003, 03:19 PM

Marty, the wheel base on my truck is stock. The tires are 35 x 14.5 x 15's and my front tires do rub at times. Not because of the height but because of the width and being mounted on a 14" wide rim with minimal offset. I guess it figures that the price of those springs would have gone up since I bought mine in July of 2001.

Here is a link to some pics of my steering setup. The pics are at the end of this thread.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=15383

Let me know what you think............

Rob

Slick71 · 01-03-2003, 07:44 PM

I've got 4" springs in front and 4" blocks with an add-a-leaf in the rear. I'm running 33" Thornbirds on a 12" wheel. If I go to 8" suspension.....what do ya think????? 35's?or Bigger?

powermad · 01-03-2003, 08:47 PM

I was gonna with 42's with the 8" lift, but I don't realy care if I have to trim and hack. But now I have changed my mind again and will just do a 4" lift and 39.5"s
The guy the shop with the 72 has a 6" suspension and a 2" body lift and he is running 38's with no troubles.

DaHateTank · 01-04-2003, 02:28 AM

Pont,

How'd you weld on that knuckle?? Ive always had bad luck welding cast iron, even pre-heating it. Always seems to crack.

Yours seems to be holding up well, so you musta done something right...

-Marty

Pont · 01-04-2003, 01:25 PM

Marty, I had a friend run those welds for me. I don't weld good enough to try that. Next time I see him I'll ask what the trick is to welding on cast iron.

HIGH724X4 · 01-06-2003, 12:59 PM

HEY Pont,
You have a very nice looking truck, can you post or email me a bigger pics, so I can check it out? i have a 8" soft ride on my 72 short, and I am in the middle of the frame-off, Taking Forever, Alot ideas, Low on the Money.. Thanks.. Kevin.

Pont · 01-06-2003, 05:19 PM

Hi Kevin, here are a few larger pics. If you happen to find any of that money your low on, send some my way

Pont · 01-06-2003, 05:20 PM

2

Pont · 01-06-2003, 05:20 PM

3

Pont · 01-06-2003, 05:21 PM

Large version of my Avatar

Slick71 · 01-06-2003, 06:23 PM

I like that big ol' shortbed more and more, every time I see it. Looking Good Pont!

HIGH724X4 · 01-07-2003, 08:51 AM

Hey Pont, Thanks for the Pics, Your Truck is Truly Awesome, Just Won A Little Money on my sports bet, But Had To Spend it on A New Cowl Hood, Any Extra, I will send your Way>. HEHE Kevin..

bouncytruck · 01-07-2003, 01:32 PM

I'm running 6" lift (blocks in back

) with 35 x12.5. I believe the rims are either 8 or 10" wide, but I've never measured them. I haven't had any rubbing (yet). I've heard of guys running Swampers on a similar combo as mine and having rubbing issues. My tires are just a basic all-terrain.

Pont · 01-07-2003, 04:47 PM

Your Blazer is sharp ( I never get tired of looking at it ) and it's hard to tell from those pics but I'm gonna guess you have 10" rims.

01-01-2003, 07:24 PM	#1
DaHateTank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 119	Anyone have 8" suspension lifts?? Im considering lifting my Blazer a little more, and Id like to hear some opinions, from those who have this much lift (8") in the suspension... Did you have to have the front end cut, and twisted to restore the caster (??? - angle thru the ball joints, in the plane parallel to the front-rear axis of the vehicle) If not, how does the truck drive?? Im concerned about making my Blazer even squirrelier... thanks -Marty

01-01-2003, 08:37 PM	#2
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	Yep, 8" suspension lift on mine. Nothing funky about the front end of mine other than some really wicked driveshaft angle. I'm in the process of making a high pinion Dana 44 to fix this problem. Other than that, my truck rides and handles better than stock. Pitch the stock steering and build a crossover setup. If you need anymore info, don't hesitate to PM or email me. Rob __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

01-02-2003, 10:31 PM	#3
Slick71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Savannah, MO. Posts: 513	Hey Pont, Did you have the front springs custom made? If not, who did you buy them through? I've been considering going bigger since the 33's are about worn out. __________________ 1972 Chevy Blazer 4X4 Savannah, MO. www.thefarmatadair.com

01-03-2003, 01:43 AM	#4
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	Hey Slick, the front springs were NOT custom made but the rear springs are. The front springs are SkyJacker Softride and fit 1/2 ton & 3/4 ton 67-72's if I remember correctly. Simple bolt in install without any mods other than extended brake hoses. I think I paid around $280/pair + shipping if that helps. I bought mine through 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers but I had such a terrible experience with them, I wouldn't recommend them. I'm sure there are other suppliers out there at very competitive prices. __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness" Last edited by Pont; 01-03-2003 at 01:46 AM.

01-03-2003, 03:50 AM	#6
powermad Hillbilly Hotrod Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 69	My fronts are Burbank HD ones and the rears are Tuff Country easy rides, they have been sitting in the shop for almost a year, I don't have them on yet. __________________ 69 K5, .060 over 350/465/205.

01-03-2003, 02:17 AM	#5
DaHateTank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 119	Pont, Do you have any picas, of your steering setup? How much tire is under that beastie?? Wheelbase?? Thx -Marty PS: I think the 8" springs are up around $320, now.

01-03-2003, 03:19 PM	#7
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	Marty, the wheel base on my truck is stock. The tires are 35 x 14.5 x 15's and my front tires do rub at times. Not because of the height but because of the width and being mounted on a 14" wide rim with minimal offset. I guess it figures that the price of those springs would have gone up since I bought mine in July of 2001. Here is a link to some pics of my steering setup. The pics are at the end of this thread. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=15383 Let me know what you think............ Rob __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness" Last edited by Pont; 01-03-2003 at 03:21 PM.

01-03-2003, 07:44 PM	#8
Slick71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Savannah, MO. Posts: 513	I've got 4" springs in front and 4" blocks with an add-a-leaf in the rear. I'm running 33" Thornbirds on a 12" wheel. If I go to 8" suspension.....what do ya think????? 35's?or Bigger? __________________ 1972 Chevy Blazer 4X4 Savannah, MO. www.thefarmatadair.com

01-03-2003, 08:47 PM	#9
powermad Hillbilly Hotrod Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 69	I was gonna with 42's with the 8" lift, but I don't realy care if I have to trim and hack. But now I have changed my mind again and will just do a 4" lift and 39.5"s The guy the shop with the 72 has a 6" suspension and a 2" body lift and he is running 38's with no troubles. __________________ 69 K5, .060 over 350/465/205.

01-04-2003, 02:28 AM	#10
DaHateTank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 119	Pont, How'd you weld on that knuckle?? Ive always had bad luck welding cast iron, even pre-heating it. Always seems to crack. Yours seems to be holding up well, so you musta done something right... -Marty

01-04-2003, 01:25 PM	#11
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	Marty, I had a friend run those welds for me. I don't weld good enough to try that. Next time I see him I'll ask what the trick is to welding on cast iron. __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

01-06-2003, 12:59 PM	#12
HIGH724X4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: LAWRENCEBURG, INDIANA Posts: 298	HEY Pont, You have a very nice looking truck, can you post or email me a bigger pics, so I can check it out? i have a 8" soft ride on my 72 short, and I am in the middle of the frame-off, Taking Forever, Alot ideas, Low on the Money.. Thanks.. Kevin. __________________ 72 CHEVY FLEETSIDE 4X4 K10 (SOLD TO JAMIE72, BUT BLAZER GAL PULLED AWAY WITH IT LOL!!!) Will Own one Again!!! 1967 CAMARO (PRO-TOURING PROJECT) Lawrenceburg, Indiana.. AOL IM: kbillcad

01-06-2003, 05:19 PM	#13
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	Hi Kevin, here are a few larger pics. If you happen to find any of that money your low on, send some my way Attached Images __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

01-06-2003, 05:20 PM	#14
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	2 Attached Images __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

01-06-2003, 05:20 PM	#15
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	3 Attached Images __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

01-06-2003, 05:21 PM	#16
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	Large version of my Avatar Attached Images __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

01-06-2003, 06:23 PM	#17
Slick71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Savannah, MO. Posts: 513	I like that big ol' shortbed more and more, every time I see it. Looking Good Pont! __________________ 1972 Chevy Blazer 4X4 Savannah, MO. www.thefarmatadair.com

01-07-2003, 08:51 AM	#18
HIGH724X4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: LAWRENCEBURG, INDIANA Posts: 298	Hey Pont, Thanks for the Pics, Your Truck is Truly Awesome, Just Won A Little Money on my sports bet, But Had To Spend it on A New Cowl Hood, Any Extra, I will send your Way>. HEHE Kevin.. __________________ 72 CHEVY FLEETSIDE 4X4 K10 (SOLD TO JAMIE72, BUT BLAZER GAL PULLED AWAY WITH IT LOL!!!) Will Own one Again!!! 1967 CAMARO (PRO-TOURING PROJECT) Lawrenceburg, Indiana.. AOL IM: kbillcad

01-07-2003, 01:32 PM	#19
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	I'm running 6" lift (blocks in back ) with 35 x12.5. I believe the rims are either 8 or 10" wide, but I've never measured them. I haven't had any rubbing (yet). I've heard of guys running Swampers on a similar combo as mine and having rubbing issues. My tires are just a basic all-terrain. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

01-07-2003, 04:47 PM	#20
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	Your Blazer is sharp ( I never get tired of looking at it ) and it's hard to tell from those pics but I'm gonna guess you have 10" rims. __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.