OCD
Truck Lover
Posts: 27
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Post by OCD on Mar 22, 2005 14:36:06 GMT -5
I have a 83 chevy K10 4x4 with a 3in body lift and 33in super swampers but its now time to jack her up in the sky. This is not a daily driven truck and will be mainly a weekend warrior/car show truck. So i would like to do a 8 to 12in lift with the biggest tires it will fit without looking silly. My questions are basically, which kits are recommended (been looking at the superlift kit), what else is needed when lifting over 6in that the kits don't come with and what are the biggest tires I can put on there with that type of lift.
Thanks Dan
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OCD
Truck Lover
Posts: 27
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Post by OCD on Mar 23, 2005 16:14:38 GMT -5
Well after some research I think I am going to go with a 12in SuperLift Swamp Runner Lift Kit with a dual front stabilizer and a replacement pitman arm because that is the only part that does not come with the kit that is suggested to use. Now the real debate is going to be whether to get 40's or 44's. Then from there I will look into what gearing will be best suited for the size tires I get. Any input would be much appreciated. If none is given I will continue posting my findings as this is a newer site and the more information the better.
Dan
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Post by 19_Chevelle_69 on Mar 23, 2005 20:12:29 GMT -5
Thanks for the post.
This site has a bunch of great people, with loads of knowledge. It may just take some time to get a reply to a question.
Your lift job sounds interesting, but I have no experience with it. I do know that by going to a 40 or 44 tire, you will effectively lower your final drive ratio quite a lot. You may consider going to a 4.56 or even higher (numerically) gearset to give you the low end torque that the tires will eat up.
Keep us posted on your progress!
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OCD
Truck Lover
Posts: 27
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Post by OCD on Mar 23, 2005 21:27:13 GMT -5
I will definitely keep everyone posted on the progress and when I start doing the installations I will do a step by step write up as well. Maybe make a section at that point of like sticky's (info that will remain at top in section for future references). As far as gears it seems a lot of people go with 4.88 but I want to learn some more about them before I make a decision and start ordering stuff.
Dan
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OCD
Truck Lover
Posts: 27
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Post by OCD on Mar 24, 2005 12:29:03 GMT -5
Update Info: Parts needed -44in tires -12in Superlift Swamp Runner Kit with extended brakes lines, etc -5.13 gears (front and back I believe) -Extended Driveshaft (not sure where to purchase or how big but I am working on that) -Lockers (Detroit lockers seem to be best) (allow all four wheels to spin)
This is what I have found out so far. If I was planning on using the truck as an offroad monster I would need to get a beefier front end (dana 60) and beefier rear with a 14 bolt full floating and 5.13 gears in both f and r. I don't think I will be going that route because I don't plan on really offroading the truck. It is mainly going to be a show and go type of truck.
More to come, Dan
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Post by Bent on Mar 25, 2005 22:11:24 GMT -5
The 5.13 gears sound pretty good, and the lift is sufficient. If you are going to stick with the ten bolts you'd be better off with limited slips in the pigs rather than the lockers. The lockers will cause great stress with the weight of the tires and the truck on them and cause you to first lose your u-joints and then drive shafts and then pinion yokes and then axles... As you can see it is a chain of destruction that ends up causing alot more damage than you would think and end up being more than 3/4 or even 1 ton gear. Another thing you should think about is wheel choice. I've had wheels oval around the lugs and start snapping them off. I'd suggest a good forged wheel for your application. You could also achieve alot better steering with a cross over steering setup and keep control of those monsters. About drivelines..Your local driveline shop should be able to lengthen your stock shafts, but if needed I know high angle driveline provides service of cv's and many other types to keep you wheeling.. Oh! almost forgot. Make sure the kit comes with a transfercase drop to compensate so you don't have to cut the knuckles off your front end and rotate and weld to correct the caster .
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OCD
Truck Lover
Posts: 27
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Post by OCD on Mar 26, 2005 3:36:04 GMT -5
Sweet, thanks for the great info its much appreciated. I actually spoke with a friend today that used to have a truck on 44s and he said if he were to do it again he would just get the 1ton front and rears because he just kept breaking things with the 1/2 ton stuff. So I think at this point I am going to start hitting up the junkyards and try to see what I can find. For now I am going to order the lift and whatever else needs to be done to raise the truck. Once raised I will hopefully have figured out what I am doing as far as gearing and so forth and can start purchasing and installing that aspect.
Thanks Dan
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Highpsi
Wrencher
Chevy 4 life
Posts: 157
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Post by Highpsi on Apr 16, 2005 14:12:58 GMT -5
Any progress on the lift Dan?
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OCD
Truck Lover
Posts: 27
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Post by OCD on Apr 16, 2005 14:35:59 GMT -5
Its been pretty nuts for me lately and this project was put on the sideburner for a little. The only progess I made was finding a couple chevy k30's for sale that when I get time I will go look at them and hopefuly buy one of them.
Dan
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Post by Bent on Apr 16, 2005 15:41:40 GMT -5
I know how it is dude... My chev is in the back and probably gonna stay there till I get my new ride paid for.
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OCD
Truck Lover
Posts: 27
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Post by OCD on Apr 16, 2005 15:57:17 GMT -5
Yea its tough, especially when you have two projects going at the same time. Ill get her done eventually.
Dan
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Highpsi
Wrencher
Chevy 4 life
Posts: 157
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Post by Highpsi on Apr 17, 2005 19:49:17 GMT -5
I hear ya, I am in delay mode right now too! I'll be interested to hear your progress though, I want to lift my truck in the next few months too.
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OCD
Truck Lover
Posts: 27
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Post by OCD on Apr 17, 2005 20:01:07 GMT -5
Yea I can't wait to get it all done, I will start making serious progress once school is over (only 3 more weeks) because I will actually have time to work on the truck.
Dan
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Post by Gasket on May 29, 2005 22:59:54 GMT -5
Hope the lift is going well. I'm looking to do just a mild 4" lift on my K20, and will probably do 35" tires. It's not a daily driver, but I want to keep it reasonably comfortable for the highway. Just a suggestion, but if you are not planning on really "off-roading" the truck, I would not do any locker or even limited slip differentials. With that size of tire, you are going to really stress even 1-ton drivetrain. A gear locker or spool will eat your axles alive, and a clutch-type limited slip unit will just burn out. Your truck is going to be somewhat of a bear to drive on the street and open differentials will make life easier on you and the drivetrain. However, if you decide to do some off-roading, I'd choose a Detroit Locker for the rear, and then just leave the from open, or use an ARB air or Eaton electric locker. The Detroit Locker is readily available for the GM 14 Bolt Corporate full floating (10.5" ring gear) rear axle, and it is reasonably cheap to boot. Sounds like you have some great ideas for your truck. Keep us posted. --Gasket
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