2wd lift questions

[nekid]

The truck is a 1991 3/4 ton crew cab 2wd (last of the square body )
I have the rear figured out
But whats the best way to get a 2-3 in lift on the front iv'e heard of the lift spindles and componets from a newer truck but not sure what all i need if any body knows or has experance please help clear it up for me

[DmaxMaverick]

Aftermarket springs (preferred), or have your's re-arced (cheaper). Not an unusual upgrade, at all. The aftermarket springs will have more spring leafs, lesser chance of premature sagging, and will usually ride smoother with better control.

[joed]

Don't the 2wds from that era have coil springs in the front?

Not sure if spacers would be available, and/or longer springs? It would seem spacers should be out there (what are typically used in 'leveling kits'), although I think they are usually only an inch or so thick.

Joe.

[nekid]

I have seen the spacers and the taller springs but have also heard of using 88-98 lift spindle but i dont know what i also need to do

[DmaxMaverick]

Don't the 2wds from that era have coil springs in the front?

Not sure if spacers would be available, and/or longer springs? It would seem spacers should be out there (what are typically used in 'leveling kits'), although I think they are usually only an inch or so thick.

Joe.

Oops. Yes they did. Same solution, though. Aftermarket springs are the best solution, along with control arms if more than an inch or so of lift is needed (corrects the geometry). Spacers can provide some lift, or correct wear, but you'll sacrifice ride quality (a lot) and spring compression rate.

[nekid]

Most everything i can find is for 1/2 ton or 88-98 will the newer control arms mount to the truck i know the ball joints will need some work

[Dvldog8793]

If I remember right Dr. Lee lifted the front of his truck...? It was probably described in one of his articles about the build of his rig.
Also the front suspension on the 2wd 3/4 semi float is the same as a 1/2 ton.
Does your truck have 8 lug rims?

[nekid]

Yes it has 8 lug i tried to look up dr lees truck and could only find pictures of the truck any help is appreciated

[Dr. Lee]

I made all the parts I needed including:

Spacers to go on top of the coil springs (5 inches)

Drop brackets to lower the mounting of the lower control arms to the frame (5 inches)

Ball joint extensions to fill the space between the lowered spindle and the upper control arms still mounted to original position (guess what - 5 inches!)

Extra shims for the upper control arm to get the proper camber

Steering arm connectors to provide the proper offset to the tie rods to avoid bump steer with the new geometry (5 inches again)

When I tore everything apart, put the new pieces in, and wrestled it all back together (compressing the springs was the fun part) I was pleasantly surprised to find that the steering wheel was still centered!! Still drove it carefully to the alignment shop for the final tweaking.

I do not provide any copies of my plans - I do not need the liability of someone doing something wrong and blaming me. :rolleyes: But my truck is still rolling down the road with no problems 21 years after lifting it :) .

[OIL BURN]

Was wondering if lifting the body would be easier,just extending cables ,wires, steering shaft and has anyone tried a body lift vs suspension lift.What would the cost difference be and what would it look like?Thinking about it,I not sure if seeing more frame would enhance the trucks appearance with a body lift.Nekid,when you get her figured out and done,if you can post some pictures that would be great.

GOOD LUCK
OIL BURN

[Dvldog8793]

I have a two inch body lift in my 1996 1 ton. It was the best thing I ever did to that truck. I gained access to allot of parts that were TIGHT before. The frame is more visible but IMHO it's not an issue. I have after market bumpers so that was not an issue either. It also made cleaning the salt out every year simpler. Made mounting my goose neck plate easier as well.
I don't think I would ever go higher but the two inch lift is nice....IMHO

[DmaxMaverick]

I have a two inch body lift in my 1996 1 ton. It was the best thing I ever did to that truck. I gained access to allot of parts that were TIGHT before. The frame is more visible but IMHO it's not an issue. I have after market bumpers so that was not an issue either. It also made cleaning the salt out every year simpler. Made mounting my goose neck plate easier as well.
I don't think I would ever go higher but the two inch lift is nice....IMHO

The GMT-800 HD trucks (2001+) have an OEM 2" body lift. It was necessary to fit the Allison tranny.

[OIL BURN]

I'am beginning to like the idea of a body lift for my 74 gmc crew cab for reasons stated by Dvldog8793 and DmaxMaverick.2 inch lift would be about right,a little chassis black on the frame would jazz it up.Well here we go,another project,thats why we own these trucks.

Thanks

OIL BURN