Lift options and recommendations for a 1980 Jimmy

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Zelph

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Location
Nevada
First Name
David
Truck Year
1989
Truck Model
K5
Engine Size
350 TBI
Link it. Have all the flex and a better ride than any leaf spring could provide.
 

Russtypickle

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Location
Vancouver Island
First Name
Russell
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
Blazer
Engine Size
350
Not sure if everyone will agree here but I have a 6" lift in my '85 (IBPO) and I hated the way it looked. Although it rode level it always looked like the front end was
higher because of the height difference between the body line and wheel arches. I took it to a local spring shop and had the front lowered about 2" and moved the axle forward a little. Looks way better in my opinion not to mention it softened the ride as the lift put my front rear shackles at an angle that wouldn't let them flex. I run 35's on it and they do rub at full lock so I might get the axle moved forward a little in the new year as its really not that bad for most daily driving. I don't wheel it.
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Grit dog

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Auburn, Washington
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Todd
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1986, 1977
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K20, C10
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454, 350
Not sure if everyone will agree here but I have a 6" lift in my '85 (IBPO) and I hated the way it looked. Although it rode level it always looked like the front end was
higher because of the height difference between the body line and wheel arches. I took it to a local spring shop and had the front lowered about 2" and moved the axle forward a little. Looks way better in my opinion not to mention it softened the ride as the lift put my front rear shackles at an angle that wouldn't let them flex. I run 35's on it and they do rub at full lock so I might get the axle moved forward a little in the new year as its really not that bad for most daily driving. I don't wheel it.
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How much is the axle moved forward. It’s not even noticeable.
I need to do that as well. Even w 5” of lift it is tight with the 35s and wheel offset. Just haven’t but I slapped in zero rates to get it up a little.
Once I move the sway bar and get the driveshaft lengthened I can shift it forward.
 

Shorty81

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Mar 19, 2018
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Location
North West ohio
First Name
Darren
Truck Year
86
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
496
Not sure if everyone will agree here but I have a 6" lift in my '85 (IBPO) and I hated the way it looked. Although it rode level it always looked like the front end was
higher because of the height difference between the body line and wheel arches. I took it to a local spring shop and had the front lowered about 2" and moved the axle forward a little. Looks way better in my opinion not to mention it softened the ride as the lift put my front rear shackles at an angle that wouldn't let them flex. I run 35's on it and they do rub at full lock so I might get the axle moved forward a little in the new year as its really not that bad for most daily driving. I don't wheel it.
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That looks way better. A little rake is the best look in my book.
 

K5 Blazer

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Location
Sant Cruz, CA
First Name
Holden
Truck Year
1973
Truck Model
K5 Blazer
Engine Size
6.0L LS
Thanks for the info, my Blazer sits lower in the rear after a 4" lift. I would like to level it out or have slight rake in the front.
 

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