Lift options and recommendations for a 1980 Jimmy

[Marcos]

I have a 1980 GMC Jimmy that im wanting to put a 4" lift on. Currently sitting on 3/4 ton axles with 285/75r16. Would like to go with a 4" lift and 35" tires or maybe 315's since I have 16" wheels.

Would like any recommendations on a 4" lift please. I would like to go with a lift that has new leaf springs instead of blocks. Also curious if Driveshafts and brake lines need to be replaced with a 4" lift? Ive looked online for lifts but being that I have 3/4 ton axles im not sure if I would need a different setup.

Also are 315's comparable to 35's?


thank you in advance, any advice and recommendations is greatly appreciated

 

[Strick]

I just used a Rough Country 6" from a Sub that I bought last year. It rides pretty good so far. I've only made a few laps around on it but am satisfied so far. Tuff Country is another brand but I've seen much negative comments about either the TC or RC...or maybe both. 35's will clear nicely with a 4" with those 8 lug axles too. I know that ORU or ORD offers lifts with several thin leaves to give the ole Square a better ride quality but they come with a cost too. There should be several threads about lifts in the suspension section on the site where you can source other information and opinions too.

HS

 

[Grit dog]

On the contrary I think Rough Country front springs ride like a lumber wagon. If on a strict budget, they work, are strong and achieve the desired look.
If looking for something “daily driver” comfortable, I would highly consider a more expensive softer set of front springs. Unless maybe a big block and a winch and winch bumper are in your future.
Rear springs? Idk, blocks work fine imo if on a budget and the old springs are still springin’ like they should and you’re not throwing alot of power to it.
4” will clear 35s, in a perfect world…not really. Unless you’re running positive offset wheels maybe although idk if they’d rub on the inside then.
4” front RC springs, broken in, supporting a big block, wouldn’t clear the 315s or new 35s with a little negative offset on my K20. It took a 1” more lift just to clear at full lock, no flex.
If you’re tearing it apart, I’d highly consider relocating the front axle forward an inch or so. (Not too hard with an ORD Zero rate or maybe they make springs with a little offset to the front?)
Can’t comment on rear driveshaft with the Blazer being short wheelbase. Front DS is good at 4” lift on my K20 but it’s marginal IMO at the 5” lift I have now. Haven’t spent the time to look at it hard, just slapped it back together after adding the Zero Rates since it’s a pavement princess anyway and no snow in Seattle.

 

[Grit dog]

Others will have more experience but something like Skyjacker soft ride or whatever it’s called for a moderate budget. Or NICE springs from ORD or Deaver or similar if you’re after the best ride and best off road flexibility.
That’s what I’d be looking at if I was lifting a straight axle pickup.

 

[bucket]

BDS, Tuff County and even Superlift are all pretty good riding for the money. Way better than Rancho, Rough County or Pro Comp.

 

[Grit dog]

$784 BDS 4” kit, 4 new springs, shocks ,all the bolts and a drop steering arm seems like a great value.

 

[Camar068]

$784 BDS 4” kit, 4 new springs, shocks ,all the bolts and a drop steering arm seems like a great value.

link?

 

[Grit dog]

link?

Jackit.com. Plus $50 off code and free shipping.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Idk if I'd wanna go to that site on my work computer...

 

[CalSgt]

I would think you will need some trimming to clear 35's with only 4" of lift. I have no experience with them but the Off-Road Design springs seem to have a good reputation, you may want to pick up some overtime shifts before you hit the buy it now button.

https://www.offroaddesign.com/

 

[Old Guy Bill]

I looked at all those options before purchasing a 4” lift for my ‘78.
I went with the complete off the shelf BDS kit from ORD. Springs, shackles, shocks, brake lines etc….they offer it any way you need.
The multi leaf springs are much more expensive, I couldn’t justify the expense for my project.

 

[Marcos]

appreciate the replies from everyone. Sounds like 4" may not be enough to clear 35's or 315's? I figured it would since im clearing 185's without a lift. Whats everyone using to clear thier 35's? 6" lift maybe

 

[bucket]

appreciate the replies from everyone. Sounds like 4" may not be enough to clear 35's or 315's? I figured it would since im clearing 185's without a lift. Whats everyone using to clear thier 35's? 6" lift maybe

A lot of people somehow make them clear without trimming. I believe it's usually stiff springs and nothing more than street diving. A narrow 35" is certainly possible, but the average 315/75/16 on a 8 inch wide wheel will need at least a very minor amount of trimming at the lower trailing edge of the front wheel arches.

 

[Strick]

appreciate the replies from everyone. Sounds like 4" may not be enough to clear 35's or 315's? I figured it would since im clearing 185's without a lift. Whats everyone using to clear thier 35's? 6" lift maybe

35's will clear the fenders with molding as long as you're not killing it with a 4". The current setup that I have is a RC 6" with rear 4" block & add-a-leaf & there's plenty of room with 35's. If you beat your truck, wheel it or trail it you'll go that route with a 6".

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[Camar068]

Jackit.com. Plus $50 off code and free shipping.

Thanks Dog