New guy from North California

[aultinator]

I am restoring my first truck, 86’ GMC K1500 short bed fleet side for my daughter, soon to be her first truck.

I am looking for some lift kit info. I want to run 33/12.50’s and am not sure if a 4” is too high, not enough tire? I’m not rock crawling and not focused on maximum stuffing of tires into fender wells. Just want some room along with a clean look. My thought were 2.5-3”.

Along with height, what brand has the best on the road ride?

All spring or front spring and rear blocks?

Pictures would be awesome if anyone has some to share!

I haven’t driven the truck since 97’. Can’t wait to get it out of the weeds and back on the road!

Thanks
Tim

 

[Shorty81]

Welcome from Ohio.

 

[JamesSam]

Welcome from VA. Cool project for your kiddo. Let's see it....

 

[animal]

 

[ali_c20]

Welcome from Austria. Pics. We want Pics.

 

[CalSgt]

Welcome, from Northern California too…

My preference for half ton short bed with 33’s is about 3” of lift.

Here’s an old picture of mine with 3.5” re-arched springs in the front and 3” blocks in back.

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Sorry, no info on who makes the best riding springs.

 

[brooksman9]

Welcome. My 86 has a 2.5” Skyjacker all spring lift with 33’s. No experience with other kits but it rides pretty good.

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[Doppleganger]

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[legopnuematic]

Welcome from Missouri.

 

[WFO]

Welcome from the Texas Panhandle.

 

[Soundmound]

Welcome from Central Washington!

 

[Strick]

Welcome from the Tarheel State. I have yet to make it to Cal but I definitely want to see those giant Redwoods, Sequoia and Douglas Firs while I'm healthy and able. I used a Skyjacker 3.5 lift on an '85 CUCV a few years back and was satisfied with the ride and flex. Good luck with the build and putting the young lady to riding Square.

HS

 

[aultinator]

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Hello everyone,

Here it is! Been in this spot for the past 26ish years.

This is my first time on a forum. I have no idea how to navigate something like this. I realize this is an introduction thread and am not sure if I’m over doing it here!

Thanks for having me and I look forward to sharing my progress. Any help in directing me as to where to start a thread would be appreciated.

 

[Frankenchevy]

If sticking with leaves, ORD custom springs (Alcan) or an equivalent thin leaf Deaver. It’ll run north of $2k for the set.

 

[89GMCJimmy]

Rough Country ride stiff
Tuff Country ride less stiff
Skyjacker soft ride maybe slightly better ORD customs max travel and softest ride but quite a few dollars more
2.5-3” is plenty if not plowing through rocky/rutted out roads
Keep 8-9” rims when you go 10” more chance of rubbing rear of fenders
Single Bilstein 5100s for shocks check frame all around steering box for cracks get a brace from ORD or a weld in plate
Welcome to the forum