Will this lift fit my k5/jimmy?

[82jimmy]

I agree that if it's just a street driven, looks cool type of build an open diff 10 bolt will last a long time. The factory Gov Lock locking differential is extremely light duty and fails easily which in turn takes out other parts.

Going with a tall lift you'll likely need a CV joint at the tcase and then cut & turn the diff to rotate the pinion up, that should fix any lift vs driveshaft angle problems. Whatever you do, don't drop the tcase crossmember! Some folks do this in an attempt to relieve the rear driveshaft angle but it worsens the front angle and sometimes causes the frame to crack at the bolts (depending on how it's done, abuse, etc).

In addition to the lift, consider things like steering box braces and the XJ steering shaft mod. Crossover steering is a great mod but not always necessary, especially for a street truck. All of those can noticeably improve and tighten the steering feel. If you stay with push/pull steering be sure to get enough corrective parts, you want the drag link to be very close to horizontal.

thanks for the great advice as well . this will help a lot i will be writing everything down and make sure i take all of this into consideration.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

I daily a 5 inch lift on 35's. Real daily. I wasn't saying don't do it, I was saying it was the worst choice for big lift and mostly street. I'd hate for someone to build their "dream truck" and find out it rides and drives like complete ****, then they sell it or let it rot. And lose a bunch of money.

To be fair comparing a crew cab long box for drive ability isn't a good comparison. The longest and heaviest vs the shortest and lightest. They will be miles apart in driving experience.

Also anyone who says their stock steering doesn't kind of suck off-road is straight lying. Either not really wheeling or just straight lying. Yes you can drive "around" it but the problem still exists. They won't turn if in big skinny ruts or all twisted up. It's just what it is.

Rotate the pinion too high for driveshaft angles, then you run the risk of starving the pinion bearings of oil.

Again build whatever you want to look how you want, but you should really plan ahead for the future before doing mods. Do you want to build it five times fixing what you don't like or build it once with some tinkering after? Do you want to enjoy driving it?

People can do whatever they want. But criticism and cons are necessary for discussion. Why learn things the hard way when many others have done it before us.

 

[82jimmy]

People can do whatever they want. But criticism and cons are necessary for discussion. Why learn things the hard way when many others have done it before us.

i appreciate your opinion and argument. will take into consideration maybe a smaller lift. i also daily a 6 inch on 35s so i know the struggles of owning a lifted daily. Unfortunately but fortunately ive dove down this rabbit hole of squarebodys . I have seen many videos and i definitely wouldn’t be the first lifted k5 around i’m sure i’ll get it right at some point

 

[bucket]

Yes and no, the front springs and hardware will fit your Blazer HOWEVER, the rear u-bolts and 56" springs will not. The rear u-bolts will be for a 14 bolt which has bigger axles tubes than a 10 bolt and Blazers have 52" rear springs.

Since the kit looks to include rear blocks in the 2.5"-3" range, those could be ommited and a 2.5" shackle flip used instead. That would allow for use of the 56" springs. @82jimmy you would then only need different u-bolts for your 10-bolt. Places like ORD sell the shackle flip kits and u-bolts too.

 

[DoubleDingo]

it’s not about wanting the functionality of a lift it’s about achieving a certain look

Experienced firsthand an overlifted blazer, it was squirrelly. But, go for it. 2 to 4 inch is plenty.

 

[82jimmy]

Since the kit looks to include rear blocks in the 2.5"-3" range, those could be ommited and a 2.5" shackle flip used instead. That would allow for use of the 56" springs. @82jimmy you would then only need different u-bolts for your 10-bolt. Places like ORD sell the shackle flip kits and u-bolts too.

okay good suggestion. you don’t think the angle would be a problem? with the shackle flip and the extra 4 inches of of leaf spring? or does the shackle drop make it possible?

 

[bucket]

okay good suggestion. you don’t think the angle would be a problem? with the shackle flip and the extra 4 inches of of leaf spring? or does the shackle drop make it possible?

The ORD shackle flip is designed for both spring lengths, so there's no guesswork on relocating the hangers on the frame for the longer springs. Or other clearance issues that might arise on a K5 or a short bed. The ORD hanger brackets just get used on opposite sides of the truck, depending on your spring length. For the longer springs, the hangers get mounted with the eyelet more towards the rear of the truck.

 

[bucket]

Here is the shackle flip kit. It's available in 2.5" and 4" lift.

Shackle Flip Kits for '73-91 GM Square Body Trucks

Lift the back of your truck with our shackle flip brackets! Can be used alone or in addition to a lifted spring or block.

www.offroaddesign.com

 

[Zelph]

* you’ll most likely want to use an axle relocation plate with a shackle flip. The shackle flip moves the axle forward roughly an inch or so and the wheel is off center in the wheel well.
The flip could also cause a shift in pinion angle, so you may want to budget for shims.

 

[bucket]

* you’ll most likely want to use an axle relocation plate with a shackle flip. The shackle flip moves the axle forward roughly an inch or so and the wheel is off center in the wheel well.
The flip could also cause a shift in pinion angle, so you may want to budget for shims.

Good point. It shouldn't move as much with the 2.5" though, compared to the 4" that most people use. The spring perch on the axle can also be re drilled to move the axle back some, if needed.

 

[ZIMM78Blazer]

Hey guys, so i’m planning on lifting my 82’ jimmy sierra classic and mainly want to go for an 8 inch kit. There are only a few options with the only one of my liking being the BDS suspension 8” lift kit with the nice fox shocks. My only concern is the products title says it’s only for 3/4 ton trucks. I’m planning on sticking with my 10 bolt axles as i won’t be doing any crazy off-roading or wheel/tire set up. Will that lift fit my jimmy? When i check vehicle fitment on the BDS website it says the lift will fit my jimmy but it’s obviously not 3/4 ton so any help, comments, advice, other options? Advice for reinforcing my 10 bolt axles? Thanks!

I would call and talk to a shop that does big lifts often. Davis off road. In VA. ORD in co. They both fab the cross over steering and would have the best recommendations. Drive shaft angles will be the big issue. Good luck. Enjoy your jimmy.

 

[SquareRoot]

You ought to throw a body lift at it while your in there

 

[Fat 454]

These guys seem to be having fun ....

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