Alright guys, it is down to a 6" IFS lift or a SFA on the 96 Z71. Does anyone know how much the complete kit is excluding the axle and springs? Like any steering things needed and brackets etc etc......Thanks...

I just did a SFA on my s-10. I'm SO glad I didn't get the BDS kit for my truck. I did my SFA for WAY cheaper than that dumb lift. If you can do the labor for the SFA yourself, do it. If not go for the IFS kit.

The big prob I have the IFS kit is that you still end up dropping the torsion bar which still makes your high center point almost the same. Your putting on the lift for clearance, right? you have to drop your front diff and torsion bar so.......your not really getting clearance. A SFA kit is very simple, thus K.I.S.S.

You could buy a kit, but really if you have a welder and some creativity, you could make a SFA setup and save a LOAD of cash which could be spent on your axle.

Good luck

Thanks for the reply. I thought about the kit, and decided that welding C channel under the frame would be most beneficial and cost efficient for the front and rear. What do I need for the steering conversion? Or is there even a need? That is mainly what has been confusing the hell out of me. I know of an online store that sells stainless hoses at whatever length for relatively cheap but did not know if I would need to have some sort of custom fitting for the new axle. What axle did you use? Every D60 I see is for about a grand.

I am new to this board, but I am in the process of an sfa, I did a rear spring over this weekend using a d35, I am going to run a d30 in the front, both snagged from a cherokee 3.73 gears and ez lockers edit that just changed, its going to be 4.10s and the 95 yj axles, anybody want the cherokee set?

Originally posted by pdaddy
I am new to this board, but I am in the process of an sfa, I did a rear spring over this weekend using a d35, I am going to run a d30 in the front, both snagged from a cherokee 3.73 gears and ez lockers

:eek: with 44s :eek:

hell no, I m stupid but Im not rich, hell if I could afford to break that much crap, Id put d60's under it and call it a day!:beer:

I did a SFA conversion on my '95 Z71. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about it. I used the ORU kit which was $795 at the time. I also went with a crossover setup which is about the only way to go. E-mail me if you have any questions.

ChadH82@aol.com
Chad

I would recomend a minimum of a D44 for a full size, but would go with the D60 if possible. My truck weighs 4300 lbs. w/4.3L and I know that a D30 is on the low end of what I should have.

What you also have to consider is how strong is your drivetrain? What do you want to break first? Axle? Ujoint? T-case? I would go for a u-joint.

Just like electronics, you need a fuse somewhere. You keep pushing and pushing and something will give eventually. I would rather keep it simple such as a u-joint. Many people will scoff at this idea and say "GO ALL THE WAY", but when you think about it, you KNOW something will break eventually.

Just keep this in mind.

I would stay away from the 30. Other thread I posted pics of a coil setup I did on my friends.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=127133#post127133

Hey guys thanks for the replies so far. It is good to see some SFA's popping up. About the ORU kit, I would prefer to just make my own setup by using C Channel steel as shackles welded under the frame. I was also considering going with coils, but I am having a hard time finding a Dodge axle for this and someone willing to help weld perches.
Now for the questions.... How much is cross over steering for my application and is it possible to use a less expensive steering system if crossover is(which I think it is). What are typical D44, D50, and D60 costs in good condition or once I rebuild them? Where will I be able to buy brake lines for this much lift? How much was the new front driveshaft? Did you have to get a new rear driveshaft? What size steering accessories were needed(pitman arms etc etc)?
The local 4x4 shop wanted my truck for his first coil Z71 project but estimated the cost to be around $6,000 so that was out of the window. He was just finishing up a beast of a Z-71 with 1 ton gear, 5.13's, lockers, and 44's at a cost of around $11,000! I did some of my own pricing and figured the C Channel leaf mounts to be about $50; the axle to be around $300; plus $500 for a lift kit. Or if I went the coil route, the coils would cost about $100 plus the rest of the kit.
Sorry for the long post, but my main goals are to have a reliable truck, and for the truck's rear view mirror to be even with my forehead(6'1").

I did some browsing on Avalanche Engineering's site and noticed their custom heim joint links which are $160 each and their King pins that range from $40-$100.... How many links would I need and does anyone have experience with these products?

BTTT