:usa:

Thanks for stopping in. I have been into Toyotas for about 10 years and
been doing body lifts, shackle lifts, and suspension lifts up to 10" on them
so I have some knowledge of how things work but, I need some advice when
it comes to my newest ride a 1985 Chevy K30.

Here are the specs so that we are on the same page:

Silverado, 454, TH400,NP205, Dana 60, and 14 Bolt rear.

My questions are these.

1.) I have a 8ft plow for the truck that I want to keep for plowing in the winter
and I will be putting the stock tires on so I am not too concerned with being
to high for the plow but, it is an concern. Is a 8" lift to high for a this set up
with the stock tires on 16.5 rims?

2.) When it comes to the rear suspension it has the over load springs on top of
the spring pack. I have looked around and seen a bunch of lifted Chevy's without
the over load springs but, I am not sure what springs they have used. I
don't mind loosing the overload springs because I could replace them later
with air bags if needed but, I need a quality rear spring. Any suggestions?

3.) With the Big Block up front and the increased weight should I be concerned
with a spring that can handle that up front. I don't want to buy springs set up
for a 1/2 ton 305 combo and have them sag or negative arch under the
weight of the 454. Any suggestions?

4.) What point does longer shackles come into play with the different lift spring \
options? Ex. with a 4" lift stock shackles should be fine but, with a 8" lift
do the front shackles bottom out against the frame like Toyotas do with stock
shackles. If I do need them, is there anyone around that sells them for truck
3/4 ton and up?

5.) Body lift, is it worth it in a Chevy? It is a one ton so it rides like a train on
the street. I was thinking all suspension because of this, Sometimes people
do a body lift with a smaller suspension lift to keep some ride quality. With
the K30 is it worth doing that?

The truck will be used for towing ,plowing just my driveway, and they
ocassional light trail and is not a daily driver. Also looking to put a set of 35's on the truck which
I know smaller lifts can accomidate but, I do like a bit of space in the
wheel wells incase I get the itch to go bigger later on in life.

I know that I could have springs made ex: National Springs but, they
are too expensive for me basing there price of $2000.00 for a set of
Toyota springs I wanted them to make for me.

I appreciate all advice with this, Thank you.

:usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa:

If you are going to plow with it alot, I would not lift it 8".
You want the plow frame as close to parallel with the truck frame. The higher you lift the truck frame, the larger that angle becomes and the more wear and tear you have on your truck and components.
Just my two cents
I may live in NC now, but I am from Rochester NY,Home of that wonderful stuff called Lake Effect Snow, so I am not just offering uneducated ramblings.;)

Originally posted by Big__B
If you are going to plow with it alot, I would not lift it 8".
You want the plow frame as close to parallel with the truck frame. The higher you lift the truck frame, the larger that angle becomes and the more wear and tear you have on your truck and components.
Just my two cents
I may live in NC now, but I am from Rochester NY,Home of that wonderful stuff called Lake Effect Snow, so I am not just offering uneducated ramblings.;)


:usa: Thanks Big_B

I appreciate your advice. What would you do in lifting the Chevy?
Thanks again for your two cents.
:usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :usa:

How much do you intend on plowing with it. Plowing and lifts don't really complement each other real well. Big tires don't help either. If you are going to plow a lot them I would leave it stock and run nothing bigger than 31X10.5 tires. When plowing you actually want a relativly small contact patch for better traction.

Now if you don't plan on plowing, then I recommend Tuff country springs.
But like I said, it all depends on how much you need to plow.:)

6 in. lift max......might have to add-a-leaf in front for plow.....put a good gripping tire on there.......weight in back.....plow on.... skip the body lift....:beer: :D ;)