What is the cheapest and safest way to lift a 1985 1/2 4x4 Chevy silverado? Can I just get the new leaf springs that will raise it 4" or what all would I have to do? Can someone point me out to a kit for a 4" lift that isnt too much $??

tuff country ez ride springs for front, shackle flip in rear

ord sells this stuff

Who is Ord? Im a newb!

ummm.....offroaddesign

they specialize in bolt on upgrades for solid axle GM's

ck out their website

ok, thanks man!

If I went with the leafs in front and shackle flip on the rear just for a 4" lift, would I have to do anything to the steering, or the drive shaft?

good luck

new pitment arm, and longer brakelines. drive lines should be fine

Driveshafts will be good and steering should be ok. Put on the lift and take it for a test drive. If the steering is too bad put on a new arm. Remember to adjust your draglink.

You might look into swapping 52 inch springs into the front if you need flex, a decent ride, and are capable. Writeup on 52 swap on ck5.com

Not being a dick, but just a warning, next time use Newbie forum. Questions like this are just asking for trouble around here.

What is the cheapest and safest way to lift a 1985 1/2 4x4 Chevy silverado?

Take it to the local garage, and have them put it on the hoist. The should be able to lift it 5-6' off the ground. :D

If you are looking for a more permanant solution, take it to 4wheel Parts, tell them you want a lift and some big new white letter tires, maybe a little chrome while you're in there, and some truck nutz. Come back later, write them a check, and drive it home.

Pete

ps Make sure you get the red shock boots. Only the red ones will do. And a big ass windshield banner. See you at the mall!

I should've got the red shock boots. I got the black ones and they only added 5hp. The red ones add 10 :flipoff2:

You can get a Rough Country kit that includes everything you need for about $300 but that price is for blocks.. If you want all springs then add about $150..

Or you can go with a shackle flip in the rear and front springs but you will have to buy all the other parts separate.. That's about the cheapest route other than a 3 inch body lift..

how much for a 3" body lift? I have 33's rights not and thats about the biggest I can go with my truck stock. I just want it high enough to get 35's maybe 37's.

how much for a 3" body lift? I have 33's rights not and thats about the biggest I can go with my truck stock. I just want it high enough to get 35's maybe 37's.

Price checks are too advanced for this forum. Maybe you should call a vendor on this highly technical question. :rolleyes:

Forget the lift and spend your money on English classes instead, newb.
Yernkie warned you.

Body lifts are less than $100 for your truck. Unless your willing to do a lot of fender trimming, your gonna need more than a body lift. Probably at least a 6" lift to clear the 37's and then maybe a little trimming. Call 4wheelparts, they can hook you up with a 6" kit for about $350. If you don't want to run rear blocks I would go with springs, probably would be cheaper than the shackle flip and an add-a-leaf.

you can run a 4 inch lift and a 3 inch body and clear bigger tires then 37s. A little trimming yes but you dont need a 6 inch and 3. A four inch lift will clear 36s at the most with some rubbing, so just run a 4 inch lift for the 35s.

I know a 4" will clear 35s fine, so I would think that a 4" susp. and a 3" BL would be more than enough for 37s (if you can stand the BL...).

I have 4" Tuff Country springs at all four corners, and I am happy with it. I got the HD springs in front and the EZ Rides in back. The fronts do ride a little rough, but they still have amazing flex for as stiff as they are. I wish that they offered HD springs for the rear though, as mine are starting to sag (it's been about 3 years I guess). I do occasionally use this truck as a work truck, and those EZ-Rides don't like hauling. The fronts haven't lost a bit as far as I can tell. Now the truck looks like it's draggin' ass... Maybe it's time for a 2.5" shackle flip.

When I lifted mine, the DSs were almost at their limit, but still OK. The steering sucks stock and is a nightmare lifted 4". When you hit the brakes hard, especially with the softer springs, it will go hell-bent for the ditch. Get an arm. JMHO.

EDIT: Some of you guys are spreading misinformation. While the red or black boots might might look the "baddest", it is pretty well accepted that the neon-green ones add the most suspension travel and horsepower. Anywhere 5-290 from what I've heard. Why don't you do some research before you start spouting incorrect mall-tech?
:flipoff2:

I guess I am going to go with the new springs to go on every corner for a 4" lift. Anyone know the best place to get some new springs?

Check the vendor section, look around on the net, check the pages of your favorite 4x4 mag., lots of possibilities, needs a little effort.:flipoff2:

no the orange ones add horses and about 20 inches of flex get it right

i think the best lift is with a floor jack because u can adjust the lift from the outside and u can slip your shock boots on the handle

Wait a second here.... shockboots are the answer to HP gains?!?!??!

I thought you had to paint all your suspension parts blue or red, I didn't realize it was just a simple boot change!!! Fawk.


oh mighty gurus: ORD or DIY shackle flip?

I'm no guru but I like to build shit. I have absolutely no doubt that the ORD hardware is well built, high quality stuff, but I (and most anybody w/ a welder and a tiny bit of capability) can build custom shackle brackets. DIY. :smokin: