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Lexvidia

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I am looking to lift my 1977 Chevy k20 about 6 inches. I was thinking about doing 3" body lift and 3" suspension lift. I am also going to be adding on an additional cab to make it a true dual cab truck. I am planning on mostly using just for muddin but nothing extreme. The body lift is the easy part for me, i just need 12 lift blocks and i can do all of that. My main concern is the suspension lift, i was thinking about just fabricating four 3" lift blocks to go between the axles and leaf springs but i've read that you shouldn't put blocks on the front, and I don't know what to do. If there is any information any one can give me I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks alot,
Newbie
 
#2 ·
Lexvidia said:
I am looking to lift my 1977 Chevy k20 about 6 inches. I was thinking about doing 3" body lift and 3" suspension lift. I am also going to be adding on an additional cab to make it a true dual cab truck. I am planning on mostly using just for muddin but nothing extreme. The body lift is the easy part for me, i just need 12 lift blocks and i can do all of that. My main concern is the suspension lift, i was thinking about just fabricating four 3" lift blocks to go between the axles and leaf springs but i've read that you shouldn't put blocks on the front, and I don't know what to do. If there is any information any one can give me I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks alot,
Newbie
Click to expand...
Dude, do some searches. (At least you got the right forum for your first post).

Body Lift= Bad
Rear Lift blocks= Bad. (but can be done....)
Front Lift blocks= Very Bad..... Illegal in many states.....

You should just get springs, shocks, & brake lines & do some fender trimming.
 
#3 ·
body lifts are considered gay by many, but still have a semi useful function (clearing tires)
Front lift blocks under the springs are illegal as already mentioned as well as extremely dangerous.
there are many lift options available, such as front lift springs, and rear lift blocks, its very easy to trim your fenders for more clearance though.
 
#5 ·
Kunker said:
I think most guys on the board are going to recommend a sawzall with a mild (2-4") lift. What size tire are you looking to run? You mention mainly mud, so I'm guessing at least a 38?
Click to expand...
X2 I would stay away from the body lift if at all possible, it is better to do a fender trim than deal witht the problems of a body lift, since you are building a chevy you are already prone to weak body mounts and adding a body lift will only add to that problem. Lifts for those rigs are cheap enough as it is go for the lift amount that you need and stay clear of the body lift!
 
#6 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kunker
I think most guys on the board are going to recommend a sawzall with a mild (2-4") lift. What size tire are you looking to run? You mention mainly mud, so I'm guessing at least a 38?

X2 I would stay away from the body lift if at all possible, it is better to do a fender trim than deal witht the problems of a body lift, since you are building a chevy you are already prone to weak body mounts and adding a body lift will only add to that problem. Lifts for those rigs are cheap enough as it is go for the lift amount that you need and stay clear of the body lift!
Click to expand...
x3 especially if you are guna do that cab work it will be for nothing in the long run if you put a body lift on(body lift= :nuke:...and if you guna drop the axles you might as well do it the right way!
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
update

After reading all that ya'll have said and some more research and playing around with what i have available i am got to actually be putting a dodge caravan on my Chevy frame... i have learned through research about the front blocks and how bad they are thank you for stopping me on that. i am going to be fabricating my front fenders and hood while using the van body and radiator cradle.. i have decided on using a 4" suspension lift from rough country and getting making a 3" body lift while welding on some new body mount brackets. and for the tires im looking to run some where between 36s and 42s haven't decided yet. i think im going to build up my front leaf springs some after adding the lift kit. if theres anything i left out please help me out. also any advice on what i have said please help... like i said im new to this and any information helps. Thank you all for your help and advice.
 
#10 ·
you should leave it at stock height and trim the fenders, it is the best alternative, also you will find your self on your tires instead of your lid from being lifted so high. here is a photo of my dodge on 38.5 s running a 3 in body lift as of now will be coming off soon, so this is three in taller than stock stock height and i only have 3 inches trimed off my fenders never come close to rubbing my tires.
Image
 
#11 ·
My opinion is try and get the body mounted to the frame where everything works, then see where you are at. You may not need any other lift anyway. I really don't think a Caravan body could work because it would either need to be on top of the engine or way behind it. I would scratch that plan. Find an old suburban body and hack it off behind the back doors maybe.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
I redid all of my measuring this weekend and the dodge van will fit i just have to fab a little on some body mounts. As for the firewall and all it will fit i will just have to fab new fenders and a hood. it wont actually set much further back than the truck cab as long as i center the rear fender wells over the rear axle. i try and post pictures as soon as i start. Also thank you for the tip power wagon, i think i will be able to accomplish what i want to do by just cutting on my fenders and maybe adding a slight body lift.... im going to avoid the suspension lift at all cost mainly just to save more money for tires...thnks again for all of your help
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Update

Just a quick update... i stripped the truck frame and then stripped the van and cut off the front clip. I rolled the frame under and all is looking good. the frame rails on the van are going to sit perfectly with the trucks frame. one more weekend and i should have it all mounted and the only thing left for me to do is to fab the front end. Im planning on making it like a race car front end. 1x1 square tubing and using the van fenders, cut them and fill in the gap with sheet metal. ill will post pictures after this weekend.
 
#16 ·
MochaMike said:
I may be miss-reading this, but does this mean your just going to weld the two frames together?
Click to expand...
why not hes putting a minivan on a 4x4 frame :grinpimp: sure sounds like it to me
 
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Discussion starter · #18 ·
well i'm not really "just welding them together" i'm actually making mounts for the frame off of the truck frame...ill have pictures after this weekend. sorry for any confusion and not having pictures sooner.
 
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