Help me decipher what lift I have...

[KShorthairs]

So I have read a bunch of threads on how to measure and figure it out, but the more I read- the more my eggs get scrambled.

I traded for a 76 K20 with a 465/205 14 bolt setup. That part I am jazzed about. He put a 454 in it and said he sealed it up. That is another battle...

He also said it had a 6" lift.

If I measure from the top of the axle to the bottom of the bump stop bracket I get 12" on both sides. If I go all the way up to the actual frame above the bracket, I get 16.5". I read that factory height is supposed to be 11" on a K20. The tires on it now are 265/75/16 and are bald.

It looks to have a 2" block under the rear 5+1 springs and the front has a small one. I'm not sure what to think.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I was not going to keep if it's a 6, but 4 or lower I'd be fine. I don't crawl. Just minor old guy 4 wheeling.

 

[Grit dog]

Those aren’t stock K20 rear springs they’re lift springs.
I also dont see the spacer. But based off the pics and the small tires, that looks like 4” lift, at most, all around.

 

[bucket]

I agree with @Grit dog. Got a picture of the front springs?

 

[KShorthairs]

Thanks guys! That's what I was wondering. Here is a pic of the driver's leaf. And more info if it adds to detective work-

Ground to fender- 43" rear and 41" front

Bumpers 24" front and 26" rear from ground to bottom of bumper.

My hope was to find something in the 34" range for tires if 35 would be pushing it. I will get new shocks regardless.

 

[nvrenuf]

A stock height truck measures 8.5” between the top of the front axle tube and the bottom of the frame, any difference is the amount of lift.

 

[nvrenuf]

Ground to fender or bumper measurements aren’t consistent because of their built in adjustability and possible body bushing sag.

 

[bucket]

Thanks guys! That's what I was wondering. Here is a pic of the driver's leaf. And more info if it adds to detective work-

Ground to fender- 43" rear and 41" front

Bumpers 24" front and 26" rear from ground to bottom of bumper.

My hope was to find something in the 34" range for tires if 35 would be pushing it. I will get new shocks regardless.

Looks like a 4" lift spring

 

[KShorthairs]

Here is another side pic. I'll go measure the front as well. I haven't done that yet.

 

[Jawzjeep]

My suburban has 6" tuff country hd lift springs on it and I get 12" from top of spring pads to bottom of bumpstop bracket.

You must be registered for see images attach

There's lots of variables though. Mine is a small block, full winch bumper, winch with steel cable, small radiator, single battery and pretty worn spring eye bushings. All that plays a part.

There is no block in the rear in your picture. You must be referring to the spring pad and the thick overload. If you're counting those then the front probably doesnt either and your thinking the spring pad is some kind of block. Post a picture of the front springs and pads.

Edit..lol, set my phone down for a second in the middle of writing and Bam a bunch of post.. Haha

 

[KShorthairs]

The pic a few up is my driver's front leaf. It looks like the burb has a different bump stop perch and maybe a different frame? My bump stop has a big u shaped piece coming down from the frame. That is where I measured. And maybe you're right- mine are just spring pads.

I've been under this thing cleaning it and wire brushing prior to brushing POR-15 on it and figured I'd find out what I have before ordering stuff. It lived up on a farm and has some good surface rust, but nothing that coating it won't solve. The bushings still look good. The shocks look like trash. I've lifted and messed around with Jeeps, newer GM, and Toyotas. I just haven't lifted or worked on a lifted a square before. All of mine have been done or 2wd. Learning as I go.

 

[KShorthairs]

And I just went out and measured. Top of axle tube to frame in front is 12.5. It looks like it has 4" of lift. Thanks a ton gents.

 

[nvrenuf]

FYI, @KShorthairs the bump stop pictured in post #9 is typical for squares. Some of the bracket is covered by a tar paper flap / splash guard (not used all years) that is attached to the metal wheel well. If your bump stop is different post a pic, it’s likely something a previous owner added.

 

[KShorthairs]

No- I'm an idiot. I didn't realize he was measuring in the front. My stop bracket is just like that. I did, however, measure from top of axle tube to frame instead of top of springs to bracket. Maybe I'll go do that too. More info is better.

 

[Jawzjeep]

I did, however, measure from top of axle tube to frame instead of top of springs to bracket.

I measured from the top of my spring pad to the bottom of the bump stop bracket so as to eliminate a difference in the spring pad height. My dana 60 has spring pads that are are taller off of the axle tube then a 1/2 or 3/4 ton.

 

[KShorthairs]

Ahhhh- gotcha. I'm about to get to know the axles pretty well with maintenance and doing rear drums. Don't think I've touched my drum spring tool since I daily drove an 80 Suburban in the 80s. Which by the way was full time 80/20. I loved that thing.