Lift options and recommendations for a 1980 Jimmy

[Zelph]

Link it. Have all the flex and a better ride than any leaf spring could provide.

RuffStuff Specialties: 4 Link Kits

RuffStuff Specialties manufactures top-quality off-road parts for 4x4s. Explore suspension kits, steering kits, disc brake conversion kits, bumpers and more.

www.ruffstuffspecialties.com

 

[Russtypickle]

Not sure if everyone will agree here but I have a 6" lift in my '85 (IBPO) and I hated the way it looked. Although it rode level it always looked like the front end was
higher because of the height difference between the body line and wheel arches. I took it to a local spring shop and had the front lowered about 2" and moved the axle forward a little. Looks way better in my opinion not to mention it softened the ride as the lift put my front rear shackles at an angle that wouldn't let them flex. I run 35's on it and they do rub at full lock so I might get the axle moved forward a little in the new year as its really not that bad for most daily driving. I don't wheel it.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Grit dog]

Not sure if everyone will agree here but I have a 6" lift in my '85 (IBPO) and I hated the way it looked. Although it rode level it always looked like the front end was
higher because of the height difference between the body line and wheel arches. I took it to a local spring shop and had the front lowered about 2" and moved the axle forward a little. Looks way better in my opinion not to mention it softened the ride as the lift put my front rear shackles at an angle that wouldn't let them flex. I run 35's on it and they do rub at full lock so I might get the axle moved forward a little in the new year as its really not that bad for most daily driving. I don't wheel it.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

How much is the axle moved forward. It’s not even noticeable.
I need to do that as well. Even w 5” of lift it is tight with the 35s and wheel offset. Just haven’t but I slapped in zero rates to get it up a little.
Once I move the sway bar and get the driveshaft lengthened I can shift it forward.

 

[Shorty81]

Not sure if everyone will agree here but I have a 6" lift in my '85 (IBPO) and I hated the way it looked. Although it rode level it always looked like the front end was
higher because of the height difference between the body line and wheel arches. I took it to a local spring shop and had the front lowered about 2" and moved the axle forward a little. Looks way better in my opinion not to mention it softened the ride as the lift put my front rear shackles at an angle that wouldn't let them flex. I run 35's on it and they do rub at full lock so I might get the axle moved forward a little in the new year as its really not that bad for most daily driving. I don't wheel it.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

That looks way better. A little rake is the best look in my book.

 

[K5 Blazer]

Thanks for the info, my Blazer sits lower in the rear after a 4" lift. I would like to level it out or have slight rake in the front.

 

[Marcos]

I decided to go with a 6” from off road designs. Anyone having issues clearing 35’s with a 6” lift? Would love to see pics of some square bodies with same lift/tire setup

 

[Fastduramax]

And Marcos no one answered your tire question unless I read to fast, Generally 315=31" 325=35" bolt on a set of 325/60R/20's on a set of 20X12 -44 offset wheels they look killer on anything and everything !

 

[bucket]

And Marcos no one answered your tire question unless I read to fast, Generally 315=31" 325=35" bolt on a set of 325/60R/20's on a set of 20X12 -44 offset wheels they look killer on anything and everything !

All depends on the aspect ratio and wheel diameter.

A 285/75/16 is roughly a 33". A 305/70/16 is also roughly a 33", but more like a 12.5" width. A 315/75/16 is roughly a 35x12.5" tire.

 

[Fastduramax]

Good point Bucket I didn't think of that, I was only speaking of wide base tires my bad, I only run pizza cutters on my service van !

 

[Fastduramax]

That looks way better. A little rake is the best look in my book.

You must be registered for see images attach

Rake

 

[Fastduramax]

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[hoagster]

I would think you will need some trimming to clear 35's with only 4" of lift. I have no experience with them but the Off-Road Design springs seem to have a good reputation, you may want to pick up some overtime shifts before you hit the buy it now button.

https://www.offroaddesign.com/

That's what I would do, Trim some of the rear side of the wheel opening. My first truck after I graduated from high school was also a 73 K10, not lifted. And I wanted bigger tires at the time. I smacked a car being an id10t and the body shop that fixed it trimmed the wheel well's. welded the lip on it and worked the wheel well trim so you couldn't tell it was modified. I know enthusiast could tell but it looked clean.

 

[lnielson]

A 1” bodylift with and some new mounts with your 4” suspension lift is also an option, makes it nice to work on everything underneath the truck too. It will help you clear those tires too.