Transfer case drop

[K5Rob]

87 K5 Blazer, 5.3/4L60E/NP208

I am planning on a lift kit in the 2-4” range and a transfer case drop is recommended by the mfr. I just finished squaring away my transfer case stiffener arm that runs up to the bell housing. (Had to lengthen it but it was off a parts truck with unknown running gear). I am not around by my truck now to visualize but my question is will dropping the transfer case interfere with the stiffener arm length or any other components that I should be aware of? Does the drop kit tilt the motor back?

 

[legopnuematic]

The issue with a transfer case drop is while it can help your rear driveshaft angles, it makes the front worse. So doesn’t really help.

@nvrenuf and others can likely elaborate on some of the other pitfalls of the t case drop.

 

[nvrenuf]

87 K5 Blazer, 5.3/4L60E/NP208
Does the drop kit tilt the motor back?

Yes, this puts the distributor closer to the firewall and the motor mounts in a bind.

The issue with a transfer case drop is while it can help your rear driveshaft angles, it makes the front worse. So doesn’t really help.

^^ This! ^^

In addition to hurting the front driveshaft angle, it's possible for the leverage of the lowered crossmember to move causing the frame lip to crack around the bolt holes. If the crossmember gets hit while wheeling it can also bend the lower lip.

Typically, 2"-4" is not enough lift to need to resort to complicated or sketchy alternatives. You may need to shim the rear axle to correct the pinion angle but you'll have it apart anyway to install springs or blocks, lift kit companies have the geometry worked out pretty good so there's no reason to question the shims included in the kit.

 

[Bextreme04]

I have a 4" lift on 35's and no transfer case drop. I've never had an issue. Just make sure your pinion angle is correct and you have full engagement of the driveshaft splines and you'll be fine.

 

[K5Rob]

I have a 4" lift on 35's and no transfer case drop. I've never had an issue. Just make sure your pinion angle is correct and you have full engagement of the driveshaft splines and you'll be fine.

Do u have a pic of your truck with the lift?

 

[K5Rob]

I need to correct myself. It wasnt a transfer case drop they recommend it was a sway bar drop

 

[nvrenuf]

A sway bar drop is a good product, that you need to do.

 

[K5Rob]

Typically, 2"-4" is not enough lift to need to resort to complicated or sketchy alternatives.

So do u think 4” lift on a k5 blazer wont have driveline issues?

 

[nvrenuf]

@K5Rob Blazers are pretty short so I wouldn't be surprised if the rear axle needs to be shimmed to correct the pinion angle so it doesn't vibrate but you're not going to have major issues.

 

[Bextreme04]

I need to correct myself. It wasnt a transfer case drop they recommend it was a sway bar drop

This is absolutely correct. The sway bar will bind once lifted(and is probably binding now). I have the ORD sway bar disconnect on mine. I leave it disconnected most of the time and really only hook it up when towing or hauling heavy loads in the bed. It makes the ride noticeably softer even when connected. You'll probably also want the extended brake lines(also available from ORD).

 

[Bextreme04]

Do u have a pic of your truck with the lift?

Stock ride height with old BFg 35’s:

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4” Tuff country EZ ride HD front springs and factory 63” 97 K2500 Suburban rear springs with a 2” shackle flip:

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She gets worked pretty hard:

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[Old Guy Bill]

I've got a 4" lift on my '78, and it's got an NP208.
Definitely no drop needed on the TC.
The key is a double cardan joint at the slip yoke.. then just shim the rearend accordingly.

 

[Zelph]

Ditch the sway bar altogether. Unless you get some fancy super soft Deaver or Alcan springs, the sway bar really isn’t necessary unless you drive the K5 like it’s a corvette.

 

[K5Rob]

Ditch the sway bar altogether. Unless you get some fancy super soft Deaver or Alcan springs, the sway bar really isn’t necessary unless you drive the K5 like it’s a corvette.

Can i just remove it?

 

[K5Rob]

Stock ride height with old BFg 35’s:

You must be registered for see images attach

4” Tuff country EZ ride HD front springs and factory 63” 97 K2500 Suburban rear springs with a 2” shackle flip:

You must be registered for see images attach

She gets worked pretty hard:

You must be registered for see images attach

The 4” looks good but not too extreme. But u have a long bed. My K5 DS is short and Im worried about driveline vibration

I also dont think i could squeeze 35s on stock height, i have a 31-32 right now and they rub at full lock