S-10 Body lift

Hukeedo · 07-17-2008, 09:35 PM

I want to give my 89' 4X4 S-10 a 3" body lift. I have heard there are issues with the steering column and the lift on some years, but not sure about my year.Aside from that, can anyone give me steps to give it a lift? Is it difficult?
Thanks.

75K30 · 07-18-2008, 01:21 AM

Body lifts are not difficult, but there are some issues that are often overlooked.
Because some components like the radiator, bumpers, clutch linkage, and or transmission linkage, are all attached to the body, they may present some troubles when a body lift is introduced.
Some attention has to be made to the radiator, because the radiator is attached to the body, and the engine is attached to the frame. This means that the fan will no longer be centered in the fa shroud after the lift. Provisions will have to be made to lower the shroud to keep the fan from hitting it.
Bumpers are also attached to the frame, and when the body goes up, there wil be a terrible gap between the two. Most body lift kits do not provide brackets to correct this, and this gap can be rather ugly.
Manual linkages will also be problematic. Clutch linkages will have to be extended, as will transmission linkages if equiped with an auto trans.
Hydraulic clutches will require less modifications, and autos with cable type shifters will have less problems, but all needs to be considered.
Brake lines, and steering shafts have minimal problems, and typically have enough slack to accomodate 3 inches of lift.

03chevy · 07-18-2008, 06:37 AM

a little easier to do a suspension lift and a little less worries about what 75 said

Hukeedo · 07-19-2008, 09:01 PM

Thanks guys, i appreciate your input and info. did'nt think about all that stuff 75, thanks.I will look into a Suspension lift as to what it cost. What are the steps to a suspension lift?

junior3382 · 07-19-2008, 09:18 PM

What is the steps? This is completely dependant on what you want to do. Simple, (no IFS drop), hard and $$$(IFS drop) or major change and complicated, (SAS) ... but here is a link to an inexpensive way to get a bit more clearence...

Product Information (K451) · Superlift · www.superlift.com

That kit is an easy afternoon do it yourself. 2" of lift only, but does not involve any extra bracketry or mounts to drop the IFS. Anything bigger with the IFS you will need to either have done or know how to cut and weld. They make kits as high as 6" but price is insane. This 2" kit is only a few hundred bucks compared. But I figured this is more effective and probably easier then the body lift you had originally wanted.

NOTE: Just a precaution and a warning. This kit will need you to be very aware of the front steering components. Most guys claim the ball joints wear a bit faster then other kits. So there will be additional cost to matinence to keep in mind. And the ride will be a bit stiffer. Just thought I would let you know.

Hukeedo · 07-20-2008, 07:52 PM

Thanks for the info and link. Really appreciate it. I now have everything in mind to the job.

07-17-2008, 09:35 PM	#1
Hukeedo Full Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 14	S-10 Body lift I want to give my 89' 4X4 S-10 a 3" body lift. I have heard there are issues with the steering column and the lift on some years, but not sure about my year.Aside from that, can anyone give me steps to give it a lift? Is it difficult? Thanks.

07-18-2008, 06:37 AM	#3
03chevy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: jax,fl Posts: 1,186	a little easier to do a suspension lift and a little less worries about what 75 said __________________ A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste!

07-19-2008, 09:18 PM	#5
junior3382 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Currently, I live in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Posts: 3,170	What is the steps? This is completely dependant on what you want to do. Simple, (no IFS drop), hard and $$$(IFS drop) or major change and complicated, (SAS) ... but here is a link to an inexpensive way to get a bit more clearence... Product Information (K451) · Superlift · www.superlift.com That kit is an easy afternoon do it yourself. 2" of lift only, but does not involve any extra bracketry or mounts to drop the IFS. Anything bigger with the IFS you will need to either have done or know how to cut and weld. They make kits as high as 6" but price is insane. This 2" kit is only a few hundred bucks compared. But I figured this is more effective and probably easier then the body lift you had originally wanted. NOTE: Just a precaution and a warning. This kit will need you to be very aware of the front steering components. Most guys claim the ball joints wear a bit faster then other kits. So there will be additional cost to matinence to keep in mind. And the ride will be a bit stiffer. Just thought I would let you know. __________________ *The Blazer is dead, so I pumped her with lead, laid her to bed, and bought a FORD instead!*

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07-18-2008, 01:21 AM	#2
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,992	Body lifts are not difficult, but there are some issues that are often overlooked. Because some components like the radiator, bumpers, clutch linkage, and or transmission linkage, are all attached to the body, they may present some troubles when a body lift is introduced. Some attention has to be made to the radiator, because the radiator is attached to the body, and the engine is attached to the frame. This means that the fan will no longer be centered in the fa shroud after the lift. Provisions will have to be made to lower the shroud to keep the fan from hitting it. Bumpers are also attached to the frame, and when the body goes up, there wil be a terrible gap between the two. Most body lift kits do not provide brackets to correct this, and this gap can be rather ugly. Manual linkages will also be problematic. Clutch linkages will have to be extended, as will transmission linkages if equiped with an auto trans. Hydraulic clutches will require less modifications, and autos with cable type shifters will have less problems, but all needs to be considered. Brake lines, and steering shafts have minimal problems, and typically have enough slack to accomodate 3 inches of lift.

07-19-2008, 09:01 PM	#4
Hukeedo Full Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 14	Thanks guys, i appreciate your input and info. did'nt think about all that stuff 75, thanks.I will look into a Suspension lift as to what it cost. What are the steps to a suspension lift?

07-20-2008, 07:52 PM	#6
Hukeedo Full Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 14	Thanks for the info and link. Really appreciate it. I now have everything in mind to the job.