95 Z-71 lift question

[alex11b]

Im wanting to put a bigger lift on my truck. I have been thinking about a 14" lift. If anyone could recommend a good lift at a reasonable price I would be greatful. Also would any other mods be required to install such a large lift?

Thanks,
Alex

[otrman]

Well if you intend to stay with IFS check out www.wholesalesuspensionoutlet.com. They are expert in lifting IFS trucks, have custom kits to 17", and their prices are reasonable for their quality, but not cheap by any means. Have you given any thought to converting to soild front axle? The kits run around 900 to 1100 plus you'll need a dana 60 front from a Ford. The kits can be gotten in 0 or 6" lift built into brackets. Which means with a 6" over kit and 6" lift springs you will have 12" of lift and a truck that rides like it only has 6". Which is what I did to my 1997. I spent about 4600.00 but that was with a total rebuild of the dana 60 to include hardened axle shafts, an ARB air locker, 5.16 gears, new Warn hubs and a high steer conversion, which moves the drag link above the springs instead of below. Hope this helps. Any other questions just ask. Eddie

[alex11b]

Thanks for the info. I got a quote from a place for $6500 to do the straight axel conversion and lift so $4600 sounds alot better.

Thanks again

[otrman]

Well thats doing all the work youself, and it is quite a job. Just takes a lot of time. Which I imagine is the difference in cost. Did the quote include a new or rebuilt front? You can get brand new dana 60 fronts complete with disc brakes for around 3500 to 3800. But unless you plan on doing some serious off roading a junk yard one will do just fine. Just replace the ball joint/kingpins, axle u-joints, axle bearings, and if rest of axle looks good you are set. You may have to change gear ratio if it doesn't match rear. I had to go futher with mine because of my truck, 383 stroker 514 hp, Muncie sm465 granny tranny with Atlas 6 to 1 transfer case and 40" boggers. So unless you are going extreme with truck a stock dana 60 will be plenty for you.

[75K30]

If you have access to some tools that you are gonna need, Torch, or plasma cutter, grinder, cut-off wheels, and plenty of wheels, a straight axle conversion is the only way to go for a lift that big. ORU has a great bolt in kit. A Ford 60 axle is not as hard to find as you might think, and early ones already have 35 spline axles, and a good 79' already has discs. Your frame is wide enough to even use a later model 60, or a 50 from a Super Duty.
If you have tha ability to install a new "big ifs lift", I think you could do a conversion. Eventually you will go that route, better to do it now, will cost you less in the long run.

[alex11b]

Thank you for all your input. It has been some useful info.

[chevyguy]

Wow , i would recommend avoid more than 6 inches os suspension lift with IFS. It is weaker than a solid axle. With huge tires your gonna be busting parts on a regular basis. Oh and since this is going on a half ton. Look at upgrading the rear. Most z71 were 10 bolt that arent really rated for stock tires let alons huge off raod tires. Take a long look at your options. The SAS looks alot better from where I stand

[72'CaminoKid]

i'm with CG on this one all the way

[mrjohnwayne]

Make that 3 ^^

[johnpbillings]

http://valleyspringservice.com/ these guys can do anything. they have answerd all my questions about suspension