suspension lift on J-20 pickup

[Lugnut]

I'm considering lifting my '83 J-20 pickup suspension. I've debated whether to do a spring-over conversion.
An aftermarket spring kit is out of the question since I have talked to one person who says his now rides like a tank.
I have done enough studying to see that there are a number of complications I'll encounter if I do a spring-over. Also, I'd end up with about 8 inches of lift. That's a bit much lift for me. I'd like it to be less.
One person recently suggested I go with an air-shock setup. That way, if I don't like it I can always let the air out. I can see a couple of concerns with this. First, the front suspension has front-mounted shackles. I was planning on doing a shackle reversal if I did an SOA. But, if I go with an air-shock setup I'll just leave the shackles as they are especially since the shackles at the front of the spring and the spring perch at the rear of the spring require a different jaw opening and I'd still have to fabricate something for that.
If I go with an air-shock set up will I have to contend with a "road-wander" often associated with other kinds of suspension lifts? I'm thinking that I won't since I'd be lifting the system from the center-line of the axle, not at the front of the spring.
Am I right. Also, can I lift the truck more than say, a couple of inches? I was thinking more about 3-4 inches so I can get some bigger meats under it. Has anyone done this?

[64Trvlr]

I would not even consider air shocks for any kind of lift. First-- if you use them for lift and you break a line or rupture a bladder your tires are in the fender well shreding themselves. Second-- you won't have much if any articulation in the suspension with them pumped up for tire clearance. Third-- the ride will suck. I think you should keep looking for a better way to get the lift you want.
:cool:

[Dive 30]

I believe (someone will correct me if I'm wrong) that you can get 3" body lift kits or 4" suspension lift kits for your truck from Rusty's and Skyjacker. I know they are a bit more spendy, but would be a mild lift with a close to stock ride. Even the $70.00 for the body lift might give you enough clearance for bigger tires if that is what you need. Check out the links below:

Rusty's (http://www.rustysoffroad.com/)
Off-Road Warehouse (http://www.offroadwarehouse.com/Merchant/merchant.mv?)

I hope that helps
Phil

[RustyJeep]

Seen as how it is a 3/4 ton...it should have a pretty stiff ride already, I assume. Mine did at least, so when i put my lift on, it is actually smoother. This is on my '73 though, so I don't know how relevant that is. I belive most lift kits are made with a 1/2 ton type spring pack, so I don't know if you'll notice too much ride harshness. Just a thought.

[Jerk]

I've got a 79 medium 3/4 ton j20, it had 4" blocks in the rear and they were removed when I bought it from my dad. the stock rear springs gave it a "sagging-butt" look off the show room floor when my dad bought it new in Cali. I put 1" add-a-leafs in the rear and 1" blocks so the rig has an aggressive stance. The front is a different story, it is stock. the springs have a slight sag from hard use. I'm thinking of replacing a stock short leaf in the pack with an add-a-leaf in the somewhat far off future-heh-heh. I'm running 305/70/16 all around and the front tires have kissed the folded-in lip on the wheel flares occasionally, This is the factory edge on the inside lip of the wheel flares, I have since bent the lips up (on purpose) for a scad more clearance, the flares look no different. And I haven't had any such intimacy between rubber and steel since...but I still want about another inch of clearance. Note, however, I Do Not go extreme wheeling! The roughest roads I encounter are rutted dirt or an occasional cow trail on the rolling prairie of N.E. Wyoming. I'll tell you though, It rides like a real tank. If you want softer ride, I think you can get a j10 lift kit from Rough Country/Heckethorne its like a 3" lift and has all new springs,shocks and bushings for around $600.00 I was gonna do that, but I find big lifts "redneck" looking and I need the heavy springs for occasional heavy hauling, plus I like the stability of lower center of gravity and heavy duty springs, It takes bumpy gravel road pretty well at 60 to 80 plus mph., If I had softer springs, at that speed on these roads, I'd break things or bottom out. Anyway, hope I've confused you enough!

[Bandit]

Get a lift with blocks in the rear so the rear will still ride on the factory springs and add-a-leaf in the front as the weight of the motor will probably balance out the tightness of the new springs. Then invest in some good shocks, I lifted a XJ one time and didn't like the ride and decided to try a diffrent brand of lift. I started the change-over by changing the shocks first and found that I had to go no further. Good luck!!

[Rande]

Doesn't your truck already ride like a tank?
Mine sure does. I have the option 2 truck (#8400gvwr). Watch that any lift springs changes your GVWR. Those lift kits I've seen are for Waggys and J pickups. They must have the same rating (and are really designed for 1/2 ton applications)so you would lose your 3/4 ton rating.

[64Trvlr]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Matt W:
The roughest roads I encounter are rutted dirt or an occasional cow trail on the rolling prairie of N.E. Wyoming. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Matt
What part of NE WY are you in? If I've got it figured right there are almost 10 of us here in WY.
:cool:

[Jerk]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 64Trvlr:


Matt
What part of NE WY are you in? If I've got it figured right there are almost 10 of us here in WY.
:cool:<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Gillette,-"Toilet of I-90" heh-heh.

[2j20's]

i put a superlift on my 76-20 and it not all that bad... but the front was 4in and the rear was 3in and had to put 1in block in the back.wished i had put a 2in block in now because of hauling.if you go that way do get there shocks...it will ride like a tank.my 2cents ;)