Lifting my 97

metalmacguyver · Jul 16, 2008

I have been collecting parts to lift my truck for a few months and now it begins.

I will be using 6400 shackles and 63" chevy leafs in the back and super lift drop brackets up front.

I will also be building a new rear bumper with an integrated hitch as mine was destroyed by a suburban a few days ago. Carnage pics below.

Before:

I have been fixing a 98 ranger to sell and use as a daily while I work on my 97.

I removed the bed and hosed it off and got a good look at my hitch.

I was at an off ramp and I got rear ended by a suburban. His frame rail right behind the plastic bumper cover hit my draw bar in my hitch. I will let the pics explain what happened.

Oh, BTW, This is a Class V hitch off of an F250 that I cut down and rewelded to fit my frame. It is rated for 8000lbs with a weight distributing system.

Fortunately My frame was not damaged.

It failed where there was some deep rust pitting.

And I found some rust that I should fix.

I will be posting progress daily. My plan is to have this all done within the net week. We shall see how that goes.

KELLY88 · Jul 16, 2008

Lookin good, can't wait to see the lift. What springs are you running up front? You might want to go with a 6" spring to compensate for the weight of the front bumper. Just a suggestion. That's my future plan if I can ever get a winch and bumper together for my 97. Good luck.

metalmacguyver · Jul 16, 2008

I have springs that came with the lift brackets. They are superlift. I dont know if they are 4 or 6". I would like to eventually go to the skyjacker 8" coils because they are fairly soft and flex well. Compleckz runs them and basically my truck will look like his.

There will be 4.88s coming as soon as I can find a deal on some for an 8.8. That may be a few months though.

KELLY88 · Jul 16, 2008

Ya I've seen Compleckz's truck but doesn't he have 6" drop brackets? I'm not sure exactly but I don't think an 8" spring would fit and flex very well with 4" brackets. I could be completely off though. I've got the superlift 4" springs and they're strong, probably strong enough actually to handle the front end weight but they are incredibly stiff.

compleckz · Jul 16, 2008

my 8" SJ springs have sagged so much.. i think i'm down to probably a true 6" now.. last year for inspection i needed to put the 6" coils in (plus 28" tires), and i was 1" under legal. this year with just the 28's on i was .5" under legal--with the 8" coils.. and my tires now have a bit of negative camber too--i could probably get it aligned now. i plan to throw some washers under the coils now to bring it back up a bit and fix the camber.

yes im using the 6" holes, but i think with your heavy ass bumper and 8" springs it will be 6" of lift BEFORE the springs sag..

compleckz · Jul 16, 2008

progress? wtf

KELLY88 · Jul 16, 2008

Not trying to jack the thread but quick question on this subject that's been bugging me. How exactly do you fit a taller spring in with drop brackets built for a different spring. Like putting an 8" spring with 6" drop brackets. Do you need a spring compressor and just jam it in there or does it just set in and rides a bit stiffer than a 6" spring?

metalmacguyver · Jul 16, 2008

I have superlift brackets with 4 and 6" holds.

I can add coil spacers under the 8" SJ coils if I need to.

It doesnt matter though. I will see what it looks like when I get there and then make the decisions based on what I see.

Dont forget to protect the glass when using a grinder.

Removed the rear crossmember.

I wanted to keep the factory bolts and speed clips so this is what I did.

My first weld looked like ass.

But I got better fast. Just a little practice to get the feel back.

Then I had issues doing the vertical welds. But after a call to my welding guru (Destroyer000), I was all set. Not pretty, but functional.

The top half of this weld was after the call to Cody.

And this is where I stopped for the night. Starting to design the rear bumper/mounts.

metalmacguyver · Jul 16, 2008

compleckz said:
progress? wtf

Took me a while to put together the update post.

And that question about 8" coils and how to get them in, thats all you man.

KELLY88 · Jul 16, 2008

metalmacguyver said:
And that question about 8" coils and how to get them in, thats all you man.

What do you mean?

metalmacguyver · Jul 16, 2008

Compleckz can answer it better than I can seeing as how I have not actually installed those coils nor do I even own them.

compleckz · Jul 16, 2008

KELLY88 said:
What do you mean?

i think he meant--the answer is all me.. so yea, with the shocks and swaybar removed its no problem putting the coils spring in..

it works for the same reason that you can put coils spacers on a truck with stock brackets, theres a bit of play in the camber/caster bushings (i have adjustables).. also the heavier extended cabs can stuff a longer coil in cuz they weigh more.

im really tired and having a hard time explaining--hope this helps.

metalmacguyver · Jul 17, 2008

It is probably easier to get enough droop for you though cause you have the extended arms.

Ranger44 · Jul 17, 2008

Looking good, I'll be keeping an eye on this build. Good luck.

Destroyer000 · Jul 17, 2008

your not finished yet.. wtf.... haha just kidding keep it up

Lifting my 97

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