well i just got me a 85 gmc blazer 4x4 with a 383 troker, im almost done getting it running 100 % and had some questions. so far was i was told by the previous owner since he was a 4x4 builder. that i needed to upgrade the front leaf springs and just add new block to the rears. He gave me the new leaf sprins and i just need to get them new bushings and u bolts. my concern is that while i was shooping for these iteems i found that it only cost around 100 $ is this right or am i missing parts or steps.

 

No, your right on the money. Pisses me off to... . Must be nice to have a solid front axle and not independent front suspension.

Yes the leaf springs up front are the most expensicve part of the lift. They have more of an arch then the factory ones giving the vehicle lift. The blocks in the back go inbetween the leaf springs and the axle, which lifts the leaf springs higher and lifting the vehicle. Maybe pic up some longer shocks if it still has factory lenth ones if it's more than 2 inches of lift.

That's about it. A complete lift minus shocks can be had for about $400. If I recal correctly. I remember reading up on it cause it is easier, cheaper and less stress on the suspension parts to lift a SFA vehicle then a IFS vehicle.

 

well good thing he gave ne the leaf springs. since they are thr most expendive part. im new to the 4x4 do im curioud ehat the diffrence is between the two type of suspensions that you mentioned.

 

what does this mean sfa and afs

an as for the older trucks like mine have a silid axel but newer ones have independendt oned. but what are the benifits of having eigther.

 

SFA= Solid Front Axle, IFS= Independent Front Suspension. The main advantage of IFS is handling, and in some cases, ride quality. Each wheel on a vehicle with IFS stays perpendicular to the ground, and helps keep the weight more balanced on each wheel. But if you want off road performance, and a ridiculously reliable and durable system, that's cheap and easy to fix, then SFA is the best you can get. You never have to worry about damaging a SFA unless the welds holding the leaf spring on break loose or something. I've taken a lifted '81 Dodge to the toughest trails around here, jumping it, putting huge strain on the suspension, and going through huge ruts, Never had a single problem with it.

 

^ That is a great explination!

 

thanks that explains alot. good thing i got a solid front end .

 

Lucky you! I just replaced my right front CV and the Boot is already ripped. Time to complain to the parts guy and do it all over again.