I have a few question I just did a shackle and t-bar crank but I'm interested in a solid axle swap. My first question would be if I swap the axles do I need to replace the back if I put a new solid one in the front? Second question how much modification would I need to do would I need to cut the frame and weld on new parts? I know I need to modify the front end for leaf springs. Third and last question what's the cheapest way to do this I don't want to half *** it because I need to have it inspected and be legal to drive on the road. I have two welders and know how to weld but do I need to cut the frame at all because I read somewhere some one cut the whole front end off with a plasma cutter. I would love to know how to go about this the correct and cheapest way possible.
Edit: I know my lift options are slim being IFS or a SAS I want to have fun in it but still needs to be a daily driver since I'm graduating this year so it hast to last me awhile.

 

Never mind I guess my best and cheapest option would be to just to put a 2" body lift on top of the shackle and t-bar crank.

 

OR, replace the front spindles with an aftermarket set. That would be the best way to achieve lift.

Cranking on those torsion bars to gain lift is not always the best solution. Almost as bad as heating coil springs to drop a vehicle.

I know it's cheaper but it will lead to failure of the torsion bar.



~ Jeff

 

You can't gain any lift with spindles on a 4x4 they have hubs not spindles FYI!! The cv axle acts as the spindle on a 4wd. That only works with 2wd. And the torsion bars aren't the part that fails its everything else.

 

Just as soon as I logged out I knew someone would come by and correct me. Hubs, spindles... it's the same area and you probably knew what I meant, FYI!!

I started working on suspensions back in '73 and have probably forgotten more than most know.



~ Jeff

 

I knew what you meant but others may not have. Sure its the same area but they are very different parts between the two models. Also the information you posted was incorrect you cannot lift a 4wd blazer by changing the spindles. Its better to be corrected and have proper information out there for someone than not and send them on a wild goose chase IMO.

 

Then I guess something like this 2 inch 1983-2001 GM Blazer/Jimmy S-Series 4WD Standard Kit (Non ZR2) | Jack-It, The Suspension Experts is the proper information for I believed there were hub replacements for the 4-WD just like with the 2-WD spindles as well.

Geez.. talk about the spell police, now you have terminology police too.



~ Jeff

 

SAS kit 88-98 Chevy You need to more patient also

 

That will work if you don't mind being raped with the cost of it! Not to mention it still won't correct the cv angles since it doesn't lower the front diff any. So really you may as well save yourself $992 and crank your torsion bars a bit with what you have now and then spend $50 tops on some rear shackles. Check out the Rought Country kit. It is half the cost and it includes a diff drop brackets to put things back at the correct angles.

The torsion bars are what give the 4wd s-series trucks their lift and I figured I would help you out with the correct knowledge on the subject.

Rather than getting so defensive why don't you just see that what I am trying to do is give the OP correct information regarding his vehicle rather the the incorrect info you posted. I get it we all make mistakes or get confused I've done it and when I do I man up and say thanks for the correction!!

And yes there will be "terminology police" on the forums! Thats how people get the right info!!

And look I'll even do it to Newguy and I bet he won't be all butt hurt about the correction! Newguy thats a fullsize swap kit so it won't work on the s-series.

 

I rather replace ball joints once in awhile because of my shackles and crank then pay that ridiculous price.