Alright, who's got one, what brand, how much, where did you get it, and did you run into any complications while installing it? I think that covers it...

I'm wanting to pick up a 6" minimum lift kit for my '78, but need some facts before I drop that kind of cash. I want all spring, drop radius brackets...the works. Now, I've read somewhere that some people need their driveshafts extended, and some people dont. What's your experiences?

I'm leaning toward Skyjacker, but whatever you are running, I'd like to know the quality of the kit overall. All the sites out there are very bland with their descriptions, and use basic pictures that don't show what's included (no guarantee that it's a picture of the correct kit either...).

Also, are you experiencing any sagging over time with the softer springs? I've got a 460 under the hood and a larger tube bumper up front, so she's a bit heavier than stock. I've thought about using Superduty springs in the rear minus a leaf, or just the overload too...

Thanks for any help!

 

For a source, I recommend calling Marge at Rocky Mtn Offroad near Charlotte, NC. RMO deals with all of them and can drop-ship parts on your front door quickly. Superlifts' kit was backordered for months so I cancelled it and had Marge assembled a "kit" for me.

What wheel / tire combo will the rig be wearing? I assume it will be re-geared with anything larger than 36s. Generally, a 3.50 rear gear is decent with 35s.

A 6-inch lift will require extended brake lines whereas a 4-inch generally will not. I did extend the rear on mine because the hose was a hair too taut for my peace of mind. In terms of driveshaft lengthening, it is recommended with a 6-inch but the stock length can get by with a 4-inch lift.

Radius arm drop brackets. Recommended with either a 4-inch or 6-inch lift. Be prepared to grind the bolt holes cuz production tolerances were way out of whack back in the day. Ask me how I know.

I've got bits and pieces from Superlift, Rough Country, Skyjacker, and Rancho on my rig. The parts from Rough Country had the best overall fit and finish.

 

Thanks for the tips. It's already got a 4" lift on it (front coil springs and blocks in the rear) put on by the PO.

I am going through a restoration/mod on the truck, so I want to lift it a little more while I go through the entire suspension. I have extended brake lines waiting to go on. Tires will be 37" Goodyear "hummer" tires....however, I just got a brand spankin' new set of 35" Yokohama Geolander M/T's from a buddy of mine who rolled his truck. He works at Yokohama put the tires on literally 2 weeks before driving drunk and rolling his truck a couple times....moron. I got them for a price I couldn't refuse, and they will be going on there for now.

*Edit*
Truck already has 4.10's and the NP435. I have a sterling 10.25 for the rear once I can find the 8-lug knuckles/spindles for the front. My 9" is about shot.

 

Well heck! You're already way ahead of the game with 4.10s.

IMO, 35s look proportional with shortbeds on +4 but look kinda small with LBs on +4. Would there be any advantage running the 35s and 37s at different times of year in your area? I mean besides long hauls to eke out mileage or the MTs for muddin'.

Alternatively, sell off the Yoko 35s to fund your build. If you've got the space, rebuild the 9-inch as a spare.

Are/were you a USN Tweet? (For those not in the know, that's NOT a derogatory term)

 

My 78 with 4" BDS lift, new coils in front and leafs in the rear.

 

Yeah, I do have the LB. I'd like to keep the Yoko's...and even though 35's will look a little small with 6" of lift, my current 35's will not last much longer and a new set of Hummer tires cost just as much as I got these Yoko's for (and I would still need to get 16.5 wheels on top of that).

This truck won't be doing long trips, and it definately won't be seeing mud when I get done with it. I've spent many years fixing parts, seals, bearings, and gears all due to mud. Not to mention the mess that playing in the mud causes and the moisture it holds (ie: rust!).

USN? Navy? Naaahhh...not me I was too fat outta high school. Who knew they had a weight limit? I have since slimmed down, but have also settled into a decent life.

Thanks for your help. I am in the process of running some service out to my garage, so I hope to have a little cash left over to get my truck on the right path!

 

Beautiful truck you've got there!