Potential suspension lift problems
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Joined: May 2003
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Potential suspension lift problems
Hello:
I have been reading a lot about suspension lifts. I have a 03 SD CC SB and have been thinking of putting a 4" skyjacker lift on it. One thing that I read several places was that the drive shaft for the 4 wheel drive sometimes becomes in a bind and that after about 15,000 - 20,000 miles you have transfer case and 4x4 problems and that the solution was a lowering of the transfer case. I don't here many people say they do this and so my question is. What are the problems some of you guys have developed since you have lifted your trucks.
Thanks
Wes
I have been reading a lot about suspension lifts. I have a 03 SD CC SB and have been thinking of putting a 4" skyjacker lift on it. One thing that I read several places was that the drive shaft for the 4 wheel drive sometimes becomes in a bind and that after about 15,000 - 20,000 miles you have transfer case and 4x4 problems and that the solution was a lowering of the transfer case. I don't here many people say they do this and so my question is. What are the problems some of you guys have developed since you have lifted your trucks.
Thanks
Wes
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: IN FRONT OF YOU
Well, I have 8" and have no problems, I couldn't imagine a 4" would effect anything.
You may have to shim your carrier bearing, but I have never heard of lowering your T case for a 8" or less lift.
You may have to shim your carrier bearing, but I have never heard of lowering your T case for a 8" or less lift.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Los Lunas, NM
Your wheel base is long enough on your truck that you should not have any problems with pinon angle or u-joints, etc. If it were a single cab SB then a lift kit might include a transfer case spacer or an adapter to rotate it but you truck should be good @ 4" of lift.
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The only time I have seen a clocked t-case is on a 22.5" lift. Many Jeeps have lowered cases but you'll have that when your rear shaft is less than 22" long. 
Besides your rear blocks will have a slope cut in to them to change your pinion angle a bit so you get a better angle on the case. Some of the problems I have experienced since lifting my truck......1. Chicks stare way more than they used to,.....but so do cops.2. My wife cries that it's too tall and she can't get in. Oh well, I tell her if you can't get in, maybe you should stay home.3. Have you seen the price of 40" tires lately???? 4. Ahhhh hell, who cares. 
Besides your rear blocks will have a slope cut in to them to change your pinion angle a bit so you get a better angle on the case. Some of the problems I have experienced since lifting my truck......1. Chicks stare way more than they used to,.....but so do cops.2. My wife cries that it's too tall and she can't get in. Oh well, I tell her if you can't get in, maybe you should stay home.3. Have you seen the price of 40" tires lately???? 4. Ahhhh hell, who cares.
Last edited by cwb; May 5, 2004 at 01:13 PM. Reason: Because even I spell poorly at times
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: PHOENIX
I also forgot, fat chicks struggle to get in. But to me that is not a problem, more of an added benefit. 
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I have had the Fabtech 5.5" lift for less than a year and had no problems. I had gone with the Fabtech 5.5" lift, because the dealer said they will still honor my warranty. But after awhile i could not settle for just a 5.5" lift. Now my F250 is lifted 15" on custom Atlas springs and Fox 2.0 Shox. I have 39.5" tires on 20" rims and have not experienced any problems at all.
Last edited by 2FiDDy; May 5, 2004 at 07:52 PM.
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Senior User
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thanks guys!
CWB...the only reason i went with 39.5's is that the next size is a 46" and a 49" tire for a 20" rim. there is not a 44" tire out yet for a 20" rim. and also, i went with the 39.5" is that i went 12.5" to begin with and it was perfect. but still was not satisfied and add the fabtech drop hangers in the front which give another 2.5-3" more. i think im gonna stay at this height.
02SUPERSTROKER...the spring packs were made from Atlas. the front is a 12" pack and the rear is a 14" pack. originally i removed the stock block so that the truck will sit leveled. now, that i added the drop hangers in the front, i had to put back the stock blocks back in. it sits with an inch sag in the rear. i really dont want to put any blocks, cuz it will cause axle wrap.
CWB...the only reason i went with 39.5's is that the next size is a 46" and a 49" tire for a 20" rim. there is not a 44" tire out yet for a 20" rim. and also, i went with the 39.5" is that i went 12.5" to begin with and it was perfect. but still was not satisfied and add the fabtech drop hangers in the front which give another 2.5-3" more. i think im gonna stay at this height.
02SUPERSTROKER...the spring packs were made from Atlas. the front is a 12" pack and the rear is a 14" pack. originally i removed the stock block so that the truck will sit leveled. now, that i added the drop hangers in the front, i had to put back the stock blocks back in. it sits with an inch sag in the rear. i really dont want to put any blocks, cuz it will cause axle wrap.
Posting Guru
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From: Del Rio, Texas USA
hey 2Fi.. i run ATLAS 12" rears.. just wanted you to know for planning perpose.. theyll sag about 1.5-2".. i had mine for 2 months then did a trip from TX to WA state then back.. pulling a Travel Trailer and a bed full .. lots of weight.. the ATLAS have high payload.. work great.. but after the trip they never recovered... i love um though.. when i first installed 12" i got 13" of lift.. after that trip they settled to about 11" lift... have held steady for the last year plus..
JJ
JJ
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Joined: May 2004
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Originally Posted by jetjock16
hey 2Fi.. i run ATLAS 12" rears.. just wanted you to know for planning perpose.. theyll sag about 1.5-2".. i had mine for 2 months then did a trip from TX to WA state then back.. pulling a Travel Trailer and a bed full .. lots of weight.. the ATLAS have high payload.. work great.. but after the trip they never recovered... i love um though.. when i first installed 12" i got 13" of lift.. after that trip they settled to about 11" lift... have held steady for the last year plus..
JJ
JJ