Lift / driveshaft ?

[porkchop401]

Howdy fellas, I recently purchaced a 85' 4r that is a little cosmetically ruff but mechanically sound . I would like to put a 3" susp. lift to make a little room for the 31"s . My question is will this require any drive shaft modification? This rig is a weekend trail / hunting machine that will see moderate trails . (no rock crawling)

 

[fourwd1]

With 3" lift you're right on the edge of needing a longer front DS.
Make note of how much of the slip joint is exposed at rest now, and then after the lift.

Also make sure the lift kit has a dropped drag link, longer torque rod, and shims to correct the pinion angles.

 

[fourwd1]

Oh, and you really don't need a lift for 31's, but if you're planning on 33's later, go for it.

 

[porkchop401]

Oh, and you really don't need a lift for 31's, but if you're planning on 33's later, go for it.

Actually it is the rear that is sagging I may just put some 2: blocks on thr rear and go with it what ya think?

 

[Hyde802]

Blocks are going to ride like crap. I would suggest not trying to band-aid it and getting some new springs.

OME make good springs, or you can swap in longer springs like trail gear or 63" chevy springs.

 

[SUBTEGRAL]

Yeah I went through this.

I set 1-inch blocks under the leaf springs when I should have just installed an add-a-leaf kit -- would have ended up costing me the same amount but would have been smarter to do.

Getting all-new leaf springs could be QUITE spendy.

 

[Dr. Tom Servo]

If you add the OME springs, will you have to have a longer size shock? I'm tired of the rear of my '91 SR5 sagging.

 

[Hyde802]

Tom, your 91 is a different type of rear suspension. The OP here has leaf springs, while yours is coil. But to answer your question, if you lift the rear back to stock height, you should not need longer shocks. If you go more than 2" over stock height, then look into shocks.

 

[porkchop401]

I appreciate the info fellas I can just add a leaf fairly reasonably in stead!

 

[fourwd1]

Actually, blocks don't affect the ride at all, they are just spacers.
Add A Leafs on the other hand do affect the ride.
Adding one thick leaf with enough arch to give the entire pack 2" or so lift will make for a rougher ride.

Another choice would be a longer shackle, which can get you 1-2" of lift, not affect the ride, and improve articulation a bit.