I'm looking to see if anyone out there has lifted the front end on a 78 2wd drive woth out having to add a stright axle,Or if anyone can give some advice on how they think I should do it I got the rear suspension done already. all I need is a front done. The truck was lowered by them cutting the coils. I want to lifted it a lil. More then the stock height. Thanks for your feed back!
Could always space the front subframe from the chassis. Will require modding the steering/wiring/hoses but getting creative with it may simplify it a little
After giving it some thought im thinking im gonna have to go with a taller coil spring if I could find one! The stock coil is about 12-13inchs tall & 4 1/2 wide if not mybe find some one who could weld up some brackets to put a coil over?
Travel is going to be your biggest factor, you may be able to get a couple of inches over stock height and then you're maxing out the suspension. You will have to find a way to get more lift than that, easiest thing i can imagine is spacing the subframe and having a drop pitman arm made
Jetas! Your right ✅ im good with just a few inches over stock thats all I need. I would like to level the front with the back.
How much lift are you wanting? Coil spacers not an option? Still might max out the suspension/steering if you go more than like an inch Regarding a subrame lift -- aren't the engine mounts part of the subframe on these trucks? How would you deal with that other than relocating the mounts to the frame?
You think everything engine-wise would clearance everything? Exhaust and alternator would be pretty damn close to the frame I'd imagine. Also would have to switch to electric fan I guess. I dunno if a longer coil or spacer would work really - on my truck there's not much down-travel left in the suspension before the bottom of the ball joint area hits the bump stop protrusion. Wanna say the tire only drops like maybe 1-2" when I jack it up. For compression, I've got a solid 4"+ before the bump stop would touch.
"Subframe"? Not sure what everyone means by a subframe. These trucks all have a ladder frame to which the engine crossmember is bolted on. Why not use a body lift kit after restoring stock front ride height?
I call it a subframe because its more than just a crossmember considering it contains the front suspension.