I have an 84 pickup, regular cab & box. I enjoy wheeling this bone stock truck with 30x9.5x15 tires (that measure 29") but would like bigger tires.

I really want crossover steering. I really don't want to lift the truck. After months of web wheeling and searching, it looks like a lift may be going in after all.

So, in order to install a high steer kit on my 84 pickup, what is the minimum lift required? Can I fit it with 2" springs? Or do I need 3" or more?

Do I need a flat or a regular drop pitman arm?

I know I need a box mounting kit, the FROR one looks damn fine.

Looks like I'll be moving the axle forwards an inch or so, for more kickpanel/tire clearance. When I do that, I will probably mount the steering box farther forwards as well. I happen to have a steering shaft from a manual steering (2wd) pickup truck laying around

What is the largest skinny tire I can fit with the minimum lift installed, with the axle moved forwards an inch, without tubbing the wheel well? I'll be smashing the seam, and probably pounding it as much as possible without tearing it.

Thanks!

 

I would go with the OME kit which will raise your truck 3"+. You can then run 33" tires (which I wouldn't do without regearing but lots of people do). You can also then install cross-over steering. As far as moving your axle forward 1", it won't do that but I don't think it's necessary.

The nice thing about this kit is it is bolt-in and it's all made to work together. There are lots of cheaper things you can do to lift it but I wanted something that would keep my 4Runner's road manners in tact. You may need a drop draglink. OME says no, my experience says otherwise. They sell special flattened U-bolts for the front driver's side which are supposed to let the stock draglink clear the U-bolts but mine still hit. FWIW, two other recent installs on this forum also required drop draglinks.

You should go medium springs front and rear unless you are going to put an aftermarket bumper and winch on the front. If so, then go heavy front (that's what I put on my 4Runner). I can't imagine you would need heavy rear springs unless you haul heavy loads often but lots of people run heavy front and rear and like the ride. For me that would be a bit too stiff. I would run heavy shocks front and rear.

Hope that helps.