I have a 81 pickup I'm building. This will likely take some time to complete as I'm in the part gathering stage. I recently went through the stock 22r and am desmogging this weekend. I'm gonna run it this way for now but not for long. I have a built 400 SBC ,sm465, and np205. Might go with a th350 instead of the465. Anyways my question is for the lift. I need around 3" so will a 5" HD lift still give me 3" with the SBC? I can level the rear after I get the front dialed in so no worries there.

 

I say just go with a 4 inch lift and if it sags really bad then just get longer shackles for the front...

Procomp makes a 4 inch lift w/ rear springs (no blocks) that should do just fine if you're not looking for crazy flex.

http://www.procompusa.com/prodDetail...3533&plID=1808

 

I've considered the shackles and plan to go a little longer. I would like decent articulation but nothing mountain worthy. I already plan to go with longer shackles but not sure just how long. I'm not wanting to throw my steering and handling off too much. I could also use spring helpers but don't want to stiffen the ride too much either. Does anyone know about how much sag I'll get with the 400? Also any advice on shackle length would be helpful. I'm gonna go with crossover steering so droop is not an issue as far as hanging on the drag link. Drive line angle is my only real concern there. Unless I'm overlooking something. Maybe 4" hd or 5" soft?

 

You're already going to either do some surgery or run a body lift to fit the V8 drivetrain, take that into consideration when choosing your suspension lift. Your overall goal for the truck and its performance is needed before we can really recommend a setup. Well, other than that an SBC is waaaaay down at the bottom of the list of things I'd swap into a Toyota.

 

Im going with a 3" body lift plus some minor surgery. This is basically a trail truck with axle shattering power. I already have a dependable full-size so this is a weekend truck. I plan on doing some work to the axles. We have virtually no rocks here so I need wheel speed. Very loose dirt, sand, and clay is what I'll be dealing with along with steep hills. I have a clear idea of the end product but need advice from the guys that already know. I also have a 4.3,302 Ford, and a hot 350. The 350 is built for upper rpm, the 4.3 is too weak for my application, and I have no Tranny for the ford. So the 400 will be the one.

 

Go with the 4" HD front and 4" rear if your running a 3" body lift. I have a 2" body lift with 5"HD front and 5" rear. Sits level even with the v8. I personally would go th 350 too unless your going sm465 fit the low first gear.

 

Low range and a replacement 465 is why I'm considering that package. Th350 is built for hd and shifts fast so definitely considering that option also. 465 has a slow shift and that can be annoying plus I'm pretty tall and a shifter hits my knee in low on the 465. I will probably go with the auto. Just need to get a converter and a shifter. So the hd 4" should hold the weight? How stiff is your front end with that setup? You running longer shackles?

 

Ya the HD should hold your weight fine. I'm running 5.5 shackles I believe. Can measure when I get home. The springs worked fine, but I have since changed then around a little and pulled some leafs to lower it some and soften it up some too.

 

Well I guess that's a good starting point. I could always do some tuning later so. Thanks man. Any other input is still welcome.