Hi everyone.

I've been looking for ways to lift my '88 2WD truck for a while. I don't want to do a BL of more than 1". I don't plan on off roading, I just want it to look better. I know there's a hatred of "mall crawlers" around here but at least I'm honest. And at the same time dropping $1200+ on a long travel kit is a waste and that's more than I paid for the truck.

The back is easy. SOA, AAL, or lift shackles are all well documented.

It's the front that I'm wondering about. It seems that the simplest thing is to crank the bars, add a BJ spacer, and maybe change the bump stops. But then I read about bound up ball joints, cracked UCAs, alignment issues and horrible ride quality.

From what I've read, installing "lift spindles" is a more proper way of allowing the stock IFS to flex like it is supposed to. But, all the companies that offer these are either out of business nowadays or have bad reviews. I saw a pic where a spindle broke and the wheels both toed all the way out. That would be really bad on the highway.

So, I am at a loss. I really don't want to spend a ton of money and end up with a truck that's a death trap or rides terrible. It almost seems like a SAS (with no 4WD) is the best option, but that's way out of my price range.

Any ideas?

 

Why not just run the biggest a/t tires you can with no lift or the 1 body lift.
btw SAS evolves cutting off your front suspension and installing a pre 85 front 4x4 front axle, since you just want to do it for looks that's not a good option

 

Well, the PO installed some 235/75-15s which look great but they rub whenever the wheels are turned or I hit a bump. Reading more, it looks like 4crawler sells a brace kit that strengthens the UCA when a BJ spacer is installed. Since the lift spindles aren't available it seems, I guess I'll just have to go with that. If I can get 2 inches from the BJ spacer/brace and cranking the bars, and another inch from lifting the cab, I'll be happy.

 

And a 1 inch body lift and an inch of torsion bar crank would pretty much cure all your issues

 

I guess that's the best option. I really wish I could just buy a 3" lift spindle and be done with it. The IFS really puts a damper on all the low-hanging fruit.