drumhead119

Im gonna do the flip kit in the rear of the truck and that raises it abt 4.5 inches so how can i lift the front the same amount or close to the same amount? How much will it cost? Can i do it myself? Any information is appreciated. Thanx -mark-

TopDogg

2WD or 4WD???

2WD you have a couple options. You can buy whole kits from Fabtech(overpriced) and others like CST and Rough Country.
You can get a set of Fabtech lift spindles on ebay for $390.These are the new updated ones that dont need the stop welded on the A arm.
There are others too. But the cost will add up when buying longer brake lines and such. You can also get lift springs with upper A arms but wont have stock ride and you will need different shocks.731-285-9000 That is the number to Rough Country/Heckthorne (or is it Hawthorne?) Excellent customer service. When I bought some lift springs from them they gave me a great deal on a set of shocks. Filled me in on what to expect from the lift I got too.
Now if you have a 4wd every one will tell you to get a couple inches of lift by adjusting your torsion bars. I say only if you have too. But a 2" lift from Fabtech and Rough County for the 4wd S10 83-01 is anywhere from $450 - $650 depending on shocks.
Everything I have seen can be done in your driveway.
Instead of the flip kit I would recommend calling CST (california super trucks) and getting a pair of rear 2.5" lift shackles. These arent the cheapies. They bolt on in front of your leafsprings (instead of the rear hanging shackles)and they are heavy duty. I got a pair on ebay for $45-$50 but will be more from CST. They are a true 2.5"lift. I am sure they have other heights. And if you have a 2WD go with a set of 2" lift springs for the front.----------- If that isnt enough lift go with 2.5"-3" add-a-leafs in the rear and 3.5" lift spindles in the front. Now your truck will ride like a 4x4 with about 5" of lift. The truck will be real stiff for about 1000 miles or so. It will always ride stiffer than the stock 2wd springs but wouldnt a 4x4 also?
-----Many budget lifts on a 4x4 S10 consist of a cheap 2" lift in rear and then adjusting of torsion bars in front.------
I guess I could of saved time by letting you tell me if its a 2WD or not first but I figured others might want to know a basic here or there.
For more info I would call the number I listed above. You can also pick up a 4x4 magazine and see the ads.

drumhead119

Its a 2wd..

Thats a good idea but if i do a flip kit in the back it will lift it 4.5 inches. Can i get 4.5 inches with lift spindles? Or springs w/ upper A-arms? How much are springs? I dont want to be riding with my frnt end lower than the back. Thanx for any helpful information.

TopDogg

You can get 2" lift springs (any taller springs and you will need new upper a arms) and then 2.5" lift spindles. Springs are about $100 for decent ones (ofcourse Fabtech is more) go call rough country. And the lift spindles will vary in price.

madcatter

Mine's a 4x4, I did 3 body lift, cranked the torsion bars (had to, small block's a little heavier than stock 2.0) and did flip on the rear. Don't do the flip unless you or whoever will be doing is well versed on using a torch and welder. If that's not a problem, it's an afternoon job. I torched my spring mounts off the axle, flipped them over, bolted everything back together adjusting for new angle, tack welded, disassembled, finished welds, had the local hydraulic shop make a longer brake hose($26), then cut open the top mount for the shocks and built a bracket about 2.5 to 3" taller to use stock shock (after flip lower shock mount ends up above axle instead of under). A lot easier than it sound, keep in mind though, I had a 3" body lift for extra room to work with.
-N8

jkkipp

My husbands' S10 has the leafsprings on top of a block on one side and under a block on the other!
Which one is right?

whitetrash982

bout the best thing you can do for a 2wd lift on an s-10....as i remember hearing , axle flips put it up around 5" , either way , do that , and get shackles in the back to put it up a total of 6" in the back , and in the front , get 3" lift spindles and 3" lift springs , along with either fixed (corrected) alignment geometry , or adjustable upper control arms , extended brake lines , shocks , and youll have that puppy 6" higher in the air , sposed to be able to clear 33's , but may rub on the lower corner of the front bumper , and a good website that has quite good prices , check em out.... www.truckin.com