need advice

redoing a 1989 scottsdale k2500 p/u, need the right motor, trans,
lift, for 35 inch tires, dalily driver,lite off road, still haul a ton,
any recommendations welcome. please help.

i'd build a 383 stroker and rework the diffs to figure out the correct gear ratio use this formula:
[(new tire diameter)/(old tire diameter)]X old gear ratio. I'd upgrade the axles too those big tires can snap an axle like a toothpick. you should look into getting an ARB air locking diff. i'm gonna throw one in my truck it's better than most lockers because it's like having an open diff and a spool at the touch of a button. you'll probably be fine with the stock trans 700R4 i'm assuming. i'd just rebuild it and but in a mild shift kit. okay that was the easy part it's the lifts that get complicated. body lifts are usually quick and easy to install just watch out for the brake lines and fan shroud. if you put in a big suspension lift you need to make sure the driveshafts are at the correct angle and have enough slip, new brake lines are usually required as well as droped pitman and idler arms. i'm not sure how much lift is required for 35's but some combination of both a body and suspension lift would be the best way to go. good luck with this project!!

I'd just go with a body lift since you ain't serious about off-roading. 3 inch should do it, especially if you crank the torsion bars up. Friend of mine has a 3 inch lift on his 1992 ex-tended cab 1500 Silverado, and it has 285s on it (they are something like 33 inch tall). Only thing you will have to worry about with 35s is the clearance about turning the front wheels, they may rub, becuase I think 35s come in like 13.5 width. As for the motor, I'd just go with a regular 350 TBI like that came out in the truck,since it's gonna be an everyday driver. This would be the cheapest way to go. You can get brand new crate motors for something like $2000. You maybe could do a few minor upgrades to it, like maybe a JET performance chip, and some headers and dual exhaust. My friends truck has the stock 350 with no upgrades other then magnaflow mufflers and it does fine, even with .342 gears. A body lift is not as easy as you would think, if you've never done it before, then you need to get 3 or 4 friends to help and figure on spending 10 or 11 hours to get it done. A good body lift kit will cost $250-$300. The problem areas will be the break lines and the shifter cable, and the rear bumper brackets.

thanks for all the great advice all look into it all,
she"s gonna be a monster when its done ,check back ya later with more progress. Blue...

6" of lift I think is what most off-road store recomomended for reasonable clearance of 35" tires. Depending on how much load you plan on hauling the stock 350 should be fine with a performance chip. I would recomend the shift kit in the tranny. As for gear for a daily driver I would go with 3.73. If you are willing to take a hit on gas milage a 4.10 will give you better low end power with the bigger tires.