need info. about lifting the Front of a 2003 S-10 ext. cab

[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