CHEVY K1500 ON 35s?

Hello 4x4 AnswerMan,

I have an 89 k1500 with a 350 and stock all around. I'm looking to start off with suspension and tires, but wondering how much body and suspension lift I will have to add to put 35s underneath it with plenty of clearance. Any info would be helpful because I don't want to over lift it, but make it perfect :) thx:)
Mike

Hi Mike,
Sounds like a good project. You can run 35-inch tires using a 6-inch suspension lift, no body lift needed.
Since your ‘89 K1500 has Independent Front Suspension (IFS), you will need to use a suspension kit with a front drop down bracket and either lift springs or a lift block in the rear.
Check out Project K1500 on Off-Road.com for more ideas:

Project K1500 – Installing Superlift 6-inch
http://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/project/project1545.html

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MY WILLYS EXPERIENCE
Hi 4x4 AnswerMan,
Enjoy your column a lot. First, I want to say thanks for the excellent article and pictures for your FJ disc brake conversion. I am doing the conversion now and it was nice to see an alternative to the instructions.

Second, I noticed a recent question from a 47 Willys pickup owner about engine conversions. If I may offer some input, the disc brake conversion for the Toyota FJ is actually under my 49 Willys Jeepster. I have had the Chevy 350/Th400 with small carb from Edelbrock for over a decade with no problems, except the gas mileage. I also owned a 97 Chevy Astro for most of that time. IMHO the 4.7 with the 4-speed would be a better conversion and what I may do if the 350 or the 400 ever dies.

They are very cheap now and the stock Willys drivetrain (if that is what he had) would be much happier, as well as his driving costs. They are relatively light and the power is more than adequate with the fuel injection a big plus. Thanks again and happy wheelin to ya.
Ray Tarkington

Hi Ray,
Thanks a lot for the kind words and for the helpful insight on what has worked for you. I’m sure it will be a good resource for anyone planning on doing an engine or transmission swap on their Willys.

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BIGGER RUBBER

Hello 4x4 AnswerMan,

I have a 03 GMC Yukon xl 1500 sitting on 265/70/16, I was wanting to know if I got a 2.5 leveling kit could I get 305/70/16?

David Brashear

Hi David,

If your Yukon is 4x4, then yes they will fit height wise. I’m not sure on the width since the rim will play a major factor on the offset. It will make a difference between rubbing or not.

I know that you can run a 285/75/R16 using the stock wheels on a 1500 4x4 Yukon, Tahoe or Silverado.

The 285s are about ¾-inches more narrow than the 305s. Making them a better choice if you plan on using stock wheels. If you are using aftermarket wheels, you will need to get some that kick the wheel out more, or even use spacers—although I’m not a big fan of them.

They’ll both be roughly 33 inches in height and will fill in the wheel well nicely.

If you want to play around with tire sizes, check out this cool tire size calculator we found on http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

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QUADRATRAC I – BEACH WORTHY?

Dear 4x4 Answer Man,

Could you tell me if the new Jeep Grand Cherokee 2010 with Quadra Trac I is sand worthy (ocean beaches).

Hello Fellow Off-Roader,

The Quadra Trac I system is an innovative computer controlled all-time high range 4WD system that requires no user input. The vehicle does it all on its own and adapts depending on the road conditions.

It will shift power from the rear wheels to the front when traction is lost, and vice-versa.

It’s not a 50/50 split like in a traditional part-time or full-time 4WD system that requires the user to engage 4HI.

To answer your question best, I would have to know how much sand driving we’re talking about.  If it’s short distance and pretty flat, you should be okay. If we’re talking a full day of driving or playing in the sand dunes, then this might not be the best system--especially if you require full control of the front and rear drive axle power, like in a traditional 4WD system. In that case, you would be better off in a Jeep Wrangler.

In either case, the tire will also make a big difference.  Make sure to air down your tires to 15psi to get a wide footprint and keep a steady moving pace to float on the sand. Wider is better.

For more info on the Quadra Trac I, you can visit http://www.jeep.com/en/4x4/how_systems_work/. Also, keep your eyes peeled for a reviews on the new 2011 Grand Cherokee on Off-Road.com.

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DOWNSIZING V6 TO 4-CYL

4x4 AnswerMan,

Can it be done - if so, problems I might encounter in replacing 1995 4runner - 5 speed - V6, with same year 4 cyl.?
Ed Kennedy
Garden Valley, CA

Hi Ed,

It’s doable, but there are a few things to consider, the most important being that you live in CA and they have strict emission laws. 

By swapping out your fuel-injected V6 with a 4-cylinder, you will still need to have a way for the smog test center to hook-up to OBD2 plug--whether it be carbureted or fuel injection since it’s required for the vehicle year and model.

If this is going to be an off-road only vehicle, with an OHV sticker, then you don’t have to worry about the emissions test. It just can’t be driven on the street.

From the mechanical and electronic aspect, we’re talking some major modifications, including engine mount, exhaust, plumbing, transmission compatibility and wiring harness to name a few.

Your best bet would be to sell your V6 and find one with a 4 cylinder in it from the factory.

Now if you have a lot of time and like puzzles, have at it.

Let us know how it goes.

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SUPER DUTY SKID

4X4 AnswerMan,

I installed an ARB deluxe winch bar bumper on my 2006 F-250, which I think looks great and man is it a heavyweight. The only problem is the oil cooler lines are exposed just aft of the bumper making them vulnerable to damage and leaving me stranded. They were probably that way with the stock bumper, I just didn't notice them because they were just hidden a little better. 

Any ideas of a skid plate setup?

Thanks,
Crusty

Hi Crusty,

Good eye… I’m glad you caught it before it becomes a problem. I have seen it happen, hoses being damaged from aftermarket winch bumpers and rubbing on harsh terrain. Your best bet would be to add a second layer on your oil cooler line, like a piece of high temp rubber hose.  This will protect your oil cooler line from rubbing against the bumper and being cut. 

You should also try to find a way to relocate the line by either bending or adding some elbow fittings to get it away from your bumper.

Lastly, a custom skid plate might be in order, especially if you plan on hitting some hard trails that might require rock kissing. You can have a local fab shop weld up some tubing and tie it into your frame and bumper. Then have a flat piece of aluminum bolted on to some tabs—it will look awesome and also have function.

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GETTING THE RIGHT GEARS

4x4 AnswerMan,

I  have a 1998 Chevy with 6-inch lift and 35s. Thinking of doing a gear swap to the 4.56s, but kind of wondering how much top end you lost at cruising speed and mpg?

James
Dallas, TX

Hello James,

I’m not sure what gearing you’re running right now with 35s, but if it’s still stock, you should really look at changing gears. The 4.56s would be optimal according to National Drivetrain’s chart to keep your RPM in the sweet range of 2000-3000rpm. If you’re more concerned with MPG than power, you might consider 4.10s.

It all really depends how much you plan on off-roading your bow-tie and what your ultimate gearing needs to do: MPG, POWER, or some sort of happy medium.

Take a look at the numbers and call the guys at National Drivetrain for more info on what will work best for you.

Axle Gear Calculator
http://nationaldrivetrain.com/Tech_pages/app_chart.html

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4x4 AnswerMan,
What is the biggest tire I can fit on a stock 1997 4runner?
-Alan Kelly
Hi Alan,
If we’re talking about a 4x4 4Runner, the 31-inch tire or a 265/75 will fill in the wheel well nicely.
If you want to go any bigger than that, then doing a 2” lift will be necessary.
Cheers!
 

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ASS-KICKING BRONCO

Hey 4x4 AnswerMan,
I have a 92 Ford Bronco and it’s a pain in my ass.  I have to replace the radius arm bushings in it.  I mean, the bracket is where the bushings actually are, correct? I know what I’m doing, but I just don’t have the time and day too deal with it LOL. 
It’s very stressful so please get back too me. Thank you, have a great day.
Chris
Selbyville, DE

Chris,

Take it easy, buddy. No need to blow a gasket if all you’re doing is swapping out some bushings.  Tackle one side at a time, Kimosabe. You’ll have it done before you know it.

To keep the stress down, study what you have to do, devise a plan of attack, and make sure you have all the right tools for the job. Most importantly, make a window of time when you will not be rushed or need the vehicle. I like to do my wrenching on the weekends. 

To help you out, here is an old Off-Road.com tech article that will get it done in less than two hours.

Now go do it!

Bronco Radius Arm Bushing Replacement
http://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/tech/bronco-radius-arm-bushing-replacement-18946.html

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SLIPPING 4RUNNER TRANS
4x4 AnswerMan,
I have a 95 Toyota 4Runner 3.0 V6 auto. Since I purchased it stock used, I have been having problems with transmission. If it’s in drive sometimes not all times, it’s like truck is trying to take off from 3rd gear, if I manually shift down to 1st, it will, then I can push up to 2nd and then drive. Some times it will down shift to 1st on its own. 

Here is the thing, I have been to a handful of transmissions shops that said they cant or didn’t hook up a computer and found nothing wrong. Any help?
Dennis

Hi Dennis,
It sounds like your transmission might need to be rebuilt and your 4Runner is just giving you warning. With average mileage, I’m guessing you’re pushing over 160k. It’s not unlikely for these 4-speed automatic transmissions to go out at that mileage.
If no “Check Engine” codes have registered on the ECU, it’s probably not going to show anything. 

Just for the sake of it, look for a reputable repair shop in your area that specializes in Toyotas.  They should be able to tell you what is causing the problem.
Good luck.

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LIL’ BRONCO SHIMMY

4x4 AnswerMan,

I had a James Duff 3.5 lift kit installed on my 72 Ford Bronco and now the truck darts all over the road and is very hard to drive . I did not have this problem B4 . What needs to be checked? I had the front end aligned and that helped a little but still darts all over the road if you just touch the steering wheel or drive on uneven pavement.
Thanks!

Carl Harris
Canton ,MS

Hi Carl,

Sounds like a steering problem. You might need to correct the caster on your front end since it was lifted. One way to fix this is by adding a steering stabilizer. Lucky for you, James Duff does make a Steering Stabilizer and Bracket kit.

Give it a try. You can also give the guys at James Duff a call and see what they suggest. After all, they did design the suspension lift kit and have been dealing with Broncos for a very long time.

More information on James Duff Off-Road at http://www.jamesduff.com/

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KICKIN’ TIRES
4x4 AnswerMan,
I have a 1999 Chevy and the front tires are kicking out in the front. I have a three-inch body and suspension left on it. don't know what’s cause the tires to kick out.
- Ricky Martinez

Hi Ricky,
Sounds like your shocks might be shot. If they have over 40k miles or you off-road frequently, it might be time for some new ones. Take a look at Bilstein Shocks, they make a nice product and it will be the last set you’ll do—money well spent.
 
More information on Bilstein Shocks Absorbers at http://www.bilsteinus.com/offroad.php

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