13 replies to this topic

[JamesW]

I want a mild lift but don't want to use leaf springs in the front. Any ideas?

[Joe Handley]

How much lift?

[JamesW]

Not much. Maybe just a little higher than stock. Would like to do a detailed 4x4 but I'm not sure what's available that would work for that year truck.

[Joe Handley]

Quick and dirty, move the mounting pins closer to the end of the spindles then mount them so that end is closest to the lower arms. That should give the equivalent of a budget boost, anything more will probably require at least cutting loose and repositioning the arms so they're pointed downward some. After that would be to fab up your own arms and spindles for more lift than that.

[JamesW]

I had thought of that. What about 4x4 running gear? Any ideas? I've got a transfer case, but what about the half shafts and differential? How could I do those with the way the kit suspension is?

[Joe Handley]

I had thought of that. What about 4x4 running gear? Any ideas? I've got a transfer case, but what about the half shafts and differential? How could I do those with the way the kit suspension is?

I'd find one of the Revell '99-'02 style Silverados, I think that is still the same basic inferior front suspension design as what first disgraced the dealer lots for '88.

[greymack]

Hi there just wondering if you thought of doing a body lift?That would lift it and doing it the easy way too.

[JamesW]

A body lift is an option, but I don't think the AMT chassis would look right since the floors are molded to the frame.

[Joe Handley]

He would have to remove the pans from the chassis to make it look right. IIRC, a minor suspension lift, minor body lift, and ditching the 16x7's for deep offset 15x10's and wide 31"-33" tires was a big deal on those back in the day

[Longbox55]

I'd find one of the Revell '99-'02 style Silverados, I think that is still the same basic inferior front suspension design as what first disgraced the dealer lots for '88.

The Revell '99 kit is 2wd too. The closest 4x4 suspension you'll find that is correct for the '88-'98 will be the AMT Tahoe snap kit, but it is molded to the chassis. I seem to recall that there is a resin caster that offers a casting of of it, though. Alternatevely, you could use the susension from the Fujimi Astro van, which is heavily based on the GMT400 4x4 suspension. The steering linkage would have to altered, but the control arms, splindles, and axle center section and 1/2 shafts could be used intact.

[sstacey47]

You might check with Truckaddict on here,i casted a front axle for him and i'm pretty sure that what the axle is for.I do have the mold if you need one.Thanks Sean

[Joe Handley]

The Revell '99 kit is 2wd too. The closest 4x4 suspension you'll find that is correct for the '88-'98 will be the AMT Tahoe snap kit, but it is molded to the chassis. I seem to recall that there is a resin caster that offers a casting of of it, though. Alternatevely, you could use the susension from the Fujimi Astro van, which is heavily based on the GMT400 4x4 suspension. The steering linkage would have to altered, but the control arms, splindles, and axle center section and 1/2 shafts could be used intact.

They made a 4wd one too, I should have one at home come to think of it........

[Longbox55]

All the Revell Silverados I've seen were 2wd. I do know that the early issues of the kit show a 1:1 4x4 on the box, as did the original catalog picture (in fact, the catalog showed a standard cab longbed 4x4). That is the version I have, but the kit in box is definitly a 2wd.

[JamesW]

Thanks for all the help guys. I have a front end (half shafts and differential) from the 96 blazer that I might be able to make work.