There's hope yet!

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 3:14 pm

We went on a trail ride last weekend that was supposed to be stock friendly but I would call it stock friendly only if you were driving a ZR2 or a Jeep Rubicon (which almost everyone else was), not a stock, low-to-the-ground S-10 Crewcab!

Well, after bashing the bottom of my truck on everything around, and admittedly my totally worn out 60,000 mile OEM shocks might have had something to do with it, the comment was made by my wife that "maybe we need more ground clearance". I replied that that would require a lift kit to which she answered "as soon as we get some stuff paid off, maybe we can do that".

Hallelujah! There's a light at the end of the tunnel after all!

Hello. BDS?

snocat1 · Post by **snocat1** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 4:04 pm

Post by **HenryJ** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 5:00 pm

Get your finances in order and save up some money, but I may be pushing for you to go a slightly different direction.

This may take a little while before I have the solution all put together, but if it works out there may be a cost effective alternative offering some benefits that SL, TM and BDS can not offer.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 5:42 pm

HenryJ wrote:Get your finances in order and save up some money, but I may be pushing for you to go a slightly different direction.

This may take a little while before I have the solution all put together, but if it works out there may be a cost effective alternative offering some benefits that SL, TM and BDS can not offer.

It may take a little while to get the "finances in order" but I'm willing to wait. Why not? I've waited this long. I've got to admit to a great deal of curiousity about what you have in mind. PM me about it?

Post by **HenryJ** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 5:45 pm

Rusty wrote:...I've got to admit to a great deal of curiousity about what you have in mind. PM me about it?

In due time. I want to have all the ducks in a row and the testing and research all done first.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 5:56 pm

HenryJ wrote:
Rusty wrote:...I've got to admit to a great deal of curiousity about what you have in mind. PM me about it?
In due time. I want to have all the ducks in a row and the testing and research all done first.

And I'm to be a Guinea Pig, right? Well, at least I sort of have the avatar for it now!

Post by **HenryJ** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 6:08 pm

Rusty wrote:...I'm to be a Guinea Pig, right?

No, It will be thoroughly tested and documented before I back this one.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 6:20 pm

HenryJ wrote:
Rusty wrote:...I'm to be a Guinea Pig, right?
No, It will be thoroughly tested and documented before I back this one.

I really figured I would be a little too far away to be of use as a Guinea Pig anyway. I shall await your, uh, whatever it is you're doing!

a2b · Post by **a2b** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:55 pm

dont let any of those jeepers hear you compare a zr2 to a rubi as if they are eqaul

a BL and 31's and you have the same clearence from the suspension down to the ground as a zr2. and same wheel base as a ext cab. and the cc has more clearence under the rear diff

now as far as the rubi is concerend. a stock rubi will out wheel any other stock vehicle any day of the week on any trail.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 4:26 am

I wasn't so much comparing the ZR2's and Rubi's as saying that they had a definate advantage over my stock height Crewcab. Really though, like I said before, the biggest problem I had last weekend was my trashed OEM shocks. I know it's my own fault for not replacing them. I don't know if airing down and disconnecting the front swaybar would have helped but I didn't do those either. Thankfully I have the full set of metal skidplates or that one rock could have been disasterous! I think it hit the plate where the oil pan is.

I've never been a fan of body lifts so I'm holding out for whatever HenryJ is "brewing in secrecy" here. I trust you Brule so don't let me down! (Hee-hee! I love throwing out little mind trips!

)

gocntry · Post by **gocntry** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 5:34 am

HenryJ wrote:Get your finances in order and save up some money, but I may be pushing for you to go a slightly different direction.

This may take a little while before I have the solution all put together, but if it works out there may be a cost effective alternative offering some benefits that SL, TM and BDS can not offer.

Hmmm, I Have The Money Saved Up And Was Planning On A Superlift The Beginning Of Next Month....BUT Now That You Have A "Secret" Plan Should I Hold Off A Little Longer

Your Teasing Us Now... That's Not Fair

Just When I Thought I Had My Game Plan In Order Well I'll Wait Until Next Month And See If You Have Any "NEW" News For Us......

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 5:40 am

I just hope I don't have to wait too long. Sharon might change her mind! Every husband here KNOWS how women can be!

malkavian · Post by **malkavian** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 7:46 am

I hate secrets

i almost have the money for the super lift also...... So do we wait HENRYJ????

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 8:36 am

Anyone notice how HenryJ suddenly got really quiet? Hmmm?
I can almost here that haunting music playing in the background!
I LOVE the suspense!

Post by **HenryJ** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:58 am

What kind of cost are we looking at for the three available lifts?
Lift with shocks- $1700
Tires- $560
That is $2260 plus installation.

So far I estimate the complete package running under $1600 with signifigantly lower installation costs added. I could even see a "budget" package running right at $1000 delivered and with some direction, installed yourself. Add $100 to that for a professional alignment and the mount/balance of the tires. This has you ready to go at 1/2 to 1/3 the cost.

So far the benifits far outweigh the differences.

This may not be for everyone. If you are in a hurry go with one of the available lifts. I can not put a timeline on this as a part of it is not within my control. I probably should not have opened my mouth at all

Post by **Walt** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:03 am

HenryJ wrote:I probably should not have opened my mouth at all

Well you've done it now

You might as well spill the beans

Post by **HenryJ** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:10 am

I know...

Who knows it may not "pan out" afterall. I would hope things could be ironed out by Christmas, but as I said, I do not have total control.
There is the problem of "things" happening too.

If you are in a hurry, and want the lift soon, study the available lifts and make your choice.
They are not a bad way to go.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:22 am

HenryJ wrote:What kind of cost are we looking at for the three available lifts?
Lift with shocks- $1700
Tires- $560
That is $2260 plus installation.

So far I estimate the complete package running under $1600 with signifigantly lower installation costs added. I could even see a "budget" package running right at $1000 delivered and with some direction, installed yourself. Add $100 to that for a professional alignment and the mount/balance of the tires. This has you ready to go at 1/2 to 1/3 the cost.

So far the benifits far outweigh the differences.

This may not be for everyone. If you are in a hurry go with one of the available lifts. I can not put a timeline on this as a part of it is not within my control. I probably should not have opened my mouth at all

Do you mean the "complete package", including wheels and tires for under $1600???

I can't be possibly be reading this right but if I am, I'm waitin'!!!

gocntry · Post by **gocntry** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:31 am

HenryJ wrote:If you are in a hurry, and want the lift soon

Yep I Wanted To Do The Truck This Summer

Rusty wrote: just hope I don't have to wait too long. Sharon might change her mind! Every husband here KNOWS how women can be!

Yep Wife Is Talking Hot Tub Not Truck Lift.....

I Think I Am Going To Town And Find The Lady With The Crystal Ball...I'll Let You Guys Know What She Says

I Hate Not Knowing What Lies Over The Horizon....

Post by **HenryJ** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:39 am

Rusty wrote:Do you mean the "complete package", including wheels and tires for under $1600?

It would retain the use of the stock wheels, but yes, everything needed to drive away. Tires and shocks are definately in the estimates.
I hate seeing a kit price and never having a real good idea what the whole "turn key" product will cost.
I won't string you along. If things don't look good in the next 30 days I'll let you know.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 11:00 am

I'd love to see it happen. I've often wondered how much mark up TM, SL and BDS tack on to their prices. When I see these kits, I just don't see $1500-2000 worth of parts or R&D for that matter.

malkavian · Post by **malkavian** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 11:33 am

I was just ragging on you Henry J...

Man you give to much good info here for me not to listen to you. I do lurk alot and post occasionally but from the advice on mods for the new guys that come in to the site, to the efforts you put into the alternator reserch... what can I say I dont even know you but I trust you. Ill hold off and see what Henry J is cooking up. Heck I only have the money for the lift right now. I still have to save for the tires, wheels, t bar relocators, bubaloos skid paltes, and my winch. So I still have a easy 3000 to come up with.

So heres to Henry J and all the hard work and time he puts into this site.

gocntry · Post by **gocntry** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 11:34 am

HenryJ wrote:I won't string you along. If things don't look good in the next 30 days I'll let you know.

Post by **HenryJ** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:01 pm

Don't let your minds get this blown out of proportion. You guys may not even be interested when or if I get everything checked out

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:22 pm

HenryJ wrote:Don't let your minds get this blown out of proportion. You guys may not even be interested when or if I get everything checked out

I'm not getting all crazy over this. I know it's still in the early stages. I've waited this long to get a lift kit (actually, I'd given up the idea until recently) so I don't mind waiting a bit longer if there's a chance it will be worth the wait. It's not like I was going to run out and do something tomorrow anyway. I still have to "get the finances in order" and that will take a while, like as in sometime next year at the rate things go around our house.

ludwis · Post by **ludwis** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 4:41 pm

Its worth the wait for me...even if it takes a year. Anything that HenryJ puts together is bound to be high quality and have a number of other advantages (lower price point, diy friendly directions, etc...)

top_sgt · Post by **top_sgt** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 2:19 pm

i'll get in line here too!!!! keep us informed henry!!!!!!!
might be interested my self!!

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 3:37 pm

I'll bet HenryJ is REALLY kicking himself for saying anything now!

top_sgt · Post by **top_sgt** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 3:50 pm

that's what happens when you "open that can of worms!!"

but we can wait , henry!!

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:05 pm

Rusty wrote:I'll bet HenryJ is REALLY kicking himself for saying anything now!

I knew I should have just PM'd you

All I started with was a little handful of snow. I tossed it down and now it is rolling out of control.
I'm afraid this may not meet your expectations

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 3:29 am

HenryJ wrote:
Rusty wrote:I'll bet HenryJ is REALLY kicking himself for saying anything now!
I knew I should have just PM'd you

All I started with was a little handful of snow. I tossed it down and now it is rolling out of control.
I'm afraid this may not meet your expectations

I don't know about anyone else's expectations but I don't think I'm getting overly excited about whatever it is that you are doing that you think won't meet my expectations. Did that sentence sound right?

- need more coffee!

camelott112 · Post by **camelott112** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 9:30 am

im overly excited tell me hj or i may just die haha

adrenalnjunky · Post by **adrenalnjunky** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:18 am

This is where we all just need to start making wild guesses

jeggers · Post by **jeggers** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:38 am

tell us please . may be i will put the superlift kit on ebay

camelott112 · Post by **camelott112** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:42 pm

i know its a 10 inch twisted suspension lift like the one made for the full size gm pickups right hj totally bolt on no cutting or welding required

cmon hj is that what it is (just so nobody gets crazy that was a joke)

Post by **Walt** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 1:31 pm

adrenalnjunky wrote:This is where we all just need to start making wild guesses

Maybe a custom 15" lift w/ 4-link suspension and 44's

Or may an air ride suspension. You know, the truck lowers when you open a door

Just messing with you Brule. I am waiting patiently

jeggers · Post by **jeggers** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 5:51 pm

Don · Post by **Don** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:00 pm

You go HJ...it don't really matter what ya come up with...we all know its going to be good...one way or the other....
Whatever you say on here to me, is the gospel....I don't know of a case where you've lead any of us astray

This ought to be real good...

jeggers · Post by **jeggers** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 5:53 pm

hj need info please, please, please, please

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 6:36 pm

What I want to know is whether or not this "mystery lift" HJ is being quiet about is SFA related. The more I think about it the more I tend to lean towards SFA as a lift option.

Post by **HenryJ** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:31 pm

Don't you worry about what I am up to , just save your funds and get finances in order so that you are ready when I am

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 3:37 am

HenryJ wrote:Don't you worry about what I am up to , just save your funds and get finances in order so that you are ready when I am

Oh, I'm saving my pennies! Only thing right now is that I REALLY want that Yaesu FT-857D when I pass my General exam. Now look what you did to me!

gocntry · Post by **gocntry** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:07 am

HenryJ wrote:Don't you worry about what I am up to , just save your funds and get finances in order so that you are ready when I am

Funds Are Saved......Finances Are In Order......I'm Ready!!....Let Me Know When Your Ready....

Blaze One · Post by **Blaze One** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 1:56 pm

hmmmm.... this seems intersesting , I can only hope that it is adaptable to fit a 99 blazer 4dr . can u give me that much info ?

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 3:01 pm

Ok, the funds were saved, finances were in order. Then I found another money pit!

Don't worry HJ, by the time you are ready, I should be ready. I only intend to spend the cost of a case of Rustoleum on the latest "disaster" until I get some of the other projects out of the way.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 3:23 pm

Does anyone else see a pattern here?

The majority of people that went with a SL and BDS has either went SAF or sold their rigs and disappeared.

True, we have some very happy with their lift and they posses some good looking rigs

Just throwing this out for whatever it is worth but, I know personally that I hung on to KCKustoms every post and awaited progress reports.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 3:34 pm

f9k9 wrote:Does anyone else see a pattern here?

The majority of people that went with a SL and BDS has either went SAF or sold their rigs and disappeared.

True, we have some very happy with their lift and they posses some good looking rigs

Just throwing this out for whatever it is worth but, I know personally that I hung on to KCKustoms every post and awaited progress reports.

Don't forget Quickbiker. He had a TM lift but had a lot of problems with ball joints, CV's, etc, just like the other kits. Now he is going the SFA route too. I'm seriously questioning the whole idea of lifting IFS rigs in the first place. I don't know what HJ has in mind but if it's IFS, I hope he finds a way to use a full sized truck's ball joints, idler and pitman arms. Those are the only things I can think of that would make a IFS lift worth the cost and effort and I really don't know if using full sized ball joints would even help. I know the ider and pitman arm swap works good. I'm leaving mine stock until this all gets sorted out.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 4:13 pm

f9k9 wrote:... either went SAF or sold their rigs and disappeared.

SAF, Saudi Air Force? Jeez, I though that the French foreign Legion was where one went to disappear?

I would really like to see a 9" Ford/Porsche long arm front IFS swap. That is going to run big bucks though. Someday I may go that route.

It is true that some of those who lifted big seem to disappear, but I think the majority are still with us.

The SFA (Solid Front Axle) is not a bad way to go for maximum lift and still be able to wheel hard.
I really didn't have those guys in mind for what I am trying to put together. What I have in mind would probably not hold up to a2b, or quickbiker's abuse.

I am looking at the components carefully, and making changes that are geared to the daily driven weekend getaway vehicle. Maximizing the lift for dollar spent and ease of installation are priorities.
I know that I said I would have more information in 30 days, but as you may well know things that are beyond my control have brought the process to a screeching halt.
I was promised that , what I hope to be one of the components, will be shipped Monday. We will see if that happens this time.

There are a couple of the parts that make me a little nervous, in terms of availability. Both long term, and the fact that there may not be a second choice for manufacturer. I like choices and for one of these I have yet to find another option without making some concessions. Once these two parts are on board things will progress pretty rapidly. I need to try one before I will be able to test the other though.

This has been in progress since April, and I was really only going to offer Rusty an option that might be what he was looking for? This should offer up to 3" additional ground clearance and a total height increase around 5". It seems that there may be more interested as well, but this may not be what you are looking for. The "hype" here was purely unintentional on my part and I apologize. It is way too soon to let the "cat out of the bag" , as I do not have everything here yet, and I will be testing it prior to filling you all in.
As my luck goes costs are higher than I anticipated. I will have it all figured out eventually though. Who knows this may not pencil out?

I would say if you are in a hurry, and want a big lift look to the lifts that are currently available.

For the Blazer guys: I am sorry that this is not being specifically designed toward your vehicles. There are differences in the rear that may make this somewhat difficult to adapt. I'm not saying that it can't be done. I just don't know enough right now.

Blaze One · Post by **Blaze One** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 10:18 pm

thats cool , this is a crew cab forum . I am considering trading my blazer in for a xterra or taco anyway . So i need to really think about what mods i will be doing , if any now . Your kit will be the only one worth the money I'm sure . Good luck .

gairbear · Post by **gairbear** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 4:51 am

Mod. Lift Spindles?

S-10CREWCAB.NET

There's hope yet!

There's hope yet!

I'm with these guys....