lifting my 96 2wd

[DirtyBlackHoe]

how much of a difference is there between the Fabtech kit and the CST 7" kit? i have heard they are almost identical and i have heard that the CST is much better? i want to run at least 33's and was going to get the 7" fabtech or cst and then later down the road add the b/l and 35's....i would do ahead and regear to 4.10's with thte 33's and was wondering if 35's and 4.10 gears will be ok for mostly street driving. i will play in this truck but it wouldn't be often....please help me out guys.

[J to the izA]

i saw your other post but it is faster to respond here.

as far as i know the difference IS in the spindle. cst uses a hand fabricatied spindle that is stronger than fabtechs cast spindle. ask jeff@plc. he knows lifts and thats who i got my info from.

[DirtyBlackHoe]

Originally posted by Jeff_94
i saw your other post but it is faster to respond here.

as far as i know the difference IS in the spindle. cst uses a hand fabricatied spindle that is stronger than fabtechs cast spindle. ask jeff@plc. he knows lifts and thats who i got my info from.

well i have been reading some of his posts and i have seen where he says that the spindles from fabtech are sometimes even the same ones used in the kits that CST uses...that's y i wasn't understanding the difference.

[Hulkster]

BlueStepSide,

I purchased the CST 4" spindle kit for my 97 Ext. Cab Chevy 2wd, so I can tell you a little about the 7" kit.

On the 88-98 Chevy 2wd trucks, CST uses Fabtech spindles. The 4" lift spindles are powdercoated black though. CST's control arm/coil lifts (such as the 3" kit) are actual manufactured by CST. CST does make their own spindles for the 99+ Chevy 2wd pickups. My kit cam with CST blocks and u-bolts for the rear.

The CST 7" lift kit you are looking at should contain: CST (slightly modded Fabtech) 4" lift spindles, CST 3" upper control arms w/coils. Obviously, you'll end up with 7" of lift before tires.

With just 4" of lift in the front, and 2" in the rear, I cleared 32x11.50x15 ATs on 15x8 wheels perfectly, with no rubbing at all. With a little trim here and there, I could easily fit 33's. With the 7" kit, I would say 35's would clear fine.

I hope I've helped you out a little. If you need any further info, I'll do my best to help. Just IM me. Later.

[y2kboti]

Yep, the 88-98 kits are different than the hand fabricated 99+ spindles. Supposedly the CST upper control arms will hold the alignment better and yes the coils and control arms are made by CST. Also CST kits use Rancho RS9000 shocks while Fabtech uses...well Fabtech brand shocks.

[DirtyBlackHoe]

Originally posted by Hulkster
BlueStepSide,

I purchased the CST 4" spindle kit for my 97 Ext. Cab Chevy 2wd, so I can tell you a little about the 7" kit.

On the 88-98 Chevy 2wd trucks, CST uses Fabtech spindles. The 4" lift spindles are powdercoated black though. CST's control arm/coil lifts (such as the 3" kit) are actual manufactured by CST. CST does make their own spindles for the 99+ Chevy 2wd pickups. My kit cam with CST blocks and u-bolts for the rear.

The CST 7" lift kit you are looking at should contain: CST (slightly modded Fabtech) 4" lift spindles, CST 3" upper control arms w/coils. Obviously, you'll end up with 7" of lift before tires.

With just 4" of lift in the front, and 2" in the rear, I cleared 32x11.50x15 ATs on 15x8 wheels perfectly, with no rubbing at all. With a little trim here and there, I could easily fit 33's. With the 7" kit, I would say 35's would clear fine.

I hope I've helped you out a little. If you need any further info, I'll do my best to help. Just IM me. Later.
awesome man that's just what i wanted to hear...i plan on running the CST no matter what so i just figured i would make sure it is a good kit...i really want to run 35's or at least 33's and i figured it would look sweet on the 7" lift. i appreciate your help and i hope that i can afford to do the 7" lift and the 35's....any other input is great...also can i get some pics of your truck with the 4" so i can see the clearance...thanks

[y2kboti]

I can't see 35s fitting :think: I know a guy running the 6" Fabtech kt with the dual shock engine cage setup and his 33s rubbed pretty good. 35s would be a tight squeeze.

[DirtyBlackHoe]

well do u think i could run 35's on the road with a little trimming before i can afford to put on the bodylift...the thing is i will have to regear cause i only have ****ty 3.08 gears...so i will either go 7" and 35's with 4.56 or i will go 33 with 4.10's now if i can run 4.10s with 33 and 35's then i will be fine but i will not regear twice and 4.56 will be too low for 33's ya know?

[J to the izA]

4.10s are fine for 35s.

and yes 35s will need a body lift.

[DirtyBlackHoe]

Originally posted by Jeff_94
4.10s are fine for 35s.

and yes 35s will need a body lift.

ok so everything will be cool with 35's and 4.10's? will my mileage be worse with the 35's and 4.10's or worse with the 35's and 4.56? this is a dd that prolly only will see runs in the mud that aren't that extreme, so i want to keep the mileage as good as i can...will the 7" lift and 3" b/l fit 36's?

[Hulkster]

I'll hopefully be able to get some pictures of my truck in the next couple of days or so. I'll have to wash it off after work tomorrow. Got mud all over it the other day. You gotta play every once in a while.;) Anyway, I'll post some pics soon.

Also, it may be tight with the 35's. I just know that my 32's on 15x8 wheels fit fine. I wonder why the 33's rubbed on the Fabtech 6" kit?:think: Who knows?

Anyway, I'll try to get the pics posted A.S.A.P.


What would a good gear ratio choice be for my truck? A ratio close to stock. Thanks.

[Hulkster]

I have pictures of my truck now. How do I post them? When I try to attach them, I get a message saying the file is too large. Someone help. Thanks.