[elijahmorgan98]

I’m looking for a lift kit for my 88 2wd s10. Preferably something 3-4 inches. Also is there a cheaper option then a lift kit I could do?

 

[944v8indfw]

Easy way is 3 inch lift spindles in the front. Few people make them. Then a 1 inch lift spring or 1/2 to 3/4 spacer. That will yield around around a total lit of 4 in the front. Then do a spring over axle in the rear with spring plates. Get you around 3 in the rear. Chances are that lift in the rear you will need a longer drive shaft. You will need a drop pitman arm in the front if you expect to drive it on the road with decent manners.

If you have some mechanical skills i am guessing you could do the lift that way for around $500 save the drive shaft.

If you are looking to just lift the front you could do it on the cheap with spacers or springs.

 

[oldeerslayer]

It will also ride like an empty dump truck. And lean real bad in corners.

 

[944v8indfw]

Addon on: If you only wanted to do say 3 with spindles on the front and 1-2 to level to that in the back you could also to a rear shackle lift. Shackle lift would eliminate the need for a longer drive shaft, i believe. Would also eliminate any fab or welding when doing a spring over convert in rear. Ride should not be changed too much if you stick with stock springs.

Cornering of course will have more body roll. On any lift watch out for the length of the brake hoses when at full droop. Always a good idea to make sure the vent tube on the rear is long enough as well.

If it is really for off-road / rough service I can share some pics about plating the lower control arms that has a dual purpose of strength and skid plates. Does require welding.

 

[DougE]

What is your goal? You can do a 2" body lift using boat trailer roller material and then have a much less extreme suspension change.

 

[944v8indfw]

What is your goal? You can do a 2" body lift using boat trailer roller material and then have a much less extreme suspension change.

I guess i missed the obvious first question. Is it functions or looks? I always assume it is function based on my automotive lifestyle.

 

[DougE]

Being a 2wd it wouldn't seem likely he's looking to do serious off-roading plus only larger tires will give him differential clearance. A 4" lift will give him better front and rear approach angles as well as front crossmember clearance. So, what's he trying to accomplish.

 

[manbearpig]

I just assume everyone is trying to get in on that stance lyfe. Performance be damned.

 

[jimmykicker]

It will also ride like an empty dump truck. And lean real bad in corners.

I've had quite the opposite with my truck. It does ride stiffer, but not to the point of knocking my teeth out by any stretch. The original suspension was so worn out that it rode like a marshmallow and body rolled like you wouldn't believe. Now it's predictable and in my opinion handles pretty good. It's only 2" lift in my case, not 3" or more. I could go higher with shackles and spindles, but I'd be afraid of it being unstable. The Rough Country kit works well. One thing I would INSIST on is the steering stabilizer which keeps it from dodging when hitting potholes etc. $60. Totally worth it.

I just assume everyone is trying to get in on that stance lyfe. Performance be damned.

Personally I wanted the look without the weight, expense and maintenance of 4wd. Plus I'm tall and it really helps getting in and out of the the truck. This isn't a new idea by any stretch. All prerunner type trucks are 2WD. And there have been plenty of production trucks made in this configuration, like the Toyota Prerunner, the Ford Edge Pickup (some are 4wd), the Mazda Dual Sport and the later Nissan Desert Runner. The Ranger goes back to 2001, and the Toyota back to 1998. Definitely a demand for 4wd appearance without the cost.

I will mention that I had a 2001 Ranger Edge. 2wd. Looked exactly like a 4wd truck. Now, you wanna talk about a rough riding truck? THAT was it. My lifted S-10 is much more comfortable to ride in than that truck. My guess on this is that since they used all the 4wd components, they also used the springs, and without that extra weight, it didn't flex much. It was literally a 4wd truck with all the front stuff absent.

 

[sapperb]

Easy way is 3 inch lift spindles in the front. Few people make them. Then a 1 inch lift spring or 1/2 to 3/4 spacer. That will yield around around a total lit of 4 in the front. Then do a spring over axle in the rear with spring plates. Get you around 3 in the rear. Chances are that lift in the rear you will need a longer drive shaft. You will need a drop pitman arm in the front if you expect to drive it on the road with decent manners.

If you have some mechanical skills i am guessing you could do the lift that way for around $500 save the drive shaft.

If you are looking to just lift the front you could do it on the cheap with spacers or springs.

You cant do spacers on an S10. They don't work due to the fitment of the spring in the coil pocket (frame). But if you are a fabricator (I am ) you can fab ones to work like i did..Stay away from aftermarket S10 coil spring spacers, they dont work!!!