Frame / Springs: Lifting a Champ

[Miss Champ]

Hello Guys,

I have a new to me 1961 Champ 1/2ton, saved it from the previous owner... he was going to crush it. Yes it needs work, enough to warrant not doing a restoration, but dont crush such a beautiful truck.

I was thinking of lifting it a few inches. I have been looking around and I found a couple of Champs that have be lifted but no details on them.

Could somebody point me in the right direction? Or does anybody have any advice on what to look out for?

Plans would also include some larger tires and chevy wheels. I learned how to make them work on this site, there is a lot of GREAT information on here.

Thanks Guys, talk to you soon

Amanda

[53commander]

Sorry I really cant offer any usable advice on lifting your truck but welcome to the forum and post some pics. Where in Jersey are you.

Rich

[Miss Champ]

In Cape May, the truck is in PA

[Alan]

You can lift it a few inches by having new springs made to your specs. It runs about $140-150 a spring. Anything more than a few inches takes a lot of money to do right and still looks like someone gave it a weggie.

[Miss Champ]

You can lift it a few inches by having new springs made to your specs. It runs about $140-150 a spring. Anything more than a few inches takes a lot of money to do right and still looks like someone gave it a weggie.

I have seen that done, might have to go that route anyways being that the previous owner took out a couple of leafs to lower it.

In the past I have helped on builds where they have flipped the axle over to the other side of the leaf spring. For example on the rear, the axle is on top of the leaf, you could flip it to the underside so that the leaf rest on top of the axle and gain a few inches in height there. The front is a different story though as it is all ready under the leaf.

What do you think about placing a couple of lifting blocks to gain those few inches in the front, with out any bind in the steering geometry? I have seen a lot of full size trucks lifted this way.

Would have to measure for longer shocks, but those are easy to find.

[Alan]

You could move the spring to the top of the rear end housing. That will give you 4 1/2" to 5" lift in the rear. Remember though the T-Cab springs are 2" wide. Most aftermarket plates are for 2 1/2" springs, so you will have to make your own. Raising up the front 5" to match is do able but you will have to make a new tie rod.

[Miss Champ]

You could move the spring to the top of the rear end housing. That will give you 4 1/2" to 5" lift in the rear. Remember though the T-Cab springs are 2" wide. Most aftermarket plates are for 2 1/2" springs, so you will have to make your own. Raising up the front 5" to match is do able but you will have to make a new tie rod.

Thats whats me and my husband were thinking, figure out what to do with the tie rod. Found a guy that has lifted his champ significantly, we will see if I can get in touch with him, or her for that matter. We will see.

Thanks Guys

Amanda

[nwi-region-rat]

How about this?

[nwi-region-rat]

Same truck different picture

[Milaca]

Set the body on top of a Chevy Blazer/Ford Bronco/Dodge Ramcharger/Jeep Wagoneer/International Scout 4x4 chassis. Compare the wheelbases to find the nearest match. Years ago I put a 1952 International pickup body onto a 1970 International 4x4 pickup chassis and it wasn't too difficult, though it did require some fabrication of new mounting brackets.

[StudeRich]

OR, since Champ Bodies already ride very high on their frames, why not get correct New springs and correct shocks and it will be just fine, not likely to over-center unless you drive all the time in the California Desert over boulders!

[Miss Champ]

OR, since Champ Bodies already ride very high on their frames, why not get correct New springs and correct shocks and it will be just fine, not likely to over-center unless you drive all the time in the California Desert over boulders!

That is the plan, I have sourced some already. Once I install them I may not want to lift it at all.

which brings up the question.... What size tires do you guys think I can get under the fenders?

After measuring I'm pretty sure that 30" tires could fit but might hit the front fenders when turning into a parking space.

[Miss Champ]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]33654[/ATTACH]


How about this?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]33655[/ATTACH]


Same truck different picture

nice truck! I would love to get that high but looks like it has a front diff, Chevy frame swap perhaps.

Would like to to keep studebaker running gear, I have already got it running.

[StudeRich]

OK, I get it now, your goal in life is to RUN OVER Boys in their Rice Rockets, that makes perfect sense to me!

I guess most of us are just too old, we run P215X85-15LT or 16" Pizza cutters on our drivers and show Trucks.

The worst issue is when you go up a driveway apron and try to turn, the fat tires will hit the floor boards and or Fender openings.

[Miss Champ]

OK, I get it now, your goal in life is to RUN OVER Boys in their Rice Rockets, that makes perfect sense to me!

You got it Rich. But seriously, its just what I am into, Trucks that is. And I like to make what I have my own.