What Lift Kit Do I Get?

wotexva99 · February 6, 2010

I have a 01 1500Hd and want to put a lift kit on it. I'm thinking a 4" lift would be good. What are the advantages of a 6" lift? My truck is NOT a 4x4 but when i go camping and/or dirt bike riding, i encounter some challenging terrain and high rocks.

What 4" lift kits will fit the HD and what do rec?

herkdriver007 · February 6, 2010

My opinion would be to evaluate several options and ask yourself a few questions before beginning:

Are you picking a particular lift due to brand, quality, a good deal, etc?

Do you have a set of tires, specifically a size, that you want to run?

Are you looking for ground clearance at the diffs, or overall height on the truck?

What sort of off-roading will you encounter; you mentioned "challenging terrain" and "high rocks"...does that mean much off-camber or lots of dirt hills?

Overall, I would say the lowest amount of lift to clear the tires you want would be the way to proceed. Also, if you increase the tire size much, you'll want to install new lower (numerically higher) gears in the rear axle, and even possibly a locker or posi depending on what your off road intentions are. If you're going to play in the dirt, occasional mud, and maybe cross some rough terrain, I'd go with a selectable locker, like an Eaton E-Locker or ARB Air-locker. That way you have the street manners of an open diff but can lock it up when off road and maintain some traction (very important since you're a 2WD).

Just my opinion...let us know what you get and post pics when you do!!

wotexva99 · February 6, 2010

My opinion would be to evaluate several options and ask yourself a few questions before beginning:

Are you picking a particular lift due to brand, quality, a good deal, etc?

Do you have a set of tires, specifically a size, that you want to run?

Are you looking for ground clearance at the diffs, or overall height on the truck?

What sort of off-roading will you encounter; you mentioned "challenging terrain" and "high rocks"...does that mean much off-camber or lots of dirt hills?

Overall, I would say the lowest amount of lift to clear the tires you want would be the way to proceed. Also, if you increase the tire size much, you'll want to install new lower (numerically higher) gears in the rear axle, and even possibly a locker or posi depending on what your off road intentions are. If you're going to play in the dirt, occasional mud, and maybe cross some rough terrain, I'd go with a selectable locker, like an Eaton E-Locker or ARB Air-locker. That way you have the street manners of an open diff but can lock it up when off road and maintain some traction (very important since you're a 2WD).

Just my opinion...let us know what you get and post pics when you do!!

I want to put 33's on my truck. (which I will do in a few weeks) I live In So California and and it is my daily driver. More of just dirt hills, small ruts, and rocks when I go camping in the desert.

I can not put 33's unless I get a lift or a leveling kit. I would rather lift my truck but I go on a lot of day dirt bike trips(w/out my trailer). I'm thinking that a 6" lift would increase the difficulty of my bikes in and out of my truck bed.

There are a lot of brands of lifts out there. My budget is from $1000-$1600.

My other option is a ready lift leveling kit and ready lift 2" block in the back.....

foxman31292 · February 7, 2010

I was in the same boat as you. I have a 02 silverado 1500

If i was you i wouldnt go above a 4" lift. I as well ride dirt bikes and it is pretty hard to get that thing in now. I can only imagine how much harder a 6" would be

I did a 4" on mine and it looks great running 285/75/16 (basically a 33")

I ended up installing a rancho 4" and love it. Rides great and doesnt feel too tall.

If you do end up doing a leveling kit in the front all it does it wear out your front end faster and your truck will have a much rougher ride. I would go with a lift

herkdriver007 · February 7, 2010

FWIW, if you're just wanting 33s, you could go with a 3" body lift, or the level kit you talked about and some minor trimming. With the level kit you'll give up some down travel, but the $$ may be worth it in the end. Otherwise I'd probably go with the 4" if you're wanting a true lift kit, but that might also increase your budget as some require a different offset for the wheels.

Best bang for the buck might be the body lift...