baddiesel

Congrats on your new truck. I had a 2016 1/2 ton for about a month, and got rid of it. That cylinder de-activation, and clueless transmission shifting and vibrating turned me off. I could put 1500 lbs in the back and it was too much for the truck. I'm glad I went with the HD2500, it shifts flawlessly, and hauls the weight. It might be a bit thirsty, but I am more than willing to pay the price for a decent running truck. Plus, it's very comfortable.

Talked to an authorized vendor/installer yesterday. He said to look at 17 x 9's or, 18 x 9"(8 x 180mm bolt pattern) with 5.5" backspacing. Just thought I'd share some helpful info, if you prefer something other than stock 20's. I prefer a larger tire profile, and they're a little cheaper on your wallet.

What's the biggest difference between the rear 2.0 Fox shock and the 2.5 reservoir shock, regarding ride quality?

Love your truck!!! I'm sold on this lift!!! I want to use 17 or 18's. Is the ride much softer than stock, or about the same as stock?

Miker: Thanx, I appreciate the info. Looks like all I have to do, is research an aftermarket 17" x 9" or 18" x 9" wheel. I've picked out an installer/vendor in Charlotte, and he recommended a website to visit. Again, I really appreciate the info, I'm not a young guy, and I want a nice smooth ride. I use my 1977 CJ7 for off road, but my truck must remain reliable, and not abused.

I gotcha' miker. I researched the 2-3" BDS coilover lift that eliminates the torsion bars all together. It looks very high tech, and at that price, it should be. I really do like it, I'm going to call the local authorized installer for a price on the installation. *One thing that I did not like...the only stock rim I can use is the 20" x 9". I do not like 20's at all. I prefer a 17" or a 18", but in this application, it will have to be an aftermarket rim. I do not know what the correct offset or backspacing is required. I don't like the look of "outriggers" on my truck. I wanted to run Michelin LTX MS2 295 x 70R x ? I don't know if Michelin makes a bigger LTX than that. Thanks again for the info. The BDS is quite a bit more expensive, but since this will be my last truck before retiring, I would like to do this truck "right" the first time.

miker2702, is the BDS kit a "leveling kit"? boynton6spd, I called Suspension Maxx today. I asked them If I raise the truck 2.5 inches, would a 34" tall, 11" wide tire rub, and the representative told me "no, it would not". I also asked if I needed to replace the upper control arms, in order to prevent rubbing, and his response was also "no". So.....I went further with soliciting questions regarding fitment. I asked him if I installed factory 18" aluminum alloys (eg have proper backspacing and offset), with Michelin LTX M/S2 295/70R/18, load range E, would there be any issues rubbing(?) And again, his response was "no". He mentioned that sticking to factory spec wheels was a lot easier, and a lot less problems. I'm trying to make good choices with this application. My truck is a daily long distance driver, so I kinda prefer a tire that I can get the most mileage. I rotate my tires and change my oil/oil filter every 5K miles. Yep, I've got OCD. Thanks for your comments!

I've spent quite some time researching lifts and level kits. I've decided to install a level kit that can be installed without cutting or drilling. At $306.99, seems to be a decent price. Haven't decided on rims and tires yet, still researching info. This is a "selectable" torsion bar key, that does not over stress the manufacturers limits on the torsion bars.....according to Suspension Maxx. At any rate, all the vendors seem to perform the same method of leveling. I'm not exceeding 2.5 inches of lift. I'd appreciate any review comments or info. Thanks. By the way, this is for a 2016 2500HD, crew cab, WT, 6.5 ft bed with stock 18" steel wheels.