Need Suspension Advice On 09 Gmc 2500

[GasCan]

Hello folks, new to this forum and hail from Calgary, Alberta Canada. Been out of the 4x4 off road world for about 20 years and just traded in my stock 05 Sierra 4x4 for a new 2009 Sierra K2500. Before taking delivery I am going to have the truck outfitted with a decent lift kit, wheels and a few other mods.

 

I know suspension has changed a lot since I last did any off roading and thought to ask here in the forums if anyone has some decent advice on what a guy should consider for suspension lift, wheel offset etc. I'm sure it's been asked many times and hope this isn't a redundant question but I need to learn fast and figured there would be enough gearheads here to point me in the right direction so I can order this stuff up quick.

 

I drive city and highway mostly but this truck will make the odd off road trip to the foothills of the rockies where terrain is aggresive and back country cut lines are abundant. I won't thrash this thing like an old truck, but do want something half decent that will handle well on the pavement but allow enough rigitity to take it out in the mountains and get me where I want to go. Truck is a Duramax w/ Allison trans and that will remain stock until I learn how to chip it nicely.

 

Real world advice is much appreciated.

 

Thanks...G

[GasCan]

Should also mention that I have not decided on wheels/tires yet but was waiting to here pro's and con's of 4" lift versus 6" lift. I loked at the rancho 4" setup today and if going hat route I'd look at 33" rubber. If going 6" i'd likely go 35" rubber.

[SeirraRR]

Welcome to the site. Can't wait to see pic of before and after of your truck. There is alot of guys on here that know there stuff about lifts to help you. Good luck.

[jf781]

Congrats on the truck and I've got a friend with an 07 that looking at the same thing you are now (actually waiting to find a house and then see what can fit in that garage).

 

Welcome to the site and in the mean times lets seem some pix of that streetglide.

[GasCan]

Welcome to the site and in the mean times lets seem some pix of that streetglide.

 

Here's a few pics of the glide. From here, you'll get an idea of the paint that's going to be laid out on the truck as well.

[J-man67]

Sweet Glide man. I have my eyes on one. Still trying to sell my Street Bob. Anyway, only difference between the 4 and 6" list is, well, 2" haha. They are most likely the same type of kits, just one is taller. Most end up wanting to go higher once they lift, so I recommend the 6" with the 35's. It will look great on the truck. There are A LOT of lifts for your truck and they are all pretty much the same. You even have the option for a solid axle swap...but that's A LOT more $$$.

[GasCan]

I still plan to use this truck for work and everything else so I decided on a system today and will keep it modest. Lift kit will be 4" Rancho with 9000 series shocks, wheels will be Ultra Rouge's in black and tires will be Dick Cepik Fun Country II's. Fenders will get the Bushwacker pocket flairs in black, and I plan to add a billet grill, a couple more dress up items and further mods will come later. I'll post some pictures when I can.

[blackout07]

Sounds like you have a solid plan. It should look pretty sweet when it's all done. Although I don't like how the wheels have "Ultra Motorsports" in huge letters around the lip of the wheel.

[J-man67]

Sounds like you have some nice plans man! Good luck!

[GasCan]

After having another look at the wheels available I have changed the order around. They now have a set of Mickey Thompson Classic Locks coming and will still run the Dick Cepec FCII's. This will give me a more rugged wheel w/ more of a classic look over that of some of the designer rims out there.

 

I like thing looking beefy and simple!

[GasCan]

Here's a couple pics from last weekend with one of my kids checkin out dad's new truck. The truck in the foreground is my new one before the 4" lift is added and the wheels and flares go on. The one in the background is a truck the dealer is selling but had the nav system which I didn't want. These will serve as the before pictures and I'll post new pictures after I get the truck back this weekend with the lift added. My son loved the dealers truck with the 6" lift on it. Oh well! lol

[blackout07]

My son loved the dealers truck with the 6" lift on it. Oh well! lol

 

 

Looks like he has good taste. Your truck should make him plenty happy when it's all done up.

[SeirraRR]

Should look really good when all done.