General Lift Selection Help For A New-jack Please

Air4Andy · December 10, 2009

So, I've been hub-bubing around the internet for weeks, read almost every post on this site, and I still can't quite decide what to do.

I have a 2001 Silverado 4x4, 5.3L ext cab. I'm looking to lift it and add bigger tires. Usage will be mostly road, but definitely some offroad and muddy trails with deep ruts during hunting, camping, and what the hell, offroading as well.

I'm thinking I should do a 6" suspension lift and either LT285/75/16D, LT295/75/16D, or LT305/70/16E BFG All-Terrain T/A KO's. I would probably like to stay with about 33's because I would prefer not to regear. I was concerned they would look too small with a 6" lift, but I don't believe they will.

I want to obviously be money conscious, but still get some great reliable parts. I was looking at the Rough Country lifts. What is the difference between the Series II and the NTD lifts? Is it just where the torsion bar is located and if you can see it or not?

Link to Series II

Link to NTD

I also would really prefer to run my stock aluminum 16x7 (I believe) (ps, anyone know the back spacing on stock 16x7 alums?) rims with these tires. I read something about knuckle kits maybe not being able to use stock rims. Any info? Will these Rough Country lifts allow for my rims? What are the other options for front lifts? Would they be better? Cost more?

For the rear, I see alot of "block+add-a-leaf" systems. Is this a good way to go? I have been told BDS is a very good kit to go with too, even though pricier. Are there any real differences against the Rough Country?

Thank you so much for your time. If anyone has good pics handy of 1999-2002 1500's with their 4-6" lifts and 33's or 35's, I would love to see them all in one place. And I'm open to all kinds of suggestions.

hockeypro1411 · December 10, 2009

I have limited information for you, but I can offer some insight into lifts. First off, if this truck is going to be used for work, DON'T LIFT IT. I use mine for work pretty much everyday, and while I love it, I can see how some people could get tired of it rather quickly. Anyway, most people here go with either BDS, Fabtech, or Rough Country. I have a Full Traction 6" kit on my truck, and it appears to be holding up great to the abuse I put it through. It's less money than the other, bigger brands, but from what I can see, no quality has been sacrificed. As far as the ass end goes, the standard is blocks and add-a-leafs. You get some nice square blocks, an extra leaf or 2 for the spring pack, and some longer U-bolts. It's simple and effective. Depending on what gears you have already, I would consider something bigger than 33's. IMO they look a little small for a 6" lift. If you really want 33's, I'd go with a 4" lift. You'll gain the same size ground clearance. I have 35's on my truck, but it came stock with 4.10's, so they're not bad to deal with until I get some cash to throw at 4.88's. There's a few people on here that have 3.73's with 35's and the general opinion seems to be that it's driveable, but go ahead and re-gear if you want the performance.

As far as tires go, I'm not sure what the biggest size you can get on stock rims is. I'm pretty sure most people don't go past 285 on stock rims though.

Most of this crap was my opinion. And that's worth exactly what you paid for it.