Ct 4' Vs Bds 4'

andy.schmid · December 22, 2009

Hey all I've been searching through the forum and I've narrowed down my two choices of lift :

CST 4'

or

BDS 4' with blocks

I haven't found too much info on the CST in the forum. Just looking for your thoughts on advantages/disadvantages of one over the other.

The BDS kit seems to be a more complicated install. Is there a major difference between how the two kits achieve lift?

I have a 2009 crew cab 4wd with the all terrain package. I believe it has 20' wheels, I'm not sure I will double check. I'd like to keep them if possible, I actually like them. I'd like to run 33 tires (or is it 285's with factory rims?) which is what both these lifts seemed designed for.

I've heard the CST 4' was a great kit, but they stacked blocks in the back which was bad?

Anyone know if this is accurate?

allterrain08 · December 23, 2009

I'd suggest you do a lot more reserch before deciding. You dont even know what size wheels you have. If you have an all terrain you have 18s. look at the rancho lift, thats what I'm gettin.

Matt_ · December 23, 2009

The CTS is a quality kit, but for $2100+ it should include new coil bodies IMO... not just spacers.. AND it should come with rear shocks. The kit does come with UCA's that have replaceable/greasable balljoints... which is a +, but still is pretty steep in price.

The BDS is a quality kit and for $1800 comes with new coil bodies AND rear shocks. Better bang for your buck IMO over the CST.For about another $400 you can get rear spring packs too as opposed to the lift block... i'd personally go this route.

And as mentioned, the Rancho is another great kit. With new coil bodies it'll cost about the same as the BDS, and it has the one-piece subframe design that the CST utilizes as well. Im a fan of the Rancho kit...

andy.schmid · December 23, 2009

Thanks for the great info matt.

I was considering the rancho as well, but from what I read, it actually lifted the truck 5-5.5 inches.

I'm not sure if that will be too much lift for 33's.... I don't want bigger then 33's since this is my daily driver.

I'll try and search for some pictures with the rancho kit installed/

The CTS is a quality kit, but for $2100+ it should include new coil bodies IMO... not just spacers.. AND it should come with rear shocks. The kit does come with UCA's that have replaceable/greasable balljoints... which is a +, but still is pretty steep in price.

The BDS is a quality kit and for $1800 comes with new coil bodies AND rear shocks. Better bang for your buck IMO over the CST.For about another $400 you can get rear spring packs too as opposed to the lift block... i'd personally go this route.

And as mentioned, the Rancho is another great kit. With new coil bodies it'll cost about the same as the BDS, and it has the one-piece subframe design that the CST utilizes as well. Im a fan of the Rancho kit...

Matt_ · December 23, 2009

The Rancho kit is more a a 5-5.5" kit... but in all honestly that is the perfect amount of lift for 33s on these trucks.

For perspective, take a look at my truck. I'm running 33s on 3" and it would be perfect with another 2".

I forget the members screen name, but there is a guy on here with the Rancho kit and 33s.... lemme do some searching to see if I can find his pics. It's a sweet looking truck!

Matt_ · December 23, 2009

Ask, and thou shall receive

Link to GM-trucks Thread

andy.schmid · December 23, 2009

Cool, exactly what I was looking for!

It does look great on that truck.... but all that extra lift seems to be begging for bigger tires.

Now the task will be to find a picture of a truck with the BDS 4".. haven't found it yet.

But I think those pictures may have helped me choose,,, that seems like just a tad too much lift for those size tires in my opinion. If the BDS is just a little less then should give me the look I want.

Ask, and thou shall receive

Link to GM-trucks Thread

Matt_ · December 23, 2009

Keep in mind that the tires he has on there are small 33s. I believe they're 285/70/17.

Some 305/55/20s on aftermarket wheels would be perfect (or a 33x12.5x18 if you want more sidewall)

andy.schmid · December 23, 2009

Keep in mind that the tires he has on there are small 33s. I believe they're 285/70/17.

Some 305/55/20s on aftermarket wheels would be perfect (or a 33x12.5x18 if you want more sidewall)

Ahh.. good point...hmmm.

I originally wanted to keep the stock 18's that came with the all-terrain package, thought they look sharp.

Any suggestions on a tire? I forgot all the sizes really with the metric tires and how they corresponded with 35x12.50's, etc.

My jeep had 15 inch wheels and I never had to deal with them.

It's been so long since I've shopped offroad tires.. last kind I bought years ago was thornbirds... and damn they were loud lol.

Matt_ · December 23, 2009

LT305/60/18 Mickey Thompson ATZs

03blackz71 · December 23, 2009

I think the rancho kit is the only kit that allows you to use stock rims. IF and WHEN I lift mine I will be using the Rancho kit so I can run the stockers during the winter months or may summer too.

blackout07 · December 23, 2009

Of the choices, I would go with Rancho or BDS. Honeslty, on these trucks 5" is perfect with a 33x12.50. This is particularly true if you want to run aftermarket wheels in the future. 33x12.50's can and will rub with only 4" of lift if you choose to go with an aftermarket wheel. The added height of the Rancho is a big plus IMO. But IIRC, Rancho requires that rear shocks be purchased separately and if you want a front or differential skid plate, you have to purchase those separately as well. BDS on the other hand, comes complete and has the best warranty in the business. Both are exceptionally well built kits. I would go with the best deal.

andy.schmid · December 23, 2009

Matt that is a good looking tire, I like it!

I see they are the ones you have on your truck. How do they ride?

About once every month or two I take a 400 mile road trip, so I'd like to have something at least somewhat manageable on the highway. I also need tires good in the sand.

Maybe with the Rancho lift I could get by with LT325/60R18 size tires

LT305/60/18 Mickey Thompson ATZs

jimmyboy8301 · December 23, 2009

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/genera...-285x65x18.html

that is an entire thread on the BDS 4" kit. BDS also has a lifetime no questions asked warrenty on their kits. IMO BDS is the way to go hands down. you should also join www.fullsizechevy.com there is a lot more info there on lifted trucks.

Matt_ · December 23, 2009

Matt that is a good looking tire, I like it!
I see they are the ones you have on your truck. How do they ride?

About once every month or two I take a 400 mile road trip, so I'd like to have something at least somewhat manageable on the highway. I also need tires good in the sand.

Maybe with the Rancho lift I could get by with LT325/60R18 size tires

LT305/60/18 Mickey Thompson ATZs

I love the tires. They're smooth on the highway... basically like an aggressive AT. These tires are also one of the top rated tires for sand so i think you're safe there. They aren't rated very good for mud, but they werent designed to be.