Fabtech Or Pro Comp

colarguns · March 2, 2010

HI All,

I have a 2009 Silverado LTZ Crew Cab 4WD with Z71 suspension and trailering package, and I am ordering 35 x 12.50/R18 Toyo M/T's and 18x9 Moto wheels, and I am trying my best to learn on what is the preferred lift kit to install on my truck? I am looking primarily at the Fabtech and Pro Comp. One alignment shop who has been around before I was born (I am 45) quickly told me to go with Fabtech as they have had several of the "other" kits more so than any fabtech lift. They are not dealers or installers of lift kits. Then I go to 4 Wheel Parts and they immediately tell me go with Pro Comp! Bottom line is that I am looking towards end results, which are performance and efficiency. I do not do a lot of off roading except during deer season and a catching a few hogs during the summer, so I am looking more for ride comfort on the open roads. Presently this truck rides like you are on ice, can't hardly feel a thing! Best riding truck I have ever had. So keeping as close to this as possible would be a great choice. I will be looking at the 6" lift, so you guys have any suggestions with some hard facts to support? Many thanks

stlavsa · March 2, 2010

HI All,

I have a 2009 Silverado LTZ Crew Cab 4WD with Z71 suspension and trailering package, and I am ordering 35 x 12.50/R18 Toyo M/T's and 18x9 Moto wheels, and I am trying my best to learn on what is the preferred lift kit to install on my truck? I am looking primarily at the Fabtech and Pro Comp. One alignment shop who has been around before I was born (I am 45) quickly told me to go with Fabtech as they have had several of the "other" kits more so than any fabtech lift. They are not dealers or installers of lift kits. Then I go to 4 Wheel Parts and they immediately tell me go with Pro Comp! Bottom line is that I am looking towards end results, which are performance and efficiency. I do not do a lot of off roading except during deer season and a catching a few hogs during the summer, so I am looking more for ride comfort on the open roads. Presently this truck rides like you are on ice, can't hardly feel a thing! Best riding truck I have ever had. So keeping as close to this as possible would be a great choice. I will be looking at the 6" lift, so you guys have any suggestions with some hard facts to support? Many thanks

Fabtech is more lift it will clear the 35s better. Its a good kit. You wont find too many people that like the pro comp kit on here. ( i dont know much about it).

Some people will say go fabtech, some will so go BDS and some will say go superlift. Fabtech is biggest with full drop on the diff. The BDS is a great kit, tad less lift, but not as much as a diff drop. I dont know anything wrong with the superlift kit, and it does have one nice option where I think if you spend an extra 400 dollars u can go with new rear leafs as opposed to add-a-leaf and block that the fabtech gives.

Personally, I went fabtech because its the most lift. They call it 6" but got damn near 8" out of it. Like a true 7 3/4" out of it.

colarguns · March 2, 2010

HI All,

I have a 2009 Silverado LTZ Crew Cab 4WD with Z71 suspension and trailering package, and I am ordering 35 x 12.50/R18 Toyo M/T's and 18x9 Moto wheels, and I am trying my best to learn on what is the preferred lift kit to install on my truck? I am looking primarily at the Fabtech and Pro Comp. One alignment shop who has been around before I was born (I am 45) quickly told me to go with Fabtech as they have had several of the "other" kits more so than any fabtech lift. They are not dealers or installers of lift kits. Then I go to 4 Wheel Parts and they immediately tell me go with Pro Comp! Bottom line is that I am looking towards end results, which are performance and efficiency. I do not do a lot of off roading except during deer season and a catching a few hogs during the summer, so I am looking more for ride comfort on the open roads. Presently this truck rides like you are on ice, can't hardly feel a thing! Best riding truck I have ever had. So keeping as close to this as possible would be a great choice. I will be looking at the 6" lift, so you guys have any suggestions with some hard facts to support? Many thanks

Fabtech is more lift it will clear the 35s better. Its a good kit. You wont find too many people that like the pro comp kit on here. ( i dont know much about it).

Some people will say go fabtech, some will so go BDS and some will say go superlift. Fabtech is biggest with full drop on the diff. The BDS is a great kit, tad less lift, but not as much as a diff drop. I dont know anything wrong with the superlift kit, and it does have one nice option where I think if you spend an extra 400 dollars u can go with new rear leafs as opposed to add-a-leaf and block that the fabtech gives.

Personally, I went fabtech because its the most lift. They call it 6" but got damn near 8" out of it. Like a true 7 3/4" out of it.

Thanks STLavsa,

What you said is very true and has been mentioned to me by others in town. I really appreciate your feedback on that. The lift is scheduled for Tuesday or Wednesday of next week tentatively, so will post some pics of her once she is done. So far with tires, wheels, lift and labor has come to $4828. After getting quotes from 3-4 dealers, this has been about average with a small plus or minus. Then to follow will be duals after the cats, K&N Cold Air kit, and a Viper Alarm system to at least give me time to grab my shotgun for the dummy who tries to take my DNX 9140 head unit! I will place comment on the ride change, better or for worse. Thanks again and crossing fingers Fabtech and the installer make my sweetie look and perform great. Enjoy your week!

blackout07 · March 3, 2010

Sounds like you have made your choice...and it is a good one. But don't count on maintaining that smooth ride.

colarguns · March 3, 2010

Sounds like you have made your choice...and it is a good one. But don't count on maintaining that smooth ride.

Yes you are right Blackout....I do expect to see some tougher stance on the road, especially with E rated tires. I will adapt to it I am sure. A buddy of mine always tells me it rides just like a cadillac, so will wait to see what the turnout will be once she is lifted. Am also considering on removal of all badges and molding to give her a clean look. She will be close to $50-55K when all is said and done. But having fun doing it, that's all that matters I guess. I may be heading back to Afghanistan, so now have to find a high ceiling warehouse. Aahhh, the sacrifices we make! But she will be worth coming home to. Married to her now!

stlavsa · March 4, 2010

Sounds like you have made your choice...and it is a good one. But don't count on maintaining that smooth ride.

Yes you are right Blackout....I do expect to see some tougher stance on the road, especially with E rated tires. I will adapt to it I am sure. A buddy of mine always tells me it rides just like a cadillac, so will wait to see what the turnout will be once she is lifted. Am also considering on removal of all badges and molding to give her a clean look. She will be close to $50-55K when all is said and done. But having fun doing it, that's all that matters I guess. I may be heading back to Afghanistan, so now have to find a high ceiling warehouse. Aahhh, the sacrifices we make! But she will be worth coming home to. Married to her now!

I am and always have been guilty of the same thing... but I will say that automobiles are a terrible investment. Especially a new one, and modifications make it even worse. Its just such a waste..

Edit: Its still worth it though!

J-man67 · March 4, 2010

You will be happy with the ride and the great new look. I chose Fabtech when it was time to lift mine and I am happy still.

DwelveAT · March 5, 2010

You will be happy with the ride and the great new look. I chose Fabtech when it was time to lift mine and I am happy still.

Hell I just ordered mine this past Monday and waiting on that highly expensive part to come on in so I can have it installed, I have new tires/wheels sitting in storage growing dust and cobwebs. Just debating on whether to order a bull bar or not and if so chrome or black.

stlavsa · March 5, 2010

You will be happy with the ride and the great new look. I chose Fabtech when it was time to lift mine and I am happy still.

Hell I just ordered mine this past Monday and waiting on that highly expensive part to come on in so I can have it installed, I have new tires/wheels sitting in storage growing dust and cobwebs. Just debating on whether to order a bull bar or not and if so chrome or black.

buck full bars

jbroussard · March 6, 2010

Hi, i have a new body style 07. I had Les Schwab install a 6" Fabtech kit and I love it. I have about 30,000 miles on the lift and have had no issues what so ever. The only restriction is that my right turns arent as sharp as they were stock. I also have the 35x12.5x18 setup. I love my truck and I love the lift! Good Luck, Fabtech is worth it! James

blackout07 · March 6, 2010

Hi, i have a new body style 07. I had Les Schwab install a 6" Fabtech kit and I love it. I have about 30,000 miles on the lift and have had no issues what so ever. The only restriction is that my right turns arent as sharp as they were stock. I also have the 35x12.5x18 setup. I love my truck and I love the lift! Good Luck, Fabtech is worth it! James

Great looking truck you have there, and welcome to the site.

colarguns · March 6, 2010

Hi, i have a new body style 07. I had Les Schwab install a 6" Fabtech kit and I love it. I have about 30,000 miles on the lift and have had no issues what so ever. The only restriction is that my right turns arent as sharp as they were stock. I also have the 35x12.5x18 setup. I love my truck and I love the lift! Good Luck, Fabtech is worth it! James

Very nice rig you have James....and thanks for the pics and feedback. Having mine done next week on Wednesday, so will post my pics when she is done. I am one of those anal types and everything has to be right..guess it was the Marine Corps that made me that way (lol), but still trying to focus on how to best keep the engine and transmission happy with the over size tires and of course the lift. I have the 3:42 gear ratio and that also has me concerned a bit. Looking at magnaflow or flow master, cold air intake probably K&N, and also a damn good tune to get all chiming. I am not wanting a high school hot rod that those those young guys enjoy so much, just wanted this lift and tires to get me where I want to go when I hunt, and yeah...looks count also! This is one reason I joined this forum, was to hear "real" world experience on what works best. I hear Black Bear Tune is the happening thing going, but also wondering what in the world makes his tune any different than what someone else can do. If you look him up on this and other forums, his name is spreading like wildfire and everyone from around the country wants it done on their vehicle. Anyone got a clue as to what this guy uses and why it is any better than going on a dyno or other tuning system? If it is in fact something that will make your truck happier than using other methods, hell guess I will drive to Virginia which is where I think he stationed. Again...very nice truck you have and glad to know the Fabtech is keeping you satisfied. Take care.

Dan

jbroussard · March 6, 2010

Thanks Guys, Dan i have the edge Evolution Programmer. On the Economy mode i get around 15.7 mpg according to the truck computer. I adjusted the tire size with the programmer and checked it against the speedo thru my navigation system (after market Pioneer). The truck speedo and the nav speedo are now really close. Also, the reverse rear camera is priceless! Unfortunately I live on a couple miles of dirt road, I need some flares, big time. Wednesday is going to feel like a lifetime away! Post some pix. James

stlavsa · March 6, 2010

Thanks Guys, Dan i have the edge Evolution Programmer. On the Economy mode i get around 15.7 mpg according to the truck computer. I adjusted the tire size with the programmer and checked it against the speedo thru my navigation system (after market Pioneer). The truck speedo and the nav speedo are now really close. Also, the reverse rear camera is priceless! Unfortunately I live on a couple miles of dirt road, I need some flares, big time. Wednesday is going to feel like a lifetime away! Post some pix. James

you dont want to go with a plug in style programmer. They only tune the ECM not the TCM. You need to tune the TCM to bump up the line pressure a little for quicker shifts. The quicker shifts mean less slipping and less heat. With the TCM tune you can also have some of the torque management backed off to improve driveability.

And look for the billet servos on ebay. Most tuners on this board recommend installing the servos before you get the truck tuned. It also helps with the tranny slippage and drag. With the servos you dont need to run the line pressure quite as high and it yields more consistent shifts.. You can get the servos for less than $100 bux and it should only take you an hour to install them or a tranny shop about 20 minutes to do.

Those are the bare minimum a tune and servos. The next step would be to re-gear. i guess you would want 4.10s since you have the 6 speed.

FarmerDave · March 7, 2010

When you do get around to the air intake, the K&N is a solid choice. But when i did some shopping around i went with the Volant. Approximately $100 more than K&N, but it has its own sealed box so the IAT is much lower than with the stock intake.

Incredibly improved throttle response.

Go with Volant, thats my $0.02