Help Me Pick A Body Lift

[Mazer18]

Looking for some help picking out a body lift. I've held off on a body lift for some time now because I couldn't find anyone that made a body lift that was Regular Cab, Long Bed, "Manual Transfer Case" compatible. However, I found out via a seperate thread a few days ago that it doesn't matter if you have a manual transfer case because the linkage is adjustable. Correct?

 

There's so many brands I don't know which ones to stay away from.

 

I'm also considering which height. I was thinking 3" but I do use my truck for hauling often. Would you say the a 3" body lift plus 2" level on the front would be tall enough to cause extra strain and hassle when loading or unloading the bed?

 

My current tires are stock P265/70R17's. I figure they will look pretty small on a lifted truck?

 

Pic of truck

[oldschool327]

There will be no effect to the hauling capacity of the truck. It will be harder to get things in and out due to the increased hieght. Zone Offroad makes great kits and other use Performance assesories. 6 1/2 dozen with these two. I just picked up a Zone kit from a memeber after doing much research on everything you stated. The 265's will look punny on 5 inches of lift!

[Mazer18]

If it is much harder to get things into the back of the truck then maybe I should consider something smaller than a 3". My max was 3" anyhow. I didn't plan to get anywhere near 5".

 

I'm planning on getting a set of 285/70R17's. I don't know how long I'll have to drive around with 265's though before I have enough saved up. Hopefully the 285's will look better.

 

 

Zone Offroad must've been the website that I got the idea about not being able to use a regular cab/long bed and manual transfer case from.

Look at the area where I circled in yellow.

 

EDIT: It didn't come out very clear but it says:

"Will not fit regular cab, long box configuration."

"Will not fit applications with manual transfer case shifter."

[oldschool327]

with a 3inch BL kit and a 2 inch level that would give you a 5 inch lift. Add another inch for the 285's and that is 6 extra inches in all. Your best bet if you are worried about bed hieght is a level kit and additional 1 inch of block in the back. 285's will fit with that combo.

 

Look at Zones 3.5 kit. No mention of not working with a Manual T case. Would look real good

 

http://zoneoffroad.com/product?ki=148&gr=-1

[Mazer18]

OK I think I'll just go with the Zone 1.5" kit. http://zoneoffroad.com/product?ki=147&gr=-1

 

I've already got a Rough Country 2" level on so that 3.5" Zone kit would leave me with a set of levels laying around.

 

I personally don't mind having to strain a little more to load and unload the bed. Some of the family members (the older ones) however give me hell for not even having side step bars on the cab.

 

 

So I appreciate the help oldschool. Seems like you are always showing up to help out in my threads. I'll give the Zone 1.5" a try and start saving up for a nice set of knobby tires.

 

One more question real quick. Would you recommend the Rear Bumper Bracket Relocation kit with it?

 

Thanks again.

[blackout07]

Go with the 3". I had a 3" bl and a 2" leveling kit at one time and I had no issues getting stuff in and out of the bed when I was remodeling my house. Hell I've loaded and unloaded refigerators, washer/dryers, tv's, etc. in the bed with my current setup.

[Mazer18]

I'd like to do the 3" but look at post #3. I circled in yellow on Zone's webpage where it says: "Will not fit regular cab, long box configuration." "Will not fit applications with manual transfer case shifter."

 

So I can either go with the Zone 1.5" or a different brand body lift.

[oldschool327]

Highly recommend the bumper relocation.

[sab316]

Highly recommend the bumper relocation.

 

This.

[blackout07]

The manual t-case is a moot point. Look into P.A.

[lsuguy]

PA and Zone and other body lifts are pretty similar. But those 2 are great brands. I too recommend the 3" but have no idea about reg cab and t-cases. However the 3" is not that much harder to load/unload beds at all.

[IainDaniel]

Do you plan on doing the lift yourself?

 

I am interested in the 3" lift w/ the manual t-case.

 

Love to hear your feedback when you get it done.

[Mazer18]

No, I plan to let a shop do the install.

 

 

I e-mailed Zone asking about this and here's the response I got:

 

"We actually had to go out to the dealer lot to double check this answer so it took us an extra day to respond. The reg. cab long bed requires 2 additional bed spacers than the rest of the trucks out there. I can add those in to your kit for a small additional charge and so it will work. We have not test fit the manual transfer case shifter, but I have had a few guys that have made it work on the 1.5” BL. Check out GM Fullsize – they posted about it there. Good work on the research, let me know if you have any further questions. Thanks."

[brokekid]

The install ins't hard at all and you can save some good cash. I just installed a Performance Accessories 3in. last week and it wasn't too hard, a little time consuming though. 4 wheel parts said it would be around 1200 for the lift and installation and I bought the lift for $355 and some change. Do the math bro. About the transfer case and Reg. cab probs I wouldn't know but if you decide to do it and have questions PM me and I can try to help. Performance has pretty good instructions and you dont really need too many tools except for a regular set of wrenches, sawzall, drill, torque wrench, and an impact wrench would help alot too. Just my 2 cents.

[sic lsx]

Go with the 3". I had a 3" bl and a 2" leveling kit at one time and I had no issues getting stuff in and out of the bed when I was remodeling my house. Hell I've loaded and unloaded refigerators, washer/dryers, tv's, etc. in the bed with my current setup.

 

any pics to share? pm me