Need Help Clearing 33x12.50

tyhuck · January 6, 2011

I just bought my 05 Z71 and I have a long list of stuff that I want to do to it. But, since I dont have any money right now, I have plenty of time to research everything. However, I am having trouble with picking a lift for my truck. I want to run 33x12.50/17s or maybe a 35x12.50 eventually and I cant really figure out what kind of lift I would need. I also have a height restriction, my garage door, that will keep me from going up too high. Ive been looking at different 4" kits but they seem kinda pricey, so I decided to combine a BL and a torsion key lift.

Now to my question. What brand of BL should I get? I have nerf bars to cover the frame that is exposed, but I still dont want too much hanging out under there. So, Im looking for something around 2". I found a few, but is there a better kit to look into?

Also, What brand of key lift should I look into? Ive found several of these out there, and I cant tell the difference in any of them other than some have shocks, some come with rear blocks, and some come with AALs. Ive looked at Truxx, Rough Country, Tuff Country, and some generic kits on Ebay. I like the idea of saving money, but I dont want to skimp on quality either. So, give me your opinions on a moderately priced lift that wont fail on me.

Oh, if you have pictures of a similar setup on a 99 - 06 body style to show off, Ide appreciate that too.

Thanks so much in advance.

97reddodge · January 6, 2011

Rough country offers a complete leveling kit 2in in the and a 3in block in the rear if you keep factory wheels you can run 315 with minor rubbing the kits sells for 189.95 and thats with shocks

tyhuck · January 6, 2011

Rough country offers a complete leveling kit 2in in the and a 3in block in the rear if you keep factory wheels you can run 315 with minor rubbing the kits sells for 189.95 and thats with shocks

What size 315? 315/??/R??

Minor rubbing when? When turning on the Highway, just under compression, or when turning and compressed? If it rubs slightly when comressed AND turning thats fine. Otherwise, I want no rubbing since my truck sees quite a bit of moderate offroading.

97reddodge · January 6, 2011

315-75-15 and mostly lock to lock unless you are gong with an aggressive tire

tyhuck · January 6, 2011

15? Are you talking about a GM product? They havent had 15" wheels in years. Definately not on the 99 and later.

dirtfan21 · January 6, 2011

On my 2000, I ran a 3" body lift, and did a 2" crank on the torsion bars to run 33/12.5/16.5 tires. Do not buy keys, they are a waste of money. I had a Performance Accessories BL on my truck but Zone Offroad makes the same kit really and is what most use on here.

I never rubbed once but your wheel selection with spacing and offset typically is your deciding factor. I can't remember what mine were but they were Weld wheels.

Below is what my 2000 looked like.

blackout07 · January 6, 2011

I rubbed 305/55/20's on my 03 1500 HD with a 2" crank.

tyhuck · January 6, 2011

On my 2000, I ran a 3" body lift, and did a 2" crank on the torsion bars to run 33/12.5/16.5 tires. Do not buy keys, they are a waste of money. I had a Performance Accessories BL on my truck but Zone Offroad makes the same kit really and is what most use on here.

I never rubbed once but your wheel selection with spacing and offset typically is your deciding factor. I can't remember what mine were but they were Weld wheels.

Below is what my 2000 looked like.

I need the keys because my driver side is maxed with the stock key, and Im still 1" below level. Does anyone have the stock measurements from the ground to the lower lip of the fenders?

I rubbed 305/55/20's on my 03 1500 HD with a 2" crank.

What size does that equate to? Thats almost a 33x12.50 right?

Does the HD sit higher than a regular 1500? I had one a few months back but I dont remember. I know the 2500HD and 3500HD sit higher anyway.

ChevyTech77 · January 6, 2011

There is no factory spec for the measurement from the ground to the wheel well lip. All suspension measuring is done off the suspension, under the truck, for ride height.

Keys are not a waste but some people like to make them out and that will beat out a set of upper ball joints in a hurry. Plus, the ride will suffer up that high.

4-6" suspension lift will clear them perfect. BDS and Fabtech is what I've used. Good results from both.

tyhuck · January 6, 2011

There is no factory spec for the measurement from the ground to the wheel well lip. All suspension measuring is done off the suspension, under the truck, for ride height.

Keys are not a waste but some people like to make them out and that will beat out a set of upper ball joints in a hurry. Plus, the ride will suffer up that high.

4-6" suspension lift will clear them perfect. BDS and Fabtech is what I've used. Good results from both.

Yeah, but I would like to save some green. Thats why Im leaning away from the 4" suspension. I figure a 2" key lift and a 2" BL would save me over half and get me about the same. Plus, I need to still fit under a 7" garage door.

On my S10 I used to check the Z-height before lifting it. Is that the same process on these trucks?

ChevyTech77 · January 6, 2011

Sorry, missed the 7' door part. 4" should clear it but 6" needs an 8' door opening.

blackout07 · January 6, 2011

I rubbed 305/55/20's on my 03 1500 HD with a 2" crank.

What size does that equate to? Thats almost a 33x12.50 right?

Does the HD sit higher than a regular 1500? I had one a few months back but I dont remember. I know the 2500HD and 3500HD sit higher anyway.

Yes they are roughly a 33x12.50, and the 1500 HD's were about 3" higher than the regular 1/2 tons. My truck with a 2" crank sat just about as high as my bud's 1500 with a 3" body and 2" crank.

tyhuck · January 6, 2011

Ok, now if I wanted a little more bumper clearance, would it hurt to remove the little valence on the very bottom of the bumper? That wont cause any airflow issues will it?

tyhuck · March 3, 2011

Im still looking for a leveling kit. Like I said before, Im about an inch under level, and my keys are maxed. Plus I would like the adjustability of aftermarket keys. So, I was wondering which kit to get. They look to be pretty much the same, but is there a kit that is better, or worse for that matter, than the others??? I saw one vote for RC. Any others? Specifically which ones to stay away from.

Im also looking into a 2" BL for when I get ready to buy tires. Im looking into a 305 or 315. Ive heard good things about the Zone, and I had good luck with the PA lifts. Any others? Again, are there any to steer clear of?