Just Bought My First New Vehicle, A 2011 1500 Lt

droptopsf98 · January 10, 2011

Hey Guys,

I'm a bit new here. I typically race my nissan, but I found myself in need of a good daily driver and a tow vehicle. So I got both! This is my first new vehicle, so I don't plan on going crazy with this truck. I figure a mild lift or leveling kit and some bigger tires will be the extent of my suspension modifications. I of course am looking at a nice catback just to open up the organs a bit. I will say I'm in love with my purchase!

pwall · January 10, 2011

Congrats and Welcome!

Stevens03 · January 10, 2011

Congrats on the new truck.... What gear choice did you get since you'll be towing?

droptopsf98 · January 11, 2011

To be honest, I didn't pick the gearing, or do any research. I got the 3.42, which my dad has towed with successfully. Should I have something else?

[email protected] · January 11, 2011

Depends, if it's the 4 speed good luck towing too much with that. But, with the 6 it'll be alright.

music · January 11, 2011

I towed a 5k lb camper with a 5.3/4-spd/3.42 for years without complaint or issue. 16" wheels though. A 2011 5.3/6-spd/3.42 is a good towing setup (assuming it has the tow pkg).

droptopsf98 · January 12, 2011

Yes, I do have the tow package. That was a MUST when I was purchasing the vehicle.

Stevens03 · January 12, 2011

3.42's are a good gear with the 6-speed transmission. So without looking, you lucked out

droptopsf98 · January 12, 2011

woohoo! Go me! I knew I wanted the 6 speed, and I knew my dad had a 3.42 in his 06. His 4 speed towed my cavalier without any issues across the entire midwest. That car only weighed about 2900 lbs though.

I've been looking at wheels/tires. My readings are suggesting around 33" tall if I do a levelling kit. Every kit I see basically just spaces the front diff down, and puts strut extensions on with different control arms, and maybe steering knuckles. Is this your typical "suspension lift", or is this a body lift. I'm a newb to working on trucks, but I'm pretty mechanically savvy. I have also been told to be prepared to go through tie rod ends and ball joints. How often are we talking? Every 30k miles I wouldn't mind...every 10k miles would piss me off. My typical driving is on road, boring driving. I don't do much off road, especially not with any real throttle.