Help With Lift Options For Gmt800

Gryphon · October 15, 2011

I have a 2005 Sierra 1500, Z71 4x4, AutoTrac transmission, factory QF7 17" wheels and 265/70/17 BFG ATs. When I bought it I really wanted a 2500 diesel but it was (and since I bought a house, still is) out of my price range. Since my truck is actually well set up for towing (4.10 diff, L33 engine, factory tow package, 10-ply BFGs) I'm going to keep it for probably another four years, so I figured a cheaper alternative to trading up to a 2500 would be to just lift the one I have a bit to get the appearance I'm after.

I saw a similar truck the other day and I asked the guy what he had on it, which was a 3" suspension and 2" body lift. Looked great but we were driving and I never had a chance to inspect it closely. I am NOT a fan of body lifts showing daylight over the frame so I would prefer purely a suspension lift.

I've been reading about the various lifts these guys have and need some help figuring out what I want: http://rockymountainsusp.com/GM_IFS99.htm

I DO tow some rather heavy loads so I don't want to be dragging ass when hooked up, so a straight 2" leveling kit is out of the question. Would a 2" level plus rear blocks give me what I'm after? Shocks need replacing soon anyhow so I could either do spacers or just get new ones I suppose. One thing I AM interested in is maintaining front end geometry as close to OEM as possible, as the Skyjacker 3" advertises on that page, but the price makes me cringe a little. The Rough Country 2" leveling and 3" rear block WITH shocks for $300, now that's a nice price range but is it what I'm after?

Tried looking through the forum here but so many of you guys now have GMT900s that us older model owners are getting left behind. Thanks in advance fellas!

csheatz · October 16, 2011

After looking for a few months I decided to get 2" keys, and tuff country add-a-leaf. This will give a little higher stance and keep the rear rake so when I do tow heavy it doesnt look like the truck is saging as if it would when just leveled. Also while doing this I am adding Bilstein 5100 shocks. Couldnt find a kit I really liked so I got some aftermarket keys from ebay, the add-a-leaf from a suspension website, as well as the shocks.

I am still waiting for my leafs and shocks to come in (UPS) but I have been in the process of doing the install for the last week, this is not my daily driver and I work 70+ hours a week so there is no rush. All of this could easly be done in a day. (pictures coming soon)

Also because you have a Z71 you should already have 2" blocks in the rear from the factory, DO NOT stack block, get the AAL. And if you tow a lot watch your tire size, even with the 4.10 you will notice a drop in go power! I have 3.42 and am running 295/70-17, with a tune its not a complete dog but I can tell. Enough so that I might not go to 305/70-17 after the lift is done. Actully thinking about going to a 285/75-17 (I know its taller).

Hope this helps some.

Gryphon · October 16, 2011

It does, thanks! The 2" factory blocks I wasn't aware of so that's very useful. How much extra height does an AAL give you? Do you think swapping the blocks would be of any greater/lesser benefit, ie. with 3" blocks for instance? I like the fact that I can order the Rough Country 2" front kit with 3" rear blocks and it includes shocks for $299. The Bilsteins in Canada are $100 a PIECE.

I was also thinking of doing air bags as I have a bunch of equipment for onboard air, but haven't gotten around to that project just yet. I think airbags are also much more expensive aren't they?

csheatz · October 17, 2011

I am still waiting for my AAL to come in (UPS today I hope). Installed the keys yesterday, when I had the factory keys nearly all the way up my fender height was 37-1/4", new keys with the adjustment bolt just about flush with the buttom of the support bracket, or the head just hanging below I am sitting at 39-3/4". I dont know if this will be final because the back of the truck is still on jack stands.

The AAL say they are good for 2". I went this route because I often end up with a trailer with 2 quads and one in the bed of the truck, they are about 700lbs each. When I just had the front end leveled out this load made the truck look like it was really loaded. The AAL over taller blocks will take care of this!

Gryphon · October 17, 2011

Nice, hope you can post some pics of the finished product! Where did you get your AALs from? I also notice you've got a Z71 package so are you keeping the factory 2" blocks in the rear?

csheatz · October 18, 2011

Yes, keeping the 2" stock blocks. AAL from ebay. Just had a nice email with the seller, they might make it here this week! I ordered them last thursday, my truck is sitting on jack stands waiting and on top of that we are suppose to go to an event on saturday with the truck..... Not happy right now but if they get here friday it will be about 2 hours to get them done then I can still get an alignment sat am. Still some hope.

jimmyboy8301 · October 20, 2011

6" lift with 35's and 4.56's IMO or even 4.88s

Gryphon · October 21, 2011

Huh??

Blue_Z71 · November 20, 2011

To the OP, we have almost the exact same truck. Let me know if you or anyone else has any questions.

tyhuck · November 21, 2011

Same here. Im running a 3" BL, 2" Tuff Country lift (keys and AAL) bought from RockyMountainSusp.com and I love the setup. The AALs sit slightly higher than the 2" they claim, but thats perfect for running loaded or towing. I loaded the entire bed of my truck with iron ore rocks and the rear was just level with the front. A good set of gap guards and you wont even know the BL is there. I didnt like the rubber ones that are sold seperate from all of the lifts, so I made my own by cutting a couple of strips of 16 guage steel and pop-riveting it to the bed. a quick shot of aerosol bedliner and you dont even know they are there.

I wanted a 4" myself, but the setup I am running now only cost $500 as opposed to the $1200 on the cheap end for a 4" suspension lift.

tyhuck · November 21, 2011

To the OP, we have almost the exact same truck. Let me know if you or anyone else has any questions.

This truck was my inspiration. Really sharp truck you go there. The only thing is that I will probably run a 305/70/17 (34x12) rather than jumping to a true 35x12.50. I dont want to have any rubbing or trimming to contend with.

Sorry to hijack.

Blue_Z71 · November 21, 2011

Aww shucks, thanks man. I got my bonus, walked into 4 Wheel Parts, and just started ordering stuff. I'm glad it turned out halfway decent!! lol I think it looks pretty decent for just being slapped together the "cheap way" as opposed to a 6"