Went mudding for the first time. Looking for lift recommendations.

Josh185 · February 8, 2012

So last weekend I went mudding for the first time and, despite getting stuck a few times, had a blast. My truck performed as I expected at a stock ride height.

That said, I wouldn't mind lifting it a little since the times I got stuck were due to it bottoming out. A friend's Sierra that came along had a 10" lift with large tires and got around like the mud wasn't even there. While I don't want to go to that extreme, I am told that even a few inches more clearance will make a significant difference.

I saw a BDS 4" lift kit but noticed it required cutting and drilling which I would rather not have to do. I would like to keep the option of returning to stock if needed.

I saw this Rough Country 3.5" lift that required no such modifications http://www.roughcoun...4wd_1500_3.html and thought it seems pretty good at a fair price, but I know nothing about lifts and was wondering if anyone else had experience with this kit or if there are better kits that also don't require cutting/drilling.

Any advice is appreciated.

-Josh

chev1guy · February 8, 2012

There seems to be multiple issues with the RC 3" lift. If you search for that lift on this forum you will see that it is not recommended by the majority of the members. If all you are looking for is about 3" then I would suggest the "poor mans lift". Just level the front, add a bigger block in the rear and that should net you about 2-2.5" all around at a cheaper price.

redjewel2ss · February 8, 2012

the 4" and 6" lifts all cost the same. some more budget friendly lifts are Zone Offroad, and Rough Country.

i looking at doing the same by the end of the year. i would prefer the BDS, but if costs need to be cut, Zone would be my 2nd choice.

Josh185 · February 8, 2012

I considered using Bilstein leveling shocks but I'm looking for something closer to 3"-4" and most leveling methods I have seen give you at most 2"-3".

I liked those BDS kits but I would rather not have to do any cutting and such.

Is there any direct alternative to the Rough Country kit that I linked that is better since the reviews for the RC kit aren't too good?

Josh185 · February 8, 2012

Would this 4" kit from Fabtech be a good alternative? It appears to be similar to the RC kit. Anyone have any experience with this kit?

lbkthree · February 8, 2012

Would this 4" kit from Fabtech be a good alternative? It appears to be similar to the RC kit. Anyone have any experience with this kit?

I was wondering if anybody had this kit or others as well. I am a skeptic because it does not do anything with the lower control arms. This makes me wonder if they are going way beyond the specified angle limits of the lower ball joints, which would cause them to fail prematurely. Honestly, after previously owning trucks that were lifted I think I'm going to go the "budget friendly" route and get a zone 3.5" combo lift. This kit includeds a 2" leveling kit and a 1.5" body lift. I don't really favor body lifts but you can hardly tell that it is there because GM does a good job hiding the frame. I also like the fact that you don't have to do any driveline modifications with this kit. You can do the entire thing for about $400 if you buy the bumper relocating brackets.

Mckenzie · February 8, 2012

Get you RC's 7.5 inch lift for your truck and put some 35 inch mt's on it and you'll be good to go

travishale84 · February 9, 2012

a lift kit doesnt actually increase ground clearance at the lowest point (pumpkin). the only way to achieve more GC is taller tires. so even if your stock 31" tires get upgraded to 35" tires you only gained an actualy 2" of GC @ the pumpkin.