Finally, time for a lift!

BigTrucK · January 17, 2003

Sup all. Lift n00b but definately a long-time enthusiast. Got my hands on about $5K and looking to lift my pig.

Heard a lot of different things about a lot of different companies but here is a rundown of what im looking to do, this however is not set in stone.

8" lift (front and rear even height)

36x14.5r15s

15x10 rims

Dual front shocks (stronger A-arms)

This will be all done to a:

2002 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Extended Cab (non-z71)

I would like to keep the factory gearing of 3.73 while maintaining a decent ride on the freeway.

I would like some opinions or feedback on this upcoming project. As I doubt I will come across this kinda scratch for a while. Thanks in advance!

kylant · January 17, 2003

you cannot use 15" wheels. they will not clear the calipers on these new trucks. 16" is the minimum

Frank S · January 17, 2003

You're going to suffer a big hit on in town gas mileage by keeping the stock gears.You'll have to step pretty hard on the accelerator to be able to get your truck to start off at a decent clip.

If you're planning on lifting your truck and putting 36" tires on it running at a somewhat higher rpm on the freeway shouldn't be one of your primary concerns.Remeber,the current Vortec engines are designed to still perform in the higher rpm ranges.

DamianSolomon · January 17, 2003

Big Truck, sounds like you have quite a list of mods. Although you may want to reconsider the gearing. It will be tough getting up to highway speeds with the stock 3.73 and those larger shoes! Anyway, there are several companies who manufacture an 8 inch lift, Fabtech,Superlift,Skyjacker,ProComp,Full Throttle,Twisted Supsensions,CST(California Super Trucks) to name a few. Make sure you check them out and do alot of research on the products....it would be a shame to waste the 5K!

BigTrucK · January 17, 2003

Ya... trying to get the most from the 5K... been calling around and checking out some websites... seems to me there are very few 8" lift kits out there for my rig. A lot of 6" and even a 9.5" lift.

Wonder if a 6" suspension and 3" body would be the solution to stuff the 36s under?

Been reading some bad things about the whiplash liftkits, but hearing some good things about the full throttle kits.

Sierra5.3 · January 19, 2003

You could get a 6 inch lift and put some ford torsion keys on the front and you should be able to clear the front fenders, or you could get some bushwacker fenders for the front. Why do want to get 14.5's and whats wrong with 35's? If your not going off-road I dont see any use for them.

BigTrucK · January 22, 2003

Dang. Didn't know lifting a truck was this much work and nothing has even been done to the truck yet! Been researching online and calling around for quotes and finally found something that sounds pretty tits. Here's the breakdown:

1 - 6" RCD Suspension Lift

http://toyzfortrucks.com/item353.htm

1 - 3" Performance Body Lift

4 - 36x12.5R16 Super Swamper TSLs

http://www.kaltire.com/retail/tires/mudders2.php

4 - 16x10 Weld SSSVs

http://www.weldracing.com/SSScorpioV.html

The cheapest I could get all this installed and out the door is $5088.

Basically I want it to look like this (liftwise) afterwards:

http://www.off-road.com/chevy/readers_rides/nazari/index.html

Whatcha think?

Sierra5.3 · January 23, 2003

Are you installing the lift yourself? If not how much is it gonna cost you? You could also get tires cheaper if you get 16.5 instead of 16. Whats wrong with 35's? Also you shouldn't be getting such aggresive mud tires if your gonna drive on the road. My friend has 35x14.5x15 swamper boggers on his jeep the tire compound is so soft that the tires wear like crazy since he drives them on the road all the time. Also they Howl like no tomorrow. hope this helps

BigTrucK · January 23, 2003

Going for 36s cuz I figure get the most from the money being invested, the price difference between 35s and 36s wasn't that much so I figured what the ####.

It is my understanding that the super swamper TSLs were better for highway travel than the Thornbirds. Basically looking for a strong tire cuz I offroad at least once a week when heading out to the desert to go riding.

The $5088 includes labor, tax, and parts. So basically it's out the door.

What's your take on front dual shocks? They said they could add dual shocks for an extra $800. Figured it would be a worthwhile upgrade because of the stronger A-arms.

Sierra5.3 · January 23, 2003

Well I installed the lift myself on my truck, a pain. It'll save you $500 or so. I thought my lift came with dual fronts, at least thats what they told me. It was either single or triple, so i got the triple a little rough up front but not much. I would get duals, but $800 extra for dual shocks sounds kinda steep.

BigTrucK · January 23, 2003

Haha... im not very mechanically inclined so doing the lift myself is outta the question. Plus I would like some recourse if something were to happen down the road. This guy garuntees his work for as long as you own the truck and even after you sell it.

$800 does seem a bit steep for an extra shock. One guy quoted me $1000 for triple shocks but that seems like overkill to me. Thanks for the feedback!

BigTrucK · January 23, 2003

What's everyone's take on procomp lift kits?

Got a quote from a local shop that is part of the 4wheelparts.com nationwide chain. Dude said he could do:

6" procomp lift with mx shocks

3" pro body lift

4 x 16x10 SSSvs with centercaps

4 x 36x12.5x16 SS TSLs

Skidplate

Triple front shocks

All for $5600 out the door. Best deal so far and unless I find something better in the next few days will be making my deposit on it.

Sierra5.3 · January 24, 2003

I got a Pro-comp lift, not bad. Nothing but a pain to put on. COmes standard with a single shock. Think its $300 for the triple shock kit which comes with 4 shocks shock hoop and stuff. Havent had a problem with the lift. Except none of the shops around here can align my tires right. they keep on toeing them in. Can anyone offer any help on that?

BigTrucK · January 24, 2003

#### dude... so much calling and research. Almost feel like Im back in school again. Anyways heres the final breakdown... let me know what you think:

6" RCD Suspension Lift

3" Performance Accessories Body Lift

4 * 17x10 Weld Scorpio Vs

4 * 37x12.5R17 Goodyear MTRs

Cost out the door is $4,949.66

After days of hammering the local shops this is the best deal I could find. Cool thing is the tires are provided by Americas Tire Company so I get all the road hazard warranties plus free lifetime rotate and balancing.

Finally gonna make the deposit next week, prolly around tues or wed. Posted the before pic... will post the after pic later.

Frank S · January 24, 2003

RCD is a good brand.The most important thing is to make sure you can trust the shop and I'm going to echo my first post in this thread:Re gear the truck ASAP!

Not only will you have a little trouble getting to highway speeds but your transmission will kick back and forth between gears trying to maintain speed when on hills,overpasses,etc.

edit-Also,you may want to rethink using Weld wheels on the truck.I have no experience with them first hand but I'm hearing from several people that have run them on lifted and off road rigs that they are not meant to stand up to off road use.It might be wise to look into Centerlines or something.

Just trying to look out for you.