suspension lift advice needed

bpitre8 · February 22, 2013

I recently picked up a 2006 Chevy Silverado Z71 that I am wanting to get a little higher with a suspension lift. After countless searches on Google about what brand lift and how high I should go, I finally signed up on this site to get some advice for my particular situation. First off, I am looking to get 4-6" higher. I know most people would agree that since the cost of 4-inch and 6-inch lift kits are similar, go with the 6-inch lift. However from a practical standpoint, this lift would be for 90% cosmetic satisfaction. I know during hunting season would likely be the only times I'd really go off-road. I really didn't want to have to re-gear my truck running 35s (would this be necessary with a 3.73 ratio?), so I'd likely just get 33s now. Also a friend of mine suggested a 4-inch lift since a higher lift (like 6") puts more strain on the front end components. Some questions that I have are the following:

1. Would 33s look alright with a 4" lift?

2. What brands would you guys recommend?

3. Will the suspension lift kit make the front tires stick out more than the rear tires? (I had a Fabtech spindle lift on a 2wd F150 that made the front tires poke out about 1-2") I'd like to have all wheels stick out the same amount, if any.

Any comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Frogfish · February 22, 2013

I recently picked up a 2006 Chevy Silverado Z71 that I am wanting to get a little higher with a suspension lift. After countless searches on Google about what brand lift and how high I should go, I finally signed up on this site to get some advice for my particular situation. First off, I am looking to get 4-6" higher. I know most people would agree that since the cost of 4-inch and 6-inch lift kits are similar, go with the 6-inch lift. However from a practical standpoint, this lift would be for 90% cosmetic satisfaction. I know during hunting season would likely be the only times I'd really go off-road. I really didn't want to have to re-gear my truck running 35s (would this be necessary with a 3.73 ratio?), so I'd likely just get 33s now. Also a friend of mine suggested a 4-inch lift since a higher lift (like 6") puts more strain on the front end components. Some questions that I have are the following:

1. Would 33s look alright with a 4" lift?

2. What brands would you guys recommend?

3. Will the suspension lift kit make the front tires stick out more than the rear tires? (I had a Fabtech spindle lift on a 2wd F150 that made the front tires poke out about 1-2") I'd like to have all wheels stick out the same amount, if any.

Any comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

1. Yes, but IMO 33s look perfect on a true 6" lift with 20x10s

2. The RCX NTD is a good kit for nbs trucks

3. Thats what wheel spacers are for

SarahsGMC · February 23, 2013

if you want practical then get a 4" you dont absolutely NEED 35s on a 6" considering a 33" AT tire looks fine on them, no you dont need to regear for 35s with a 3.73 you're golden with that rearend.

my truck is at stock height running a 33" tire no rubbing and looks perfect and it is the same year as yours.

so go with the 4" RCX kit, if you DO decide to go with 6 i would recommend FTS or Zone since RCX doesnt do a full 6" front differential drop they only do 4"

yukon25008.1 · February 23, 2013

I feel when you go with an actual 6" you should go with 35,s 4" or less 33,s look perfect.

When i go with a 6" on mine im going to run 35,s and go 4:56 for the gear ratio..

Drive a truck with 35,s and the factory 3:73,s then try to fing one with a gear swap//you,ll never look back, It would be the best improvment you could make other then a custom tune.

Frogfish · February 24, 2013

You DO and SHOULD regear if going with 35s. Otherwise you'll just grenade your rear end

Avoid all SST-like 4" lifts...they are complet $hit. If you must go with 4", go with a CST or BDS

bpitre8 · February 24, 2013

Thanks for the feedback so far y'all. I'm leaning more toward the 4" lift, just not decided on a particular manufacturer at the moment. Another reason for going with the 4" lift is that I have some 285-75-16s Maxxis Mudder Buckshots (50-60% tread left) that I had on my F-150, and a buddy of mine is selling me his American Racing Baja (bullet hole style) wheels that I will use instead of having to buy new wheels and tires after getting the lift which would save me some money for now. A local dealer told me I couldn't use stock 17s. Should I be ok with the 16" wheels? I know some lift kits say stock wheels can't be used. Is it something about the amount of backspacing? I'm pretty new to the game.

bpitre8 · March 8, 2013

So I figured out I can't use 16" wheels on my '06. That means I'll be getting new wheels and tires now when I get my lift. My main concern now will be deciding on which lift kit to go with. I'm leaning more toward the 6" lift instead of the 4". I will also go with a knuckle-style lift instead of the bracket-style. Any of you guys have any suggestions on a good manufacturer using the knuckle-style lift? I've looked at the BDS, Zone, RCD, and Skyjacker kits. Anyone familiar with these kits?