RCD, BDS, Zone, Rancho or Pro Comp lift kits

[bpitre8]

I'm looking at going with a lift kit on my 2006 Z71that will allow me to use my American Racing Baja 16" wheels (4.5" backspacing). I have some 285/75/16 Buckshot tires from a previous truck that have about 50% tread left on them. I looked into the RCX 4 and 6 inch lift kits, but I'd have to buy new wheels and tires which I don't want to do right now.

 

So I'd like to get some feedback from you guys on the following lift kit manufacturers: RCD, BDS, Zone, Rancho, and Pro Comp. Hopefully some of you have these kits or are familiar with them. I know these kits are more expensive than the RCX, but I'm pretty sure they are at least the same quality, and maybe more. I'm looking at going anywhere from 4-6 inches. I'd be running my 33s for now, then maybe upgrade to 35s (along with re-gearing to at least 4.10s especially if it's a 6" lift kit I go with). What do you guys think? Which kit and how high with what size tire would look the best? I won't be doing much off-roading either.

 

Thanks.

 

 

[bpitre8]

So I assume the 100+ people who checked out this thread don't have one of the above mentioned lift kits

[STINSAN3]

Go with BDS 6", thats what I'm getting ready to do.

[bpitre8]

I hear they make excellent kits. Another thing I need to decide is how to go (whether 4" or 6"). I'd like to get the 6" lift, but I'm not sure when or if I'd put some 35s on. I'll be putting my 33s on first until I wear them out. Then maybe get wider tires like 33 x 12.5 with newer 18" wheels. I just wouldn't want the truck to look silly with the 33s since I hear most people suggest that 35s would look much better. I just know that I'd be getting it re-geared if I do eventually put 35s on. Decisions, decisions..

[kstruckcountry]

I think 33" tires would look good on those rims with a 6" lift.

 

How did you get 16" rims on a 2006?

[bpitre8]

A friend of mine has some 16" American Racing baja wheels (the 8 bullet hole-like design) that he bought for his 2002 GMC. He has a Ford now and has no use for them since they are 6 lug wheels. I've seen people on other forums that say true 33s (33 x 12.5) would look good too. However, the guys at the local shop where I will get my lift kit think otherwise. I guess its just personal preference. I actually like to see a nice gap (like 7-8") between the tire at the fender.

[kstruckcountry]

16" rims won't fit on a 2006. The front brake calipers won't clear them unfortunately.

[bpitre8]

Oh wow, I didn't realize that. Thanks for letting me know. Looks like I'll have to get new wheels and tires sooner than I expected.

[kstruckcountry]

No problem. It surprised me as well, and we're not the only ones

[bpitre8]

So assuming I go with a 6" kit (looking more into Pro Comp now), do you think I should get new wheels (18s) and some 33 x 12.5 tires instead of keeping my factory wheels with a 285/70/17? I know it would be cheaper to keep the factory wheels and get narrower 33s, but I hear that the only way 33s look good with a 6" lift is if they're 33 x 12.5.

[kstruckcountry]

I would do whatever you think will look the best. I think the 33's would look good in any width, but I like narrower tires.

[STINSAN3]

What gears do you have right now?

[bpitre8]

pretty sure it's 3.73

[STINSAN3]

pretty sure it's 3.73

 

Thats what I have.

Might regear in the future. To like 4.10s or 4.56

[travishale84]

i had 285 75 16's on my 2008 NNBS with procomp wheels. they will fit with slight grinding of the caliper. all in all i doubt it was even 1/16" on the high spot of the caliper. HOWEVER i did notice that the wheels got pretty hot and im pretty sure there wasnt adequate ventilation for the front brakes. but yes they will fit