3" lift kit and stock wheels

[ounteries]

hi,

first thanks to the founder of this great webside, there is a lot of information in here.

Now to my problem/question:

I have a 2003 Sierra 1500 2wd and i am thinking of lifting it 3". All lift kits i was looking at say that I can't use the stock wheels and tires. Is this true and why? I probably end up getting some larger aftermarket rims and tires anyways, but has anyone here installed a kit and used the stock wheels? And if, any pictures so i would have an idea what it would look like? Any information would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

            Oli

 

         

[MountaineerTom]

I think the reason has to do with the back spacing of the stock wheels.

[Tungsten]

Yup its back spacing,  Your rims now have 5" backspacing, and you need 4.5" for most lifts.  I have heard of people using spacers, But I don't really like them.

[Professor]

Check with fabtech. They say you can not use oversize tires with stock wheels. You may be able to use your wheels and stcok tires until you change to aftermarket wheels.

 

Fabtech Link

[Shaners]

Mathew4:19, one of the members here, has a '00 2wd Sierra that he has lifted.  You might want to contact him to get some details...  His truck came out pretty darn good, I think...

 

Here is a picture of his 2wd lifted.