lift kit....extend driveshaft?

ounteries · March 5, 2003

Hi,

I was wondering if I would have to extend the driveshaft if I lift my 2003 Sierra 1500 2wd with the "Fabtech - 3" Performance System"? Has anyone installed this kit before....is it a good kit....any problems?

thanks,

Oli

chvythndr · March 18, 2003

I doubt you'll have to extend or purchase another driveshaft for a 3" lift, but it really depends on the application. I'd call Fabtech and ask them. I am putting a 6" Superlift suspension lift + 3" Performance Accessories body lift on my '02 Z71 and i had to buy the Superlift dual cardan driveshaft.

gnet158 · March 19, 2003

Intresting,

I just had my 2002 GMC Sierra lifted and there was no mention of the driveshaft? The place that did the lift did mention something about having my gear ratio changed for performance gains (or something like that). Anyone else have any idea?

mark w · March 21, 2003

You do not need to do anything with the Fabtech 3" lift. I put the 3" spindles on my truck and it doesn't change a thing. When I added the control arms and springs for another 3" I had to put an adapter plate above the driveshaft to adjust the angle but still didn't have to touch the driveshaft. The 3" lift was nice (I should have stopped there, hindsight). It levels the truck out so the front end doesn't sag so much. You can fit 265s only though, if you go any bigger than that you will rub and risk loosing your windshiled washer bottle on a big bump(mine is mounted right in front of the front left wheel). good luck

chvythndr · March 21, 2003

Intresting,

I just had my 2002 GMC Sierra lifted and there was no mention of the driveshaft? The place that did the lift did mention something about having my gear ratio changed for performance gains (or something like that). Anyone else have any idea?

Gnet - a gear change will bring your RPMs back to where they were if you were running your stockers. I am putting 36x14.5 Super Swamper TSL Radials on my truck and I'm going to 4.56 gears soon. here's a good link that will help you determine what you need.

http://www.4wheelparts.com:80/Tirel_Gear_Ratio.asp

gnet158 · March 21, 2003

Thanks for the reply chevythndr,

If I leave my stock gears (3.42) will that mess up my tranny over time? As for my RPM's they stay pretty much exactly the same before the lift so in that respect I'm not concerned.

chvythndr · March 21, 2003

Well, by no means am I an expert, but I'd say that running 315s, aka 35s, your best bet would be to get either 4.10s or in my case w/ 36s, 4.56. As for 4.10 or 4.56, you would have to wiegh how much you drive off-road vs. on road. Hope this helps.