Those with 35's, need some measurements, please

DKZ71 · May 27, 2015

I have a 2014 Sierra DC Z71 that I want to install a lift in. My dilemma is that MA does not legally allow more than 4 inch suspension lift. I have been viewing the Rocky Ridge Alpine trucks at the dealership and they state its a 4 inch lift with 35's and completely street legal. The fender heights measure 45 inches at all four corners.

This seems high to me, much higher than I would expect with a 4 inch lift, but I don't have any other trucks around here to compare against. The Rocky Ridge trucks use a modified Pro Comp lift kit that is not available to the public. The front cross member measures a drop of 7 inches, but there was no spacers on the struts like shown on their website for 6 inch lifts. The BDS lift cross member only drops the front end 4 inches and uses longer struts to gain the total 6 inch lift. I figured I had to settle for a 4 inch lift, but if the dealers are really selling a 6 inch lift, I will change to the BDS 6 inch version if both trucks will measure out the same in the end. We have annual inspections where they will measure the trucks if they so choose.

For those with lifts, both 4 or 6 inch with 35 tires, can you post your fender heights you ended up with? I really need to figure out what is going on here and make a decision. Thanks!

Mike1220 · May 27, 2015

Ive seen front measurements between 45-46" from ground to front fender and 45-47" from ground to rear fender. This is with 6"-7" lifts with 35s.

sealteem1 · May 27, 2015

I have a 7" McGaughy lift and here are my measurements.

Front

Rear

Pretty much dead on with what Mike just said.

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DKZ71 · May 27, 2015

Thanks for the input. Anyone else want to chime in?

ProModMike · May 27, 2015

This isn't contructive or helpful AT ALL, lol, but I'd like to see them impose a limit like that here in Texas, lmao. Half the cops would have to lower their trucks, lol.

DKZ71 · May 27, 2015

I think you can go too high, but this is my daily driver and sees its fair share of highway use, and I just want everyone to play by the same rules. If they are really pushing a 6 inch lift and marketing it as 4 inch then I should be able to install my own 6 inch lift and be legit. I just don't have any experience to know what the heights of each lift come out to be in the end. I have an assumption that the 6 inch lift comes out closer to 45 inches in fender height, but don't know for sure.

Payton34 · May 29, 2015

BDS 6inch fox coilovers and BDS rear leaf springs 35x12.5 Mickey Thompson ATZ

43.75" front 44.75" rear

bkdR1 · June 5, 2015

6" Fabtech, 35" x 12.50" 20 Toyo AT II's. My fender height measures 45 1/2" front and 45" rear.

Mark985 · January 17, 2017

6" Fabtech, 35" x 12.50" 20 Toyo AT II's. My fender height measures 45 1/2" front and 45" rear.

I know this is old but what fabtech lift do you have? Gen 1 has the bottom strut extender and gen 2 has the top strut spacer. Trying to make my deduction on what lift to get and seen this. Thanks

bkdR1 · January 17, 2017

I know this is old but what fabtech lift do you have? Gen 1 has the bottom strut extender and gen 2 has the top strut spacer. Trying to make my deduction on what lift to get and seen this. Thanks

I'm running the Gen 1 kit.

Mark985 · January 17, 2017

I'm running the Gen 1 kit.

Thanks for the reply back. I think that's the kit I'm gonna go with? Have you had any issues and would you recommend it? With the setup your running would you clear a 7ft high garage? Thanks again for the help.

bkdR1 · January 17, 2017

Thanks for the reply back. I think that's the kit I'm gonna go with? Have you had any issues and would you recommend it? With the setup your running would you clear a 7ft high garage? Thanks again for the help.

See post #1054 http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/152356-2014-suspension-lifts/page-71?do=findComment&comment=1607948 The only drawback with this kit and probably all Fabtech knuckle lifts is that you lose some turning radius. So u-turns and tight parking lot maneuvers are challenging. I avoid the u-turns and manage the parking lots. Other than that I'm very happy with my setup. Spend some time and go through the link that I attached, there's a ton of great information in there. I hope this helps and good luck with your choice.

Mark985 · January 18, 2017

See post #1054 http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/152356-2014-suspension-lifts/page-71?do=findComment&comment=1607948 The only drawback with this kit and probably all Fabtech knuckle lifts is that you lose some turning radius. So u-turns and tight parking lot maneuvers are challenging. I avoid the u-turns and manage the parking lots. Other than that I'm very happy with my setup. Spend some time and go through the link that I attached, there's a ton of great information in there. I hope this helps and good luck with your choice.

Thanks that exactly some of the info I was looking for. All kinds of info on different lift kits but not to many fabtech ones. Do you run spacers or did the track stay the same? Sorry for all the questions.lol

bkdR1 · January 18, 2017

Thanks that exactly some of the info I was looking for. All kinds of info on different lift kits but not to many fabtech ones. Do you run spacers or did the track stay the same? Sorry for all the questions.lol

All knuckle lift kits will increase the front track width. My wheels got pushed out about 1 1/2". I'm not a fan of spacers, but I have been thinking about installing some.