Lifting Rules of Thumb

[A_Ninja_Racer]

Hello All,

 

I'm looking at getting a one of the GMC Sierra 4x4 Elevation Editions in the near future and I'm curious about common lift practices.

 

To give you guys an idea of what I'm looking for here. I currently have a 2008 Tacoma and on all the forums the rule of thumb is no more than 3 inches suspension or spacer or you will run into axle issues. Anything bigger than 3 inches requires a Drop bracket for the Differential. Most Off Road enthusiasts frown upon the drop bracket lifts stating that they get better ground clearance then guys with 6 inch drop bracket lifts because the New lower differential and bracket get hung up.

 

That being said I've been to a few dealerships looking at new and used options and have seen a few that were already lifted like in the 6 inch range. Most of these lifted truck appear be just big ass spacer lifts Like 6 in front and 4 or 5 inch blocks in the rear. Is this legit or is this going to cause major wear issues on ball joints and control arm bushings? Are the Axles able to handle a 6 inch lift without dropping the differential to decrease the angles? where do you guys draw the line?

[Sierra706]

Hello All,

 

I'm looking at getting a one of the GMC Sierra 4x4 Elevation Editions in the near future and I'm curious about common lift practices.

 

To give you guys an idea of what I'm looking for here. I currently have a 2008 Tacoma and on all the forums the rule of thumb is no more than 3 inches suspension or spacer or you will run into axle issues. Anything bigger than 3 inches requires a Drop bracket for the Differential. Most Off Road enthusiasts frown upon the drop bracket lifts stating that they get better ground clearance then guys with 6 inch drop bracket lifts because the New lower differential and bracket get hung up.

 

That being said I've been to a few dealerships looking at new and used options and have seen a few that were already lifted like in the 6 inch range. Most of these lifted truck appear be just big ass spacer lifts Like 6 in front and 4 or 5 inch blocks in the rear. Is this legit or is this going to cause major wear issues on ball joints and control arm bushings? Are the Axles able to handle a 6 inch lift without dropping the differential to decrease the angles? where do you guys draw the line?

Those dealer special lifted trucks such as black widow or rocky ridge have differentials that have been relocated.

 

Edit. The bracket lifts are fine for trucks that see on road or limited off road use. The spacer lift does nothing for ride quality. And even the highest quality ones will slightly lower ride quality just due to physics. If you want the best lift, get one with coilovers, such as BDS.

 

Alternately you can get a full long travel suspension with new lower control arms. Won't be as high as some of the spacer/coilover lifts, but will ride like a prerunner offroad. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny and do heavy modifications ie suspension work and new fiberglass fenders.

 

 

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Edited August 11, 2017 by Bushleaguechew