4" lift BDS or FabTech Please chime in...

[MRob]

I know there are a bunch of threads on this continual debate, but everyone has different specifics.

 

I've had lifts in the past and not been happy with how they ride.  However, I have always went LOW COST and didn't realize what was truly going on.

 

This time, I want to be as educated on the subject as an average consumer can be.   I want a 4" lift and have narrowed it down to BDS or FabTech.  

This truck is a road queen.  No off road playing or use needed.  

 

I have a quote for the FabTech kit with Bilsteins all the way around for 2900 out the door. (this is the "real full lift" and not the glorified level one)  

I believe the BDS quote was like 3200... or around that.

 

My main goal is GOOD ride quality.  I've been told that with the Bilsteins and the 4" Fab, that It will likely ride better than it does now on my 2" level.  AND that since it's a road queen, I don't need to shell out the extra $$ for the BDS.

 

Apparently the suspension angles are mucho important in a lift here.  Does that mean BDS is superior?? 

 

I don't mind spending the extra money.... having said that, should I just go BDS and be done with it????  Or would I be just as well with the FabTech?

[lapoolboy]

You're talking about $300.  Spend it and get the BDS.  BDS > Fabtech ALL DAY LONG!  You're welcome.

[MRob]

That's what I thought.... thank you!   Even if it's 500.00 right??  I mean... from what I read, it's worth it.

 

 

[jimmyboy8301]

if you're getting the fox resi coilovers then i'd go BDS all day long, however if you are getting the BDS with the standard front shocks then i'd look at the Zone 4.5" (same company as BDS) and add bilstein front 5100s and the fox rear 2.0's. it will save you about $1500. the BDS 4" and Zone 4.5" are essentially the same kits with very minor changes. the most obvious is that Zone uses front strut spacers with the stock front shocks, and BDS uses their own front shocks or the Fox resi coilovers as an option. But again, as i said you can upgrade the stock front shocks with the Zone kit to the bilsteins which have an excellent ride. 

[lapoolboy]

You can add the Fox coilovers and 2.0s to a Zone lift also.  No need to buy BDS just to get that option.

[jimmyboy8301]

5 minutes ago, lapoolboy said:

You can add the Fox coilovers and 2.0s to a Zone lift also.  No need to buy BDS just to get that option.

very true. the fox coilovers that come with the BDS kit though are the DSC resi's which are about $1600. the fox coilovers they sell on the Zone site are not resi's and still utilize the strut spacer, they are only about $800 for the set. However since Zone and BDS are the same company you can also order the DSC resi fox's for the zone kit too. 

[2017Darkness]

I have the 4" BDS with the BDS shocks in the rear and am very happy with the ride. This is my first lifted truck and expected it be pretty harsh, but not the case. Little stiff in the rear, but not terrible by any means.

[MRob]

I am planning to upgrade all for shocks to Bilsteins regardless of what I end up with... I don't "need" coil overs and or the cost that come with it....  so?? 

[jimmyboy8301]

42 minutes ago, MRob said:

I am planning to upgrade all for shocks to Bilsteins regardless of what I end up with... I don't "need" coil overs and or the cost that come with it....  so?? 

in that case I would go with the zone 4.5" kit. Zone is basically the "generic" version of BDS and is owned by the same company. the Zone 4.5" kit is about $1200 and the BDS is closer to $2000. You could upgrade to bilsteins all around and still save $500. 

[lapoolboy]

2 hours ago, MRob said:

I don't "need" coil overs and or the cost that come with it....  so?? 

You don't "need" a lift either!  ?

 

 

[MRob]

38 minutes ago, lapoolboy said:

You don't "need" a lift either!  ?

 

 

VERRRRYYYY TRUE!!!!   Very very true and well said!

 

Ok...so let me rephrase that.... I really don't "want" to spend the extra cash to get coilovers.  However, I do believe in quality, dependable & reliable products etc.  It looks like from what I read here over and over on these forums that the majority of the time, FabTech doesn't fall into the quality/dependable & reliable product line.  I also believe and have learned throughout the years, "you get what you pay for"  MOST of the time.   BDS seems to fit the bill over and over.  

 

A few have said, Zone...  the issue with Zone here in San Antonio, is a good, reputable installer.  I"m not at all familiar with the two places that do Zone installs.  Need to research that.  I could do the 4.5" zone lift with Bilstiens I suppose.  Not sure how much money I would save over BDS 4" with Bilsteins.  I will call around Monday for quotes and info.   Thoughts here???

[MRob]

WOW!!!!!  Well, I can certainly say that the price gets my attention!!  I could easily do this with Bilsteins and be done for a LOT less than what I'm seeing for BDS that's for sure!

 

I'm not doing any off road stuff so this may be just what I'm looking for.   Thoughts here??  I will be hot on the phone Monday am.

 

http://zoneoffroad.com/zone-offroad-products-4.5in-suspension-lift-kit-chevy-gmc-pickup/c35/c36

 

 

[AgDoctor]

Anyone who installs BDS can and would install Zone, I would think(they definitely would be able to as 90% of the install is identical with 75% or more identical parts).

I have the Zone 4.5 and really like it!

I didn't necessarily want a lift, but I wanted to be able to run a 35" Ridge Grapplers on stock wheels. I wanted it to ride better than a RC 2.5. I knew that the 2.5 RC caused concern over the stamped steel UCA and also rubbed UCA when lifted any over stock.

I like that my setup is close enough to stock that people think it's similar to a leveling kit, and not quite a 6"-6.5". I like the ride of the Bilsteins as well.


Sent via Morse code

[MRob]

5 hours ago, AgDoctor said:

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THIS!  Is Hilarious!  Made me bust up out loud!!!  LOL!!!!!!!   Thank you for that and for your insight and reply.

 

I'll be making calls Monday morning and will be going with the Zone plus Bilsteins.  Save some dollars and keep the quality.

 

[MRob]

Ok.... made the calls yesterday.  Here's the outcome and the decision.

 

1.  I went with a very well known reputable shop... presented my situation and case.  They advised, that yes, BDS is a great option, but that If I am not truly off-roading with the truck that I could save substantial dollars by going with a Zone lift, of which still maintains the quality and over-all name.

 

They also advised me that upgrading the two front struts to Bilsteins will NOT make the truck "ride" or "feel" any better than it would ride or feel without that upgrade.   They advised my that I don't really NEED to do that upgrade as my truck only has 19K miles on it.   

 

Of course, they said, if you truly WANT to spend that money, we will gladly take it, but that it will not enhance the ride to make it ride better or smoother any more than it already is...  the fox shocks in rear will be nice, yes, but you don't need anything upfront for what you're wanting and doing. 

 

2.  4.5 zone lift with Fox shocks in the rear.  Out the door less than 1700.00.

 

This will go down this Friday morning.   I still have the option to go with Bilstiens up front, but TWO different guys there both said the same thing.  I purposely asked the second guy who was unaware of the first guy's response and got the same response.  Both of these guys were seasoned and not "kids" working in the shop.  After I left, I called what I would consider the other reputable shop and asked for the manager there... I asked him same question - "2017, 19K miles, 4.5 zone lift...would upgrading the front struts to Bilsteins help to make it ride much better?"   No hesitation, his response was, "no, it won't affect the "ride" at all.  If you're off roading at all, it's a good upgrade yes, but if you're a street driver, saver your money until you "need" new struts."    

 

Interesting!   So, so far, I'm gonna save about 200 bones or so and leave it.