2014 Silverado 4wd 4.3 Lifted

[abninf101st]

I recognize what triggered you but no benefit from getting upset.   The 4.3 is a powerful and capable engine.  The 5.3 and 6.2 are more powerful so some will conclude this means the 4.3 is weak.  It is more like a "good, better, best"  scenario.  (The 4.3 was what I wanted and for me was the best choice.)  No matter which engine you have, the impact of heavier wheels and a lift will be noticeable.  Your suggestion that you may consider a "smaller setup" would reduce the impact but a compromise  may also leave you disappointed.  Your truck (regardless of engine size) will achieve its peak efficiencies with stock tire size.  Optional wheels and/or tires can give it a more personally preferred look without lifting or going larger. My original plan with my truck was to level and to add width/ height to my tires.  I couldn't find any justification on this or any other forum for such a change other than perceived appearance.  Knowing that such improvements are cosmetic and detract from overall efficiency I happily remined stock.  

No triggers here, I’m not sure why the other member got in his feelings. Regardless, I’m leaning more towards just leaving it stock. I appreciate your input and knowledge.


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[aseibel]

17 hours ago, abninf101st said:

I’m in insurance and travel around during storm season. Pulled a 28ft travel trailer loaded down from GA to NC and then down to south FL. It can certainly drink some gas under a load. I may need to consider a smaller set up. I’ve seen guys go this big with re gearing it. They claim it still will get 16-19 hwy miles

What gears do you have? Gearing will be your problem. While the 4.3 has plenty of torque on stock tires, when you install larger tires you are effectively lowering the torque, so it will feel like a dog. That can be countered by re-gearing so it feels closer to stock. But if you are going to pay a couple grand to re-gear it, then you get into the area of "just trade-it-in-to-get-what-you-really-want".

 

You have to choose which is more important: performance/efficiency/aesthetics. You can't have them all.

[abninf101st]

What gears do you have? Gearing will be your problem. While the 4.3 has plenty of torque on stock tires, when you install larger tires you are effectively lowering the torque, so it will feel like a dog. That can be countered by re-gearing so it feels closer to stock. But if you are going to pay a couple grand to re-gear it, then you get into the area of "just trade-it-in-to-get-what-you-really-want".
 
You have to choose which is more important: performance/efficiency/aesthetics. You can't have them all.

Currently stock gears. After doing some research it’s probably a better option for me to stay stock and/ or upgrade to a truck with the larger engine. Thank you for the input and knowledge!


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[Donstar]

1 hour ago, abninf101st said:

No triggers here

 

 

Sorry - my mistake

[Hate Work]

Yes to the latest sentiment. To each their own. When someone posts they like the fuel economy of the 4.3 and then says they want to install 35's, something has to give. I too wanted the "look" of oversized tires but the more I read and slept on it, the more I didn't want to sacrifice the handling/comfort/performance I was getting. I don't go rock climbing.... more like beach driving. My tires are due and I will "settle" for an A/T tire in P265/70R18. 

[WHITESSTOWPIG]

If what your into is lifts I dont see anything wrong with lifting your 4.3 truck.Theirs a few of them around and all of them seem to be happy.I have driven them all and a V8 is not going to solve all of your problems.A lift is going to slow you down substantially and you are always going to want more power regardless of which engine you have.A friend on mine has a 6.2 on stock gears with a lift and its a complete gas guzzling slug so hes looking into diesels now.The compromises and desire for more is always going to be the same no matter what your starting with its really just a matter of deciding how bad you want to have that look as well as what you are willing to do to have it.A regear and tune is going to be almost mandatory to keep any kind of similar driving characteristics.In the case of the 4.3 specifically I would consider E85 since they are all standard equipped

[crushNchowda]

You got a V6 truck for "fuel economy" despite the fact it seems the 5.3 & 6.2 get nearly identical mileage in most real world scenarios. Now you want to take the MOST underpowered version of all GM 1/2 tons, lift it & put giant tires, so you'll get an even greater drop in power + be taking your MPG's (reason you stated for buying the truck) & flushing em right down the toilet.

A 4.3 GM 1/2 ton w/ a 6.5" lift would probably lose a drag race to a Prius towing a camper.....but it'll look cool I guess

 

I think you should have a discussion w/ the other guy posting about swapping a 6.2 in place of his 4.3 - I think you guys would come up w/ a lot of good ideas on how to piss $$$ down the drain ;-)

 

Want a big lift w/o all the drawbacks? Get a diesel. Otherwise level it throw some 33"s on & be happy.

[KARNUT]

I hope the op recovers from the verbal beat down for asking a simple question. Will it get less fuel mileage? Yup. Slow it down a little? Yup. Will he be happy with it? Only he can answer that. I remember driving down the freeway passing a Tacoma jacked with oversized tires. The tires were roaring, exhaust was singing, stereo was blaring, truck was bouncing. The driver and his lady were digging it, smiled and waved as I passed by. I don’t think they gave much thought to whether they could out drag me at the next light.


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[abninf101st]

You got a V6 truck for "fuel economy" despite the fact it seems the 5.3 & 6.2 get nearly identical mileage in most real world scenarios. Now you want to take the MOST underpowered version of all GM 1/2 tons, lift it & put giant tires, so you'll get an even greater drop in power + be taking your MPG's (reason you stated for buying the truck) & flushing em right down the toilet.

A 4.3 GM 1/2 ton w/ a 6.5" lift would probably lose a drag race to a Prius towing a camper.....but it'll look cool I guess
 
I think you should have a discussion w/ the other guy posting about swapping a 6.2 in place of his 4.3 - I think you guys would come up w/ a lot of good ideas on how to piss $$$ down the drain ;-)
 
Want a big lift w/o all the drawbacks? Get a diesel. Otherwise level it throw some 33"s on & be happy.

[emoji23][emoji23] thanks man


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[abninf101st]

I hope the op recovers from the verbal beat down for asking a simple question. Will it get less fuel mileage? Yup. Slow it down a little? Yup. Will he be happy with it? Only he can answer that. I remember driving down the freeway passing a Tacoma jacked with oversized tires. The tires were roaring, exhaust was singing, stereo was blaring, truck was bouncing. The driver and his lady were digging it, smiled and waved as I passed by. I don’t think they gave much thought to whether they could out drag me at the next light.


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I brought my mouthpiece, I knew it was going to be a slug fest. I originally posted to see if anyone has done it outside of YouTube guys. I’ll keep on with the research. I appreciate your input


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[Donstar]

5 hours ago, crushNchowda said:

the MOST underpowered version of all GM 1/2 tons, 

Maybe semantics but the 4.3 is not underpowered.  It has ample torque and horsepower to meet the needs within the rated tow limits.  The 5.3 and 6.2 produce more power and have higher ratings.  

[bc-chris]

On 12/17/2018 at 10:47 AM, abninf101st said:

New to the forums here and I’m looking for some input from guys that have lifted 4.3L. I went this route due to fuel economy for work. Well I want to lift it now. I’m thinking a 6.5” Rough Country suspension lift with 35s
 
If anyone has this setup or close to it and can provide some information as to the fuel economy, power, and all around drivability it would be greatly appreciated.
 
FWIW - no I’m not going to buy a V8 or a 6.2. I’m happy with with the application I have.
 
 
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hey abninf101st

 

i can't help you much with most of your questions since i've got a v8, but i lifted my '14 with the 7.5" rough country lift and 35s.  in terms of drivability i find it's fine and love being up that high (can just see so much more).  i know there are a lot of guys that say rough country isn't any good, but i've had no issues with mine.  now, with that said, my truck is a total street queen!  ha! ha!  i just love the look of big trucks - always have, always will.  if you're looking at doing a lot of hard core 4x4ing then definitely pay the $$ and get a 'better' lift, but if you're like me and it's the look you are after, then from my own experience the rough country lift is fine.