Zone or BDS

Shazbotthegreat · March 10, 2021

Got quotes for both these lifts (6 inch). Kit/install for the Zone is $2300 and BDS is $2900. Is the BDS worth the added $600?

aragrev7 · March 10, 2021

Sister companies. Zone = entry level. BDS = competitive level.

Some differences in my research:

- Biggest= the “no fine print warranty” on BDS parts that is not offered by Zone.

“BDS stands behind its products and that’s evident by their No Fine Print Warranty. This no-BS warranty protects the original purchaser against breakage, bending, sagging, or any other usage failure. This “no fine print” lifetime replacement warranty extends to cover all BDS hard parts as well as bushings. Exclusions would be product finish and wearable items such as shock/stabilizer cylinders, tie rod ends and ball joints that would fall under the separate Limited Lifetime Warranty policy. Beginning February 1, 2020 all new kit purchases include the No Fine Print Warranty on bushings”

https://bds-suspension.com/policies

- according to my local BDS dealer, BDS comes with thicker gauge steel on supports/brackets.

- UCA should you choose to get appear more refined from BDS (tubular) vs zone (box/angles).

- BDS includes extra parts like the skid plate and rear shocks, at least in the packages I’ve seen, where as the zone does not. Once you add those, the cost becomes comparative. This does give you the option of “entry level” with zone as not everyone wants/needs a skid plate or upgraded shocks - if they’re not at risk of smashing the diff etc.

What I’ve gathered so far. Probably missing some things.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Shazbotthegreat · March 10, 2021

31 minutes ago, aragrev7 said:

Sister companies. Zone = entry level. BDS = competitive level.

Some differences in my research:

- Biggest= the “no fine print warranty” on BDS parts that is not offered by Zone.

“BDS stands behind its products and that’s evident by their No Fine Print Warranty. This no-BS warranty protects the original purchaser against breakage, bending, sagging, or any other usage failure. This “no fine print” lifetime replacement warranty extends to cover all BDS hard parts as well as bushings. Exclusions would be product finish and wearable items such as shock/stabilizer cylinders, tie rod ends and ball joints that would fall under the separate Limited Lifetime Warranty policy. Beginning February 1, 2020 all new kit purchases include the No Fine Print Warranty on bushings”

https://bds-suspension.com/policies

- according to my local BDS dealer, BDS comes with thicker gauge steel on supports/brackets.

- UCA should you choose to get appear more refined from BDS (tubular) vs zone (box/angles).

- BDS includes extra parts like the skid plate and rear shocks, at least in the packages I’ve seen, where as the zone does not. Once you add those, the cost becomes comparative. This does give you the option of “entry level” with zone as not everyone wants/needs a skid plate or upgraded shocks - if they’re not at risk of smashing the diff etc.

What I’ve gathered so far. Probably missing some things.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Thanks for all that-very helpful!

lapoolboy · March 10, 2021

BDS

Shazbotthegreat · March 10, 2021

I’m going to go with the BDS. Now the question is, do I have the dealership or a local shop install it? The local shop is a certified BDS shop and they are a bit cheaper than the dealership.

lapoolboy · March 10, 2021

48 minutes ago, Shazbotthegreat said:

I’m going to go with the BDS. Now the question is, do I have the dealership or a local shop install it? The local shop is a certified BDS shop and they are a bit cheaper than the dealership.

If it is a GOOD shop and they've lifted T1's before, you should be o.k. The CV boots on these trucks are hard plastic and are prone to tearing if the tech isn't careful during the installation process. I entrust the GM dealer with this since they know these trucks best. I have a good relationship with my dealer and their prices are in-line with the aftermarket shops around here anyway so it's a no-brainer choice for me.

Supercup · March 11, 2021

After the install you will need it aligned - so if local shop can do that as well and they do lots of BDS lift install - should be fine - if not since dealer does BDS and can do laser alignment after - they may be easier.