need 2500hd opinions for lift

chevyagogo9 · February 20, 2004

just about to purchase a 2500hd. i plan to lift it with either a ranch 4 inch lift, maybe a body lift?, or fabtech spindels or system, and have a couple of questions. what are your thoughts on the lift(s) vs. the body lift? also, since i only want to lift about 4 inches, one shop told me that they would recommend putting fabtech spindels in only. my understanding is that this will raise the front end only. what is the feasiblity of this? what about the rear end? thanks for your opinions and ideas.

Machine · February 20, 2004

Hi –

I have the Rancho 6” on my HD and it’s a pretty nice system. It’s my opinion that a body lift is a great, inexpensive way to achieve a lift – but I couldn’t do it due to my Dmax. I have, however, incorporated a 1” BL and 3” Teraflex suspension lift on my Wrangler TJ and both have held up great. I certainly wouldn’t go over 2-3” with a body lift, though.

The Rancho is a nice package, but the front wheels will stick out from under the wheel wells due to the spindles they use. It looks tough but it also throws a ton of debris on the sides of my truck. A Superlift, on the other hand, tucks the wheels under the wheel well real nice. If I could of done it again I would of most likely gone with Superlift.

mayhem · February 22, 2004

So thinking about a lift, eh? First, good choice in getting a 2500HD - best truck out there hands down. Secondly, even better choice getting a lift. There is no better feeling then seeing a 2500HD lifted with big tires except the feeling that knowing you own it! I have a 6" Superlift on mine and have had great success with it. I spent about a year looking for the right lift, talking with people and finding out pros/cons. Bottom line: all lifts will look good but some will push out the front tires a little more than others. Superlift keeps the fronts the same as the back while fabtech, rancho, and a few others push them out. I went with the 6" because I wanted to fit 35's or 36's on there and I can do both with ease. I would think twice about going only with 4" because you will have to settle with 33's or 305-70's as the largest. If you have the money go with the 6" and put on 33's if you are worried about being too big. You will in the future wnat to go to 35's, it is the natural progression. Machine is right about muddyin up the sides. Since I put on the big tires my truck hasn't been clean once except in major rain storms. I dont even bother trying to wash it. However, this is largely due to 10" wide rims I have on there. If cleanliness is an issue for you stay with 8" wide. That will keep those tires tucked in one -two inches. Nonetheless, have fun with it man : Riding High or not Riding At All!!

ps496 · February 23, 2004

Is it 4 or 2 wd ? Can you just put new spindles/knuckles on a 4x4?

chevyagogo9 · February 23, 2004

4X4.

chevyagogo9 · February 23, 2004

also, do you guys tow with your 2500hd? Any tow problems with the lifts?

Machine · February 23, 2004

I occasionally pull a 7500# boat and have had no problems at all.

HDDuece · February 23, 2004

I have a RCD 6" lift. Truck drives great. Front tires stick out about a inch farther then stock. It was about $2500 installed. I have 315/75-16 tires and only had to do a small amount of trimming.

HendyPhoto · February 23, 2004

I have the Tuff Country 6" and I love it. You should go with 6" instead of 4" just to have the extra clearance. 35x12.50 tires will require a 6" lift. BUT no matter what, you will be happy with any kind of lift. I tow quite a bit and I have no problems at all. I actually like the way it tows now better than stock, because of more grip and less spinning.

Mega Dogmeat · February 23, 2004

just about to purchase a 2500hd. i plan to lift it with either a ranch 4 inch lift, maybe a body lift?, or fabtech spindels or system, and have a couple of questions. what are your thoughts on the lift(s) vs. the body lift? also, since i only want to lift about 4 inches, one shop told me that they would recommend putting fabtech spindels in only. my understanding is that this will raise the front end only. what is the feasiblity of this? what about the rear end? thanks for your opinions and ideas.

If I had enough money, I would buy a 5" Rancho lift and some Bushwhacker cut-out flares ... You could run a 37x12.50 with that setup no problem.

If You wanted to lift it 5" just to run 315/75/16's, I wouldn't even bother lifting it, I'd just get the cut-out flares ....

tbyrne · February 24, 2004

The thing that I have found is once your raise your truck a little, your going to want more soon after. I went with a TrailMaster kit last year. It was good for about 5-6" so I cranked the torsion bars after that to get a little more height. The ride went down hill after that. I also didn't like how the replacement spindles pushed the tires out so I replaced that one with a 6.5" Full Throttle. I should have use this one in the first place! Very good quality, got more lift than the other without cranking the bars (did it anyway ) and a great ride.

Tom

tbyrne · February 24, 2004

I always thought your truck looked higher than mine. It looks like I "loose" a few inches with the steps on mine.

HendyPhoto · February 25, 2004

Tom, yeah, thats why I stayed away from the side steps, althought the side steps are good for hiding the frame. Your steps look very good though! Seeing your steps makes me want them. Is yours a long bed? The long beds seem to make them look less lifted too. What size of tires do you have? I could tell a pretty big difference in height going to the 36x14.50 and I wish I could put 37's on!! At any rate, your truck looks AWESOME, and I especially like the color!! (good choice)

bigjeepinyj · February 25, 2004

I have a gooseneck trailer... Do you think that I would have any problem pulling that if I put the Tough Country on? Also Do you have to remove anything from the truck, ie mounts etc.

Thanks

tbyrne · February 25, 2004

I was thinking about going with a set of powered steps to make mine look a little higher but the lift laws are strict in my area so I'm probably better off keeping them on I might go with a set of 36" tires on 16 or 17" wheels soon. I'm currently running 35s (34.7" measured hight ) on 18" The only reason I'd want to swap is because my wheels are polished so their a pain in the butt to keep clean.

I would see how things line up if your going to be pulling a gooseneck. None of the mounts have to be removed when installing a lift.