3" Body Lift - Pros & Cons?

[Holeshot]

I'm contemplating doing a 3" body lidt on my 1999 2500 4X4 Extra-can Sierra.  What are the pros and cons of these lifts?  Who makes the best one?  Where can I buy them, and lastly, any pictures?

 

Thanks!

Matt

[chevy4x4trucks]

Performance Accesories about 250 bucks is probably the best kit around.  Most places sell it.  The pros of it are that you get 3" of lift a lot cheaper than any suspension lift.  I think w/ a lil' tweak of the t-bars you can run 33's.  If you want the look of a lift w/o the expense it's the way to go.  The con's are if you want to have a brushguard you'll be looking at some fab work.  You'll be spending another 50 on lift lips.  You better like the look of the exposed frame because you'll be able to see it a lot better.

 

That's about it, if you want specific places to buy from I'll get a few, but you can get it almost anywhere and every place is about 250 bucks.

 

 

http://www.2000silverado.cjb.net/  on chane's site he has install info on one

[alsz71]

I watched crank and chrome a couple o weeks ago and they did a 99 or 00 3/4 ton looked like a very well put together and easy to install kit.......too bad I didn't write the name down.  I've been thinking of doing this too.  Does it affect the warranty ?

[RyanbabZ71]

AL i seen crank and chrome sunday also when they did the 99 2500 ext cab.  Didnt look to bad but they didnt show the final product

 

I dont know if this site works but take a look and see

 

http://www.crankandchrome.com

[RyanbabZ71]

here is the link to the truck they did

 

http://www.crankandchrome.com/site/thisweek.php

[DigUout]

There are only 2 companies that make reputable body lifts, Performance Accessories and can't remember the other.  I think John might be quoting a little high, as everyplace I've seen goes from $65 to $165.  I was quoted locally $500 for kit and lips installed.  Hadn't considered the brushguard problem though.... ???

[sunnydude]

Stupid question...but what are lift lips?

[RyanbabZ71]

gap guards = lift lips

 

"GAP GUARDS

Long, thick, pliable rubber inserts called Gap Guards were designed by Performance Accessories to cover the gap between the frame and the body from front to rear on both sides. They install in a breeze by drilling the correct size holes - per the instructions - then installing with supplied pop-fittings."

 

pics are at the link i provided

[chevy4x4trucks]

the whole reasoning behind the lift lips is to cover up the gap created by the body lift for a few reasons:

To minimize the appearance of the body lift and retain a stock look.

To prevent mud and other foreign objects from going into the engine compartment.

 

 

It would be a good idea IMO to get the rear wheel well sprayed w/ spray on bedliner when you install the lift lips.

[sunnydude]

Chevy4x4...

 

I saw someones truck over on pickuptruck.com who made his own rear guards from sheet metal and then sprayed them with the bedliner material.  Looked really good imho.

 

Thanks for the clarification on what lift lips are...

[chevy4x4trucks]

that's another way to go, If you're going to end up smoothing them in w/ spray-on-bedliner I would just spend three bucks at the hardware store and make something.  It can't be too hard, and probably wouldn't take much longer to do.

[Smitty00Z71]

The question whether or not you should do the lift.... I wouldn't . I have heard a lot of people say the truck will never be the same, especially with a body lift.  With all the computers etc.. it a bad thing. I especially wouldn't do it if the truck is still under warranty. My $0.2

[MountaineerTom]

Some step bars may need some fab work on the brackets to make them sit the same distance from the bottom of the cab  as they do without the llift.  If not, it may look kind of odd having them hanging low.

 

The guy chevy4x4trucks mentioned (Mark) did some work to his step bar mounting hardware after installing a body lift.  Here's the link to his site:   Mark's 00' Z71 Page

[Roofer]

Just a clarification. A body lift does not affect your warranty. If you have any doubt, ask your dealer before doing it. I have a body lift and I think it is a good way to get a bigger look with way less money. I got quotes for suspension lifts installed and it was going to cost $3000 for the lift, plus you need different offset wheels. For that money I figured I could buy a new ATV!! Myself, if I was gonna start over with a new truck, I would leave it stock height and add just wheels and tires. That way, step bars and brush guards go on without any modifications.

 

Besides that, I have a Trailmaster body lift and have had no problems with it whatsoever. (yet) I think my lift alone without install was about $210. I recommend the PA lift though because it comes with the rear bumper relocator, as mine did not.

[pacodiablo]

don't you also have to do steering mods?  

 

i would go with a suspension lift.