ways to get more height without lift kit?

2004SilveradoZ71 · January 18, 2005

Hi, I have a 2004 Silverado 1500 Z71, is there anyway to get more height out of that without getting a lift kit? I just notice the 3/4 tons and all the Fords and Dodge trucks sit up so much higher and looking at mine I can tell one reason is because I have no clearance in my wheel wells, I don't have after markert tires or anything but it's like there is no clearance from the top of the tire to the fenders, at least not like the 3/4 ton chevys has or any of Fords and Dodge trucks, I know nothing about suspensions so I'm sure this will sound like a stupid question to some, thanks.

Lance

LiftedHDRado · January 18, 2005

Hi, I have a 2004 Silverado 1500 Z71, is there anyway to get more height out of that without getting a lift kit? I just notice the 3/4 tons and all the Fords and Dodge trucks sit up so much higher and looking at mine I can tell one reason is because I have no clearance in my wheel wells, I don't have after markert tires or anything but it's like there is no clearance from the top of the tire to the fenders, at least not like the 3/4 ton chevys has or any of Fords and Dodge trucks, I know nothing about suspensions so I'm sure this will sound like a stupid question to some, thanks.

Lance

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I believe all 3/4 ton trucks sit higher than 1/2 ton trucks due to the frame. Frame is bigger on 3/4 ton trucks so therefor the truck will sit a big higher.

2004SilveradoZ71 · January 18, 2005

Hi, I have a 2004 Silverado 1500 Z71, is there anyway to get more height out of that without getting a lift kit? I just notice the 3/4 tons and all the Fords and Dodge trucks sit up so much higher and looking at mine I can tell one reason is because I have no clearance in my wheel wells, I don't have after markert tires or anything but it's like there is no clearance from the top of the tire to the fenders, at least not like the 3/4 ton chevys has or any of Fords and Dodge trucks, I know nothing about suspensions so I'm sure this will sound like a stupid question to some, thanks.

Lance

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I believe all 3/4 ton trucks sit higher than 1/2 ton trucks due to the frame. Frame is bigger on 3/4 ton trucks so therefor the truck will sit a big higher.

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ohhhh okay, that makes sense, I sure like the look of that, wish mine sat a bit higher.

LiftedHDRado · January 18, 2005

Hi, I have a 2004 Silverado 1500 Z71, is there anyway to get more height out of that without getting a lift kit? I just notice the 3/4 tons and all the Fords and Dodge trucks sit up so much higher and looking at mine I can tell one reason is because I have no clearance in my wheel wells, I don't have after markert tires or anything but it's like there is no clearance from the top of the tire to the fenders, at least not like the 3/4 ton chevys has or any of Fords and Dodge trucks, I know nothing about suspensions so I'm sure this will sound like a stupid question to some, thanks.

Lance

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I believe all 3/4 ton trucks sit higher than 1/2 ton trucks due to the frame. Frame is bigger on 3/4 ton trucks so therefor the truck will sit a big higher.

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ohhhh okay, that makes sense, I sure like the look of that, wish mine sat a bit higher.

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yeah, i hear you on that...my last 03hd was a 1/2 truck now that i bought this new 2500hd its a 3/4 ton truck and i can tell it sits higher than my old truck.

Collector · January 19, 2005

The HD's frame is 3 inches Higher then the half tons.

jt1872001 · January 20, 2005

you can lift the front almost 2 inches by cranking up or installing new torsion bar keys. mine are cranked up (along with my likt) an alignmrnt shop can do this for you. you will also need an alignment after the crank up.

kj505silverado · January 26, 2005

2004 4X4 Silverado Extended

I've been reading forums and wed sites and everything I can on leveling my truck. So last weekend I went under the truck and turned the torsion bar key bolts each seven times. (I figured if I didn't like it I would just put it back)

I liked it! My truck sets level and it drives fine. I did not have an alianment after I raised the keys. I placed a block of wood on top of my tires to see if it raised it truck. It did! It raised the truck just over an inch. I had to adjust my head lights because they were off the ground. I also used the diode to hook up all four headlights at once. Wow I can see and my truck looks better.

I was happy. If I wear out my stock tires then I'll get new tires sooner. Then I'll get an alianment.

KJ505Silverado

Skavdog · January 15, 2007

Hello, I have also been following all the posts on leveling the gm trucks. I have a new 06 gmc 1500 and do not like the "front end low" look either. I am leery about cranking on the torsion bolts but it sounds like a safe way to go. Never having owned a gm truck before and not having a lot of experience working on suspensions, does anyone have a play by play, with pics if possible, of how exactly to do the torsion crank? Thanks

2004 4X4 Silverado Extended

I've been reading forums and wed sites and everything I can on leveling my truck. So last weekend I went under the truck and turned the torsion bar key bolts each seven times. (I figured if I didn't like it I would just put it back)

I liked it! My truck sets level and it drives fine. I did not have an alianment after I raised the keys. I placed a block of wood on top of my tires to see if it raised it truck. It did! It raised the truck just over an inch. I had to adjust my head lights because they were off the ground. I also used the diode to hook up all four headlights at once. Wow I can see and my truck looks better.

I was happy. If I wear out my stock tires then I'll get new tires sooner. Then I'll get an alianment.

KJ505Silverado

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eros · January 15, 2007

perhaps removing the front black air dam will make the truck look taller on the front?

HyperBuzzin · January 16, 2007

perhaps removing the front black air dam will make the truck look taller on the front?

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That'll most likely effect gas mileage (on the bad side) also.

srlbotanical · January 16, 2007

A T-bar crank is a very common way to get an inch or so out of the front end. I would recommend an alignment though. You will hear some guys say you don't need it, but I have cranked the bars on three different trucks, and without an alignment they always wear the out side edge of your front tires.

Good luck, and be careful, you will now always want to be a little higher then you are... Your next step is add-a-leafs and ford keys...

Steve

mattro · January 16, 2007

A T-bar crank is a very common way to get an inch or so out of the front end. I would recommend an alignment though. You will hear some guys say you don't need it, but I have cranked the bars on three different trucks, and without an alignment they always wear the out side edge of your front tires.

Good luck, and be careful, you will now always want to be a little higher then you are... Your next step is add-a-leafs and ford keys...

Steve

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I did ford keys and rough country add-a-leaf got 3 or so inches out of that. Road like crap till i put some front shocks now i just need rear shocks. Truck sits level and looks more truck like which is perfect for me.

GatorFan · January 17, 2007

you can lift the front almost 2 inches by cranking up or installing new torsion bar keys. mine are cranked up (along with my likt) an alignmrnt shop can do this for you. you will also need an alignment after the crank up.

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Don't risk it. I waited and ended up paying for a new right hub assembly AND the alignment.