New Guy w/ ?'s

[2002-Z71]

Okay, I have read almost all of the past topics, and might I say, this is a really nice site.  I have a 2002 Silverado Ext. Cab Short Bed LS Z-71 5.3L with 3.73 gears.  I would like to lift my truck when I get the $, but for now I am just looking, and trying to figure out what is the best.  

Now for the ?'s

1.  From reading the past posts, I feel like I am going to go with the Rancho 4" suspension lift.  I want my truck to sit up higher than stock, but not too tall.  I drive approximately 100 mi every day, mostly on old highways.  I haven't seen a truck with just a 4" Rancho lift, but I am curious to see one if you can find one. Do you think this lift would work good for me?

2.  How do the stock 265/75/16's look with a lift? dumb?

3.  If I got new tires I would lean towards the BFG AT's, although I dont know which width, what do you recommend?  I have heard many people talk about the 285,305,and 315, but which is best?

**I want to be able to fit this tire without "cranking" the torsion bars or doing any trimming**

[redsierra]

Welcome.

 

Here is one of my favorite trucks on the web.  It has a Rancho lift on it with BFG AT 315 75 16 tires on 16 x 8 rims.  

 

 

Here are a couple pics of my truck which has a 3 inch body lift and 2 additional inches in the front for a total of 5.  At least as tall as with a Rancho kit.

 

My truck has 265 75 16 BFG ATs on stock rims.

 

I will run this combo in winter and plan on mounting the largest tires possible on a set of AR Pythons,that are just sitting waiting, next spring.

 

Hope this helps.

 

[2002-Z71]

Thanks a lot redsierra, and I really like your truck.  Does that first truck have just a 4" Rancho kit?  That is about the height that I want.  I love the way that first truck sits, it looks mean.  If you can tell me more about that first truck, and where you got the picture, I would appreciate it.

[Shaners]

Welcome '02,

 

Just remember to budget about $300 for the HyperTech so you can reprogram your tire size and shift points when you are done with your mods...

[redsierra]

He does just have a Rancho lift.  I would suspect that he has the torsion bars cranked way up though.  I know that he doesn't have a body lift cause he was knocking people who have them.

 

I think that I got the pic somewhere on this site.

 

Found the link.

 

Big Red

[2002-Z71]

Thanks a lot for finding that site for me.  Are there any cons to cranking up your torsion bars, like the quality of the ride?

[Zane]

Quote from 2002-Z71, posted on Oct. 26 2001,08:22

Thanks a lot for finding that site for me.  Are there any cons to cranking up your torsion bars, like the quality of the ride?

 

First, welcome!

 

Torsion bars can be cranked only so much, and then you start putting abnormal stress on them. Your front end will "bounce" down the highway, and you will wear them out. Now, there are kits wil bigger torsion bars that you can buy i think. The only problem with switching the bars, is you have to have special tools.

[redsierra]

No, there really are not any cons to cranking the bars as long as you dont crank them so much that the keyway that the bar sits in is contacting the top of the cross member.

 

Usually you can get 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches by cranking.  Often you will be able to get more on one side than the other.

 

The only side effect of either cranking, replacing the bars with heavier ones, or adding the Hill levelling kit like I did, is a stiffer ride.

 

I got 2 inches from my replacement keyways and the truck rides great.  Again, a little more stiff, but certainly  not bouncey or bone jaring (still better than a Ford of Dodge!).

 

Replacing the Keyways or the bars is super easy.  I did it with just a two jaw puller.  You just have to be careful because there is a lot of torque stored in the bars.

 

Hope this helps!

[Stepside Z]

I cranked my torsion bars about 5 turns to level out the truck and make room for BFG 285s. So far the ride is a little firmer but no real bad side affects. I did have the front end aligned and it was out some but I think it was out befor I did the cranking. I am happy with my current set-up but I am going to switch to 3/4 ton bars and Bilstien HDs in the spring.

[redsierra]

Stepside Z, I would really recommend the Hill Four Wheel Drive keys (levelling kit)!  I really is awesome, and cheaper than new bars.  Very easy to install (as are new bars).  As mentioned in the Hill thread earlier in this forum, I got a full 2 inches out of them, and still could get more.

 

Just a suggestion.  They are $150.00.

[Stepside Z]

Quote from redsierra, posted on Oct. 27 2001,2:28

Stepside Z, I would really recommend the Hill Four Wheel Drive keys (levelling kit)!  I really is awesome, and cheaper than new bars.  Very easy to install (as are new bars).  As mentioned in the Hill thread earlier in this forum, I got a full 2 inches out of them, and still could get more.

 

Just a suggestion.  They are $150.00.

 

 

 

Thanks for the tip. I may put a snow plow on my truck when I get back to Maine. If I do that, then the 3/4 ton bars would be better for my application. It all depends on if I buy a vette or a 3/4 ton HD with a D/A. No matter what I do I am keeping the stepside.

[g6t6o]

Here's my truck with the Rancho kit and 33's:D

 

 

[MountaineerTom]

Your truck looks good the way you have it set up Josh.  I wish those suspension lift kits didn't cost so much.  

[redsierra]

Great looking truck!

 

Do you have a front shot of it.  I would like to see the grill insert.  Is it a Street Scene?

[g6t6o]

Quote from redsierra, posted on Oct. 29 2001,11:32

Great looking truck!

 

Do you have a front shot of it.  I would like to see the grill insert.  Is it a Street Scene?

 

 

 

Here is when I had the GMC logo in, I kinda put it on and take it off according to my mood;)  It's a Stull grille, I did the install myself and it was a pain in the rear!!  The directions they supply are horrible and parts were missing, but I'm happy with the outcome:D