Another Suspension Question From a New Guy

[05WhiteZ71]

I'm sure all of you are getting tired of us new guys asking questions about how to lift our trucks, but I'll take a stab at this. I know what wheel/tire combo I want to go with, but now I would like to know what the best way to achieve getting this combo under the truck. I'd like to get a lift that doesn't raise it too high (minimize the tire to wheel well gap as much as possible), requires no trimming of my lower bumper or sheet-metal, and finally one that combines relatively low cost and relatively good functionality. I have seen a lot of you talk about 4" lifts. Basically I want to get this thing lifted enough and level, since its not really sitting level from the factory. I am going to go with either the LT325/60 R18 Terra Grappler which measures 32.99" tall and 12.83" wide on a 9.5" rim or with the 33x12.50R18 Open Country M/T which measure 33" tall and 12.7" wide on a 10" wide rim. The rims I'm gonna go with are 18x10 American Eagle Series 064. I learned a lot about lowering kits when I went through that stage in high school and lowered my old Sonoma (myself) four inches and threw 17's wrapped in 50 series tires underneath it. Now several years and vehicles later I have come back to my roots. I would appreciate the help with lift kits since I just am not picking up on the various different approaches to lifting your truck (not as easy as lowering). Thanks for welcoming me into the group.

[94redZ]

Just warnin you, IFS lifts are significantly harder than lowering kits. You got to put on a subframe take out torsion bars, cut off a bracket on the front diff, basic welding, and then put it all back together.

 

First get some info on the different types of IFS lifts, I think there are 2 different kinds for your truck. Its a 2 edged sword trying to get a cheap lift that is quality, generally you get what you pay for. I went with RCD which is a very good company in my experience, they are very friendly and know their stuff inside and out.

 

I suggest you pick up an offroad magazine and see what they got in the ad pages, that might be a good start. Also you will learn a BUTT load of stuff if you go to Pirate4x4.com or Pavementsucks.com they are always going into this subject.

 

If you got access to buddies with big trucks you could try swappin tires after you do the torsion bar crank method for a few inches of lift, or you could get what are called Ford GREEN keys that are made to give a few extra inches as well, just remember that the more crankin you do the more stress on your half shafts. Do your self a favor and go to Pavementsucks.com and use their Chevy forum for loads of info...you can thank me later

[05WhiteZ71]

Thanks for the info 94redZ. I've been doing some reading and for the time being I think I'm going to get new keys to get the thing level for now and maybe put some meatier tires on the original wheels. Heeding what you say I'll just save for the day that I can buy the nice kit and get 33's under there the right way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just warnin you, IFS lifts are significantly harder than lowering kits.  You got to put on a subframe take out torsion bars, cut off a bracket on the front diff, basic welding, and then put it all back together. 

 

First get some info on the different types of IFS lifts, I think there are 2 different kinds for your truck. Its a 2 edged sword trying to get a cheap lift that is quality, generally you get what you pay for.  I went with RCD which is a very good company in my experience, they are very friendly and know their stuff inside and out. 

 

I suggest you pick up an offroad magazine and see what they got in the ad pages, that might be a good start.  Also you will learn a BUTT load of stuff if you go to Pirate4x4.com or Pavementsucks.com they are always going into this subject. 

 

If you got access to buddies with big trucks you could try swappin tires after you do the torsion bar crank method for a few inches of lift, or you could get what are called Ford GREEN keys that are made to give a few extra inches as well, just remember that the more crankin you do the more stress on your half shafts.  Do your self a favor and go to Pavementsucks.com and use their Chevy forum for loads of info...you can thank me later

 

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