lift kit and logevity of the truck?

[bobby5]

I was thinking on getting a 6" suspension lift for my 2500HD and run 35" tires. How would this effect longevity of the truck? Would front end parts go out all the time transmisison problems etc. I drive the truck everyday about 70 miles round trip and dont want to effect realibility. How many miles have you guys put on your truck with a lift and any problems?

[94redZ]

Im in the process of saving up for a nice down payment on either a 2006 2500HD or an 07 depending on the front suspension. I can however tell you about my 94 Z71 ext short bed. My buddies and I put on an RCD 6" suspension lift about 3 years ago, when the truck had about 130K miles on it. The truck now has 170K on it now, with no problems in terms of the subframe, knuckles, t-bars, or compression struts whatsoever. I have 35x12.5R16 BFG Mud Terrains on Mickey Thompson Classic II wheels with i think 4.5" backspacing, cant remember really. These kits fetch a premium price but are well worth it in terms of quality.

 

I got into an accident with it about 2 yrs ago, a little geo prism tried to turn across my lane and i totalled that sucker, spun it 2 times and the wheels folded under it (kind of crazy looking- like the Delorean in Back to the Future) . ANYWAYS... I drove it home needed a new fender, hood, and grille, thats it. I only hit her at 30 mph too.

 

The sucky thing about it was that I had a body lift put on it in the shop, and a new lower control arm because it had a dent in it. The dumba**es at the shop put in a later model A-arm on it and overcranked the T bars in it, causing it to blow half shafts like a young kid blows his nose . I swear that I could vy for the record of fastest drive axle changer in NJ.

 

If you pay good money, you generally get a good lift. Also, if you are gonna try to do it yourself, do it by the directions, and do all before and after measurements while your at it. Your 2500HD should be able to handle 35s good, but I wouldnt go much bigger, even if it is a Street Queen. I got so sick of changing shafts that I busted two in half on purpose and just run the outer part of the shaft (HUB nut end) through the knuckle so the wheel bearings dont fall out. Remember the more money a company uses for engineering, the more their product costs, but the better the engineering and overall quality....GENERALLY. If money isnt an option, I would look into Fabtechs new coilover conversion for GM HD trucks, supposed to give you way more travel, as well as lift.

 

Try going to www.pavementsucks.com, under the chevy/gmc forums and I am sure that you will find more than enough info on everything suspension that you want, just beware of flaming, try the newbie section first too.

 

Hope this helps, might want to look into the Speedo Recalibration unit either from the dealer or places like Skyjacker have them.

 

rob