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Newbie wants to lift his Z71

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Skip Talker Enthusiast

Skip Talker

Posted
Posted

Hello newbie here with a question about lifting. I have a 2004 Z71 ext cab. I average about 1k miles a week 95% highway 5% off road up some little traveled mountain roads, I work on those towers you see up on top of the mountains.

 

I want just a little more clearance and its time for new tires and shocks anyways, so I got an estimate from the first off road place I found. I’ll get more soon. The 1st guy suggested a “Torque and align” for the front and add a spring to the rear for about a 1.5” lift. Then a bigger tire on the stock rims for another 1” lift. I might not have the terminology right, remember I’m a newbie.

 

So does this sound like the ticket for an economical lift? Has any one done this and can comment on the ride? Any other suggestions?

 

Thanks

deluce Enthusiast

deluce

Posted
Posted
Hello newbie here with a question about lifting. I have a 2004 Z71 ext cab. I average about 1k miles a week 95% highway 5% off road up some little traveled mountain roads, I work on those towers you see up on top of the mountains.

 

I want just a little more clearance and its time for new tires and shocks anyways, so I got an estimate from the first off road place I found. I’ll get more soon. The 1st guy suggested a “Torque and align” for the front and add a spring to the rear for about a 1.5” lift. Then a bigger tire on the stock rims for another 1” lift. I might not have the terminology right, remember I’m a newbie.

 

So does this sound like the ticket for an economical lift? Has any one done this and can comment on the ride?  Any other suggestions?

 

Thanks

 

 

 

By torque, I'm guessing he means the torison bars...

scrapykunas Enthusiast

scrapykunas

Posted
Posted

if by "torque" he means crank the torsion bars. it is a harsh ride for some even with longer shocks and alignment. I have an add leaf on my 99. it raised it a little over an inch and still rides okay. I think I need new shocks though. I have 285/75 (32.8") on stock rims. no rubbing although they are AT not MT. I think MT's would rub alittle. any wider will to. I'm at stock front height. about to install torsion ford keys this weekend. should get me up 1 1/2 - 2" in the front with alot more play in the adjusting range. just my $.02 there is alot out there. look around alot before you jump into something. there is also a nice 3" lift out there, superlift i think, that is easy to install and a super nice ride. good luck

Skip Talker Enthusiast

Skip Talker

Posted
  • Author
Posted

That does look good. About the right stance I was looking for too. If you get a chance can you get me a tape measure reading from the mirror or some other reference point to compare with what I got now? Any problems on tire clearance?

 

BTW where are you at? I was born in Mitchellville but now live in San Diego.

Bruce03Silverado Enthusiast

Bruce03Silverado

Posted
Posted
That does look good. About the right stance I was looking for too. If you get a chance can you get me a tape measure reading from the mirror or some other reference point to compare with what I got now? Any problems on tire clearance?

 

BTW where are you at? I was born in Mitchellville but now live in San Diego.

 

 

 

 

Actually all you need to do is put your truck next to an HD 4x4 and that's the height of my truck. I did have to do a little trimming to fit the 305's but it only took 10min and isn't noticeable. My rims are 16x8's and the stock ones were 16x7.5. It's my daily driver so I wanted the height w/o compromising the functionality especially since I drive it almost 100mi a day and mostly on the highway. The 33" tires actually bring the truck a tad bit more than just 3". I think it's the perfect height right now. I've parked right next to a lot of HD's and I'm eye to eye with them. In fact my truck pretty much looks like a 1500HD with rims and tires :cheers: I'm located in Edgewood, MD about 11mi East of Bel Air, MD. I'm right next to Aberdeen Proving Grounds. For the price of a suspension lift I was able to get the body lift and rims and tires. I wasn't a fan of body lifts at first until I realized how much I used my truck and what I used it for and a 6" isn't practical for me and I can't see spending $900-$1400 for a 3" suspension lift when I get the same height for $500 out of a body lift and the suspension doesn;t change. I did add Rancho RSX shocks which was a huge improvement over stock as well. LEt me know if you have anymore questions - I'd be glad to help!! :thumbs:

  • 3 weeks later...
bmrtech New Member

bmrtech

Posted
Posted

Bruce03Silverado-

 

did you do the install yourself? if so, how tedious was it? that is a great look, the same look I would like on my 00 z71. I emailed PA about the kit, I was also intertested in the Hill 4 Wheel Drive leveling kit. If I installed that, would that add to the 3" body lift? I was also looking at the add-a-leaf for the rear also. :mad:

Skyz71 Enthusiast

Skyz71

Posted
Posted

That body lift loked to have worked out pretty good. Now, for an application where your lookin for better offroad performance, would a body lift and bigger tires be sufficient? or should i bite the bullet and get a suspension kit and beef up the IFS?

ZZebes Senior Enthusiast

ZZebes

Posted
Posted

Bruce03Silverado - Nice T/A in the background, i'm guessing that is the fun for the weekends.

 

as for the forum topic, i would go suspension if you plan on offroading. Skyjacker makes a 3" lift, but for like 150 more it is a 6" so it depends what you want, the 3" clears 285's(33") and the 6" clears 315's(35")

Skyz71 Enthusiast

Skyz71

Posted
Posted

Thanks for the advice, i think that'd be the way for me to go. Do you happen to know if you can install it at home without any welding or exhaust modifications?

Meatywand Enthusiast

Meatywand

Posted
Posted

3 inch body lift and Ford keys will clear 315s, hell I was clearing 315s on my 97 with just the body lift. I would do the body lift, and keys...its easier and alot cheaper and easier to remove than a d**n suspension lift

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