2008 K1500 Lift Help - Newbie

Lama · September 7, 2008

Hi, first post. Just bought a new 2008 Chev. 4x4 1500 crew cab short bed. I have read nearly every post on this board regarding 2007-2008 1500 models, lift kits.I have a few questions I hope that can be answered. I want to install the Rancho 4" lift on my truck, because it is really a little higher than 4", but not quite 6". I like the entire look of this setup with 315/70/17's. The look of the CST and 33's is not for me. The more I read on the subject, I have these questions: 1) It seems the Rancho 4" kit may not be compatible with Stabiltrak. Is it? I have Stabiltrak and "Auto" feature on my transfer case. Their brochure says "Not compatible with AWD vehicles". 2) On other 6" kits I notice they give you a CV front driveshaft, obviously to tame down the vibrations of the driveline when the Stabiltrak kicks in and out. The real question is: Is there sensing by the Stabiltrak that the vehicle is off course that is being inadvertantly triggered by the lift kit or larger tires? 3) With the installation of higher lifts, 4-6", is there more noticed flashing of the "skid" light on the dash, which means the Stabiltrak is sensing an issue. CST literature mentions that going into driveways, etc. will trigger the Stabiltrak with installing a lift kit other than theirs. 4) When installing larger diameter tires on a 2007-2008, is there any ECM conflicts or speedometer recalibration needed? 5) Of all the 6" lifts for 2007-2008, which one has the least amount of front track width increase? I may just bypass the Rancho kit idea if it will not work with Stabiltrack ( I do not have time to go get a custom CV shaft built to facilitate a Rancho, if that is what it will need). I am coming from my old 1993 K1500 Z-71, which had a lift, and I am way familiar with the issues that come with IFS lifted trucks. This new generation rig seems to again have its own problems when lifting. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Lama · September 7, 2008

Have no clue why I cannot format the previous post into normal paragraphs. Sorry for hard to read.

2000DV4.8 · September 7, 2008

Have no clue why I cannot format the previous post into normal paragraphs. Sorry for hard to read.

Yeah the site's been having some formatting issues the last couple of days. If you insert < br/>< br/> without the spaces before the 'b' where you want a paragraph break, it should work.

dietz4ibanez · September 7, 2008

You should check with the manufacturer of the lift they will be able to tell you...

blackout07 · September 7, 2008

Most of the issues I have heard about have been with the autoride feature (if equiped), not stabilitrack. I went with a 6" BDS and it's great. No issues. IMO, go with Fabtech, Superlift, or BDS. All are great lifts with minimal track width increase and will save you some money over the Rancho.

Lama · September 8, 2008

Thanks all. I did alot more research, and I guess I will just go with a 6" lift. I found a "discount" version of the BDS 6.5", I will try it. I will post pics when done. Maybe I will be the first to try this lift on this website. http://zoneoffroad.com/product?ki=61&vi=498

blackout07 · September 8, 2008

Thanks all. I did alot more research, and I guess I will just go with a 6" lift. I found a "discount" version of the BDS 6.5", I will try it. I will post pics when done. Maybe I will be the first to try this lift on this website. http://zoneoffroad.com/product?ki=61&vi=498

That looks like a pretty good kit. Go for it.

VMax2007 · September 8, 2008

Do these kits include the larger penis, or is that extra? Just kidding guys

blackout07 · September 8, 2008

Do these kits include the larger penis, or is that extra? Just kidding guys

If it does, sign me up...LOL

Power350 · September 9, 2008

go with the 6"...i just got a k1500 crew cab 2008 and got the rancho..no stabilitrac...but...the dealership sucked....they put Nitto tera grappler 325/60/18 tires ...don't know what backspacing i have on my wheels...i want 35's but the wheels i have rub...so....i am unhappy..they said they wouldn't do a 6" though...so now i am gonna have to save money and get this done...really sux...i don't see how 35/12.5/18 will fit on this rancho system...best of luck on the bds...anxiously waiting on pixs so i can see what i will be getting...

blackout07 · September 9, 2008

go with the 6"...i just got a k1500 crew cab 2008 and got the rancho..no stabilitrac...but...the dealership sucked....they put Nitto tera grappler 325/60/18 tires ...don't know what backspacing i have on my wheels...i want 35's but the wheels i have rub...so....i am unhappy..they said they wouldn't do a 6" though...so now i am gonna have to save money and get this done...really sux...i don't see how 35/12.5/18 will fit on this rancho system...best of luck on the bds...anxiously waiting on pixs so i can see what i will be getting...

Why not just add a 3" body lift so you can run 35's.

Power350 · September 9, 2008

go with the 6"...i just got a k1500 crew cab 2008 and got the rancho..no stabilitrac...but...the dealership sucked....they put Nitto tera grappler 325/60/18 tires ...don't know what backspacing i have on my wheels...i want 35's but the wheels i have rub...so....i am unhappy..they said they wouldn't do a 6" though...so now i am gonna have to save money and get this done...really sux...i don't see how 35/12.5/18 will fit on this rancho system...best of luck on the bds...anxiously waiting on pixs so i can see what i will be getting...

Why not just add a 3" body lift so you can run 35's.

i was thinking of that but am not sure about the look of it with the frame showing an all...

blackout07 · September 9, 2008

The new trucks show minimal frame with a 3" body lift. If you have gap guards and nerf bars that mount to the body, such as Nfabs or Go Rhino, then you can't tell there's a body lift at all.