Questions About 3" Body Lift

Mazer18 · June 23, 2009

Hey y'all.

I've really sparked an interest lately in the 3" body lift for our GMT-900 trucks. Currently I've got a Rough Country 2" level on it. I've done a bit of searching and got some good information and seen some great pictures.

Still got a few questions as usual though that hopefully y'all can help answer.

Off the top of my head I can think of a few. What can I expect to pay for installation? I guess hourly rate is what most shops go by so the real question is how long will it take a decent shop to do the install?

Also, will I run into any "issues" such as quicker parts wear and tear with a 3" body lift? I hear about front and rear bumper kits after a body lift; does a body lift make your bumpers sag?

Did any of y'all run into warranty problems with your dealer when they saw the lift during service or anything? I think I've still got a year left of warranty.

I guess I'll have to put pics up but will my stock 265/70R17's be a huge (small actually ) eyesore with the lift? (Pics coming when it gets daylight enough out)

Finally, (for now ) can y'all recommend the top brands this site supports? I know Performance Accessories is one but not sure of the others. I've got a regular cab, long bed, manual 4x4 shifter and I'm kind of worried no company supports that set up.

Anyhow, thank y'all so much. I know I asked a lot there but every bit of help is greatly appreciated.

Matt_ · June 23, 2009

Off the top of my head I can think of a few. What can I expect to pay for installation? I guess hourly rate is what most shops go by so the real question is how long will it take a decent shop to do the install?

Also, will I run into any "issues" such as quicker parts wear and tear with a 3" body lift? I hear about front and rear bumper kits after a body lift; does a body lift make your bumpers sag?

Did any of y'all run into warranty problems with your dealer when they saw the lift during service or anything? I think I've still got a year left of warranty.

Most shops will charge about 8 hours for installation. Have you considered doing it yourself on a weekend? It's not hard, just time consuming.

There are more wear & tear and warranty issues associated with leveling kits than there are with body lifts... you seem fine with a leveling kit so a body lift shouldn't be a concern in this department. But in all seriousness, there really aren't any issues here.... unless you have to replace a body mount bushing down the road, but by the time that happens you're already out of warranty

As far as bumpers go; im not sure about you but my body lines were HORRIBLE from the factory. When i installed my body lift i set the cab/bed/front and rear bumpers up perfectly... so they're actually better lined than a factory truck.

BuckFeverZ · June 23, 2009

^ You're running a Zone BL, correct?

Matt_ · June 23, 2009

^ You're running a Zone BL, correct?

Yes, and would recommend getting the BDS instead of the ZONE kit due to the steering extension design.

BuckFeverZ · June 23, 2009

I knew you weren't fond of their steering extension and I figured this would help the OP

Matt_ · June 23, 2009

I knew you weren't fond of their steering extension and I figured this would help the OP

good point!

Here's why i don't recommend the Zone kit:

Their steering extension isn't tight... and yes you can feel it knocking around from the steering wheel. They specially machined one for my with a set screw to help keep it tight, but used too small of a set screw... so even with locktite it loosened up on me. I reinstalled it with some caulk to take up the clearance and all has been fine since.

But in either event, I like the steering extension design that comes with the BDS kit better.

blackout07 · June 24, 2009

I would go with either a P.A. or BDS kit. Both kits are well designed and are comparative in cost. In my neck of the woods, shops are charging around $500 for installation. And no worries with the manual 4x4, there is no need for an extension.