2003 Silverado - help me pick a lift

[SpecV44]

Hi!

The wife and I went out and played a bit in the mud today, and since she had never done anything like that, she didnt know how she would feel about it. She has always loved 4 wheelers and things like that, but never rode in a truck off-road. She LOVED it, and said we are going to have to do that again. I said, next time we go out, we will either need to lift my truck or get you a toy, she said why not do both

Needless to say, I need your help. I am looking to do a 3" suspension lift, and a 3" body lift. I am already running 285/75/16's, but will be stepping up to 35's once this is done. I have been looking around, and I have looked at a couple kits, but you guys are going to be more familiar with these than I am.

Before it is stated, I dont care about frame showing or anything like that, as it already shows a great deal of frame. Plus, while doing all this, I am going to paint the frame, so that will hide some of it.

Here is what I am working with:

2003 Silverado 2500HD ext cab longbed 4x4
6.0L gas v8 4L80E NP241C (changed after my 261HD exploded)

The sooner I get some links, the sooner I can get to work

Thanks!

 

[Zembonez]

Why not just go with a 6 inch suspension lift? You won't pay all that much more for the lift kit and it'll be done right.

 

[SpecV44]

my buddy who is running his 98 blazer w/ 38" groundhawgs and idk how much lift (the bottom of the doors are about 4.5') on solid 1 ton axles, said I would be good with 3" body and 35's, I figured I would just go ahead and key/block up the suspension that 3" too.

 

[Zembonez]

Performance accessories makes about the best body lift kits I believe.

http://www.performanceaccessories.com/

 

[Kyles03]

Cranking 3" is not a good idea, especially if your going to be wheeling and mudding the truck. Save your money for a true 6" suspension, then maybe get a zone 1.5" body lift. That way you can have completely flat angles. My truck is cranked a little over 2 and 3/4" and its a bit much.

Do it right the first time.

 

[nubuilder]

What little I've looked at lifts, a 6" is barely more than a 4" or a 3". Do it right with a suspension lift.

Brian (AllJackedUp408) should be able to go a little more in depth.

 

[RebelThunder]

to what Kyle said. To get a true 3" suspension lift that drops the front differential will cost damn near as much as a 6" lift.

 

[SpecV44]

Ok, you guys got me lookin now. What do they mean when they say '1 piece or 3 piece subframe'? Is that a difference in stock, or the aftermarket stuff?

How about this:

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/16986.html

 

[buckshot85]

Ok, you guys got me lookin now. What do they mean when they say '1 piece or 3 piece subframe'? Is that a difference in stock, or the aftermarket stuff?

How about this:

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/16986.html

i personally went with rancho because it is a one piece subframe. that's when the front drop on the truck is either one or two pieces never heard of three . imo one is best because it is solid and not bolted together.

with that being said may people have two piece ones and never had trouble.
Agreed with the other guys take it from me which has done it before and messed up. Stay Away From 3" lifts. i have ruined so many parts early. balljoints, tierods, tierod ends, cv axles. and as for the bodylift i have a body lift on my project silverado that someone had on and i hate bodylifts. big gaps can't use the bumpers just a waste of money IMO and unless you install it yourself you will spend as much on it as a suspension lift

IMO go with a 6" lift. i went rancho 4" and LOVE it but 6" is just better and only about $200 more. look into fabtech if you have the money and that will get you all the lift you need. if that's to much go for pro-comp, or sky-jacker

 

[buckshot85]

BTW- just looked at your link. stay away from tuff country, and rough country. heard nothing but bad things about their products.