Mild Lift

ok maybe a stupid question but what would a mild 2-4 inch lift look like with 265/75/16 bfg m/t's.

Good, but go 6". With a 6" you get everything you need to lift it 6". It is more $$ but well worth it.

wouldnt a 6" lift look silly with only 265's...most people run alot bigger?

yeh...265/75 is a stock tire size....with a 4" lift you could get 305/75's or 285/75's with no problem and if you got a 6" lift you could get 315/75's and most likely even 35's, which are like 1/2" taller than a 315/75. If i were to spend the money for a suspension lift, go big or go home!

i wanted to keep the tires i had right now i just wanted a little more clearance.

http://www.gorancho.com/products/suspensions/chevygmc_RS6545.stm

do you know anything about the rancho suspensions?

rancho is what i am looking at as well they and from what i hear skyjacker are the only companies that offer a 4 and 3 inch lift respectively. the skyjacker 3 inch is supposed to be a brand new product offered by skyjacker. i have been to their web site and they dont have it listed so i dont know if what i heard is incorrect or if it is just that new and skyjackers web site isnt updated often.all i want is a small amount of lift as well. i believe i will be going with rancho unless this skyjacker is that much better. if i was to go with 6 inches though i would go with Rockkrawler to be able to eliminate the torsion bars....this is a very expensive lift but in my opinion worth the extra money if you were interested in a 6 inch lift.

Why not use a 2" lift block out back and then some new torison bar keys?? that oughta give you what you're looking for.

Why not use a 2" lift block out back and then some new torison bar keys?? that oughta give you what you're looking for.
I'm normally not usually for skimping on things when you want a suspension lift/drop. However, I think this is the best thing for you to do. For the look you want, its the simplest and easiest thing to do. Since you want to keep your tires that you currently have just a few turns of the torsion bar to raise it 1.5"-2" and as jeverett said 2" blocks in the back.

My friend has a 99 Z71 with a 6" lift and he fits 36's.

thought about blocks and torsion bars but i do want a little more than 2 inches of lift thats why for as big a tire i want to use the 4 inch rancho is my best bet.i have heard a little ill effects about cranking on the torsion bars too.

yeh...265/75 is a stock tire size....with a 4" lift you could get 305/75's or 285/75's with no problem and if you got a 6" lift you could get 315/75's and most likely even 35's, which are like 1/2" taller than a 315/75. If i were to spend the money for a suspension lift, go big or go home!
315/75 and 35's are both 34.8 inch tall (bfg mt's)
might as well go 6" its almost the same amount of work and cost about the same

Agreed, Go with a 6" and 315's. You won't regret it!

BTW, it is true that 315's and 35's are IDENTICAL in size.

BTW, it is true that 315's and 35's are IDENTICAL in size.

almost the 35's are slightly wider by like.1 inches and the 315's have a higher load rating and can be set at a higher psi 50 for 315 compared to 35 for 35's (bfg) also depends on brand rim diameter

i wanted to keep the tires i had right now i just wanted a little more clearance.
clearance ?
ground or body
most people put on a lift so they can fit bigger tires to get more ground clearance or for looks
a lift will not give you more ground clearance but bigger tires will

I would definitely go with a 6". My truck came with 285/75/16 stock and I've been waiting for the tires to wear down a bit more before I spend the money on some 315/75/16. But it doesn't look bad with only 285's it looks a bit small in the wheelwell but still good nonetheless. If you're gonna bother lifting your truck in the first place I would just go for the full 6" b/c the price is about the same for both.

is it just me or does jeverett butt in to ALL the posts

is it just me or does jeverett butt in to ALL the posts

He's gotta hit that 1000 post mark. :worshippy

is it just me or does jeverett butt in to ALL the posts


WTF???:flipa:

Old Jev's a good guy........ :2cents:

how much of a front shackle lift would i need to at least make the truck sit even, and not so crowded in the front?

is it just me or does jeverett butt in to ALL the posts :crying: What did I ever do to you *sniff* *sniff* lol

how much of a front shackle lift would i need to at least make the truck sit even, and not so crowded in the front
If you just want it to sit level, you can probably crank the torsion bars about 4 turns. If that's not good enough, buy the different torsion bar keys and leave the rear as-is.

I would definitely go with a 6". My truck came with 285/75/16 stock and I've been waiting for the tires to wear down a bit more before I spend the money on some 315/75/16. But it doesn't look bad with only 285's it looks a bit small in the wheelwell but still good nonetheless. If you're gonna bother lifting your truck in the first place I would just go for the full 6" b/c the price is about the same for both.
I'm assuming you are planning on new wheels as well. I dont think that a 315mm wide tire will fit on a stock wheel as it is too narrow.

ok next question is...how do i crank the torsion bars?

Go under the truck, and follow the bar to the cross-member where the key's are. SHould be just under where the passengers sit. You will see 2 bolts there that are 18MM. Take a rachet, or pull-handle and turn them 4 complete even turns. You need to do about the same on both sides or the truck will not it level.

thank you. i will try that when the snow is gone.

searching some earlier posts, it seems i don't have torsion bars on my truck, as it being a 2wd.
=(

searching some earlier posts, it seems i don't have torsion bars on my truck, as it being a 2wd.
=(


Damn......i cranked mine 4 turns to get her level, worked awesome. Not sure what you should do, but i know someone else will have the answer..... good luck :banghead:

i think the only other option is new spindles .... which are prob too much $

Get some coil spring spacers such as these;GM Spacers (http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/scan/fi=products/st=db/co=1/sf=category/se=Coil%20Spring%20Spacers/op=eq/nu=0/sf=veh_make/se=Chevy%20%3A%3A%20GMC/op=eq/nu=0/sf=model/se=1999-2003/op=eq/nu=0/ml=25/tf=category/to=x/tf=veh_make/to=x/tf=model/to=x/tf=description/to=r.html)
I know that there other brands available also.

Damn. I never even thought about asking whether it was a 2wd or not. My bad man.

Damn. I never even thought about asking whether it was a 2wd or not. My bad man.
that's the problem with only being worried about the number of posts you make and not REALLY helping anyone out!

hey no prob jeverett its all good.

re: the coil spacers...i've heard mostly bad things about these...what about everyone else?

I've heard both good and bad things about the coil spring spacers....Its a tough compromise for only a small amount of lift....The spacers would do the trick but for real stability and function you'd be better off with a lift. I've seen lots of 2wd's with spacers and its a pretty even split with the folks i've talked to....the ones that complain are usually the ones that really need the space and should have gone with a lift of some sort.

As for 315/75/16 tires fitting on stock rims, the ExplorerProComp 6" lifts are designed for those tires on factory rims. I've used them and they fit. On some trucks you may get a mild rub but the only bad things i've noticed are that the middle of the tires will start wearing quicker if they arent rotated properly because the rim IS a bit small.

P.S. Jeverett, you're all good in my book.....BTW I love the '03 taillights...I've been wanting to get some for mine but I've been waiting to find a good deal.

I got these for an awsome deal! A guy had a horn he wanted wired in his truck, and since thats's my part time job anyhow (equipping law enforcement vehicles and installing 2-way radios) that was the easiest job ever. He just gave me the lights!!

POLL: who like silversatan15 ???? wtf is he up in jev's shit all the time :banhim:

these threads are to help all of us with our truck problems and to tell success stories and help, not to put people down. If thats what you are about man, then dont comment on the threads

I dunno what I did to the poor kid, but I can't help if he's a prick.

It's starting to get a bit annoying. People have helped me tremendously in this forum.

And I can for damn sure say I've helped more people on here than he can count on all his fingers and toes....

I dunno what I did to the poor kid, but I can't help if he's a prick.

It's starting to get a bit annoying. People have helped me tremendously in this forum.

And I can for damn sure say I've helped more people on here than he can count on all his fingers and toes....

You know, I have to agree w/ him, one I personally hate is know-it-alls and dumbasses like you everett, you think you help but you don't, this should give you a couple of more posts to add to your count!

Hey I don't know wtf is up with all the criticism lately but its gotten to the point of just being offensive.....I for one think that the more avenues of thought that go into solving a problem the better it is for everyone..... Its nice to see the different methods of thought that each person has as it allows us a better ability to diagnose and repair problems.....its a forum not a friggin class....

Jeverett, about the strobes, I've been wanting to install a set of strobes both front and rear and i've been leaning more towards whelen...Any recommendations? How hard is it to wire or does it need to be done professionally? Also, what is a decent price for a full kit(2 front 2 rear)?

You know, I have to agree w/ him, one I personally hate is know-it-alls and dumbasses like you everett, you think you help but you don't, this should give you a couple of more posts to add to your count!
:iamwithst

:wtf:

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say we know you registered another name silver.

Whatever your problem is, it isn't funny, justified, or worth arguing over.

We all know you are full of shit. So why not pack it up and head over to the Tonka trucks forum. I think you will feel more comfortable around people your own age.

:banhim:

As for 315/75/16 tires fitting on stock rims, the ExplorerProComp 6" lifts are designed for those tires on factory rims. I've used them and they fit. On some trucks you may get a mild rub but the only bad things i've noticed are that the middle of the tires will start wearing quicker if they arent rotated properly because the rim IS a bit small.
I figured the stock wheels would be too narrow to hold that wide of a tire. I guess not. My friend has the 6" Pro Comp with 18's and 36's and it doesnt rub except very slightly when you max the steering wheel.

Texasf355f1, do you know if your friends truck is a 1500 or a 2500 with the 36's? If it is a 1500, are the torsion bars keyed or is it only a 6" lift? I would love to go to 36's rather than 315/75/16(35") but I was unsure if they would fit on my truck without rubbing. I'm hoping the nice Dallas weather stays till tomorrow so I can change out my brakes and redo the problem prone parking brakes with the new kit......

Texasf355f1, do you know if your friends truck is a 1500 or a 2500 with the 36's? If it is a 1500, are the torsion bars keyed or is it only a 6" lift? I would love to go to 36's rather than 315/75/16(35") but I was unsure if they would fit on my truck without rubbing. I'm hoping the nice Dallas weather stays till tomorrow so I can change out my brakes and redo the problem prone parking brakes with the new kit......
It's the 1500 Z71 with a Pro Comp 6" suspension lift with the mx6 shocks(the ones with the oil resevoirs). His tires are Nitto's. Next time I talk to him I'll ask him full specifications and drop you a PM to let you know that everything I told you is right.

Thanks Jason

hey guys, this is not right, PLEASE read one big sorry!

Jeverett, about the strobes, I've been wanting to install a set of strobes both front and rear and i've been leaning more towards whelen...Any recommendations? How hard is it to wire or does it need to be done professionally? Also, what is a decent price for a full kit(2 front 2 rear)?
I recommend NOTHING but Whelen. Hands-down best brand. Installing a hike-a-way kit is simple. First find a good place to mount your power supply. Under the rear seat close to the back wall is a good place and is where I ususally put them on other people's vehicles. You cut a 1" hole in your donor light for the strobe bulb (i had mine in the red and clear on the back w/my old lights and the front parking/blinker light) Run the cable's to the bulbs, wire up the power supply with the included directions and your set. Me and the dude I help can usually do a complete 4 bulb install in about 35 minutes. If you need any pics of anything at all let me know. I've had my 6 (4 out back and 2 front) for about 3 years now and its worked flawlessly. I have another 2-outlet pack under the hood for my grille strobes. I'm thinking the kits we sell, a 6 outlet pack, 4 bulbs and cables, install and a switch usually is about $250-$300, but thast also with install and tax included. You can get the kits off of e-bay pretty reasonable. We've got loads of old power packs and cables and strobes. If you don't wanna buy a new one. drop me a line and we can make you up a set for a reasonable cost.

OH..a word of warning. DO not hook up the power to the supply and cut it on ANY time your wriing the bulbs. The packs hold power for about 20 minutes after the fire is taken away and it will light your ass up!! Trust me, I found out the hard way.

You know, I have to agree w/ him, one I personally hate is know-it-alls and dumbasses like you everett, you think you help but you don't, this should give you a couple of more posts to add to your count!

And as for you, do the letters "F O" mean anything to you at all???

If not I'll be glad to explain since I "know it all".

hey everett , where is preston??? i live in athens, im just tryin to figure out where preston is...i was thinkin bout puttin a police PA system in my truck

Thanks jeverett, I'm gonna look for some whelen kits and see if i can find a good price. I've got a couple other mods to get to first....and money ain't exactly growin on trees...not yet anyway...LOL

99RedSilverado: I put a PA system in my truck and it was really easy. I have a CB in there which has a jack for an external PA speaker. All i did was buy a 50 watt outdoor speaker from radioshack for like $20. I mounted it right behind the front license plate behind the air dam. Then i just ran the wire into the cab to the CB. Only took a few minutes. I know that there are stand alone PA modules sold with a small base and a microphone but if you have a CB it kinda kills two birds with one stone.
Also, I found that there are two small slits above the front license plate that the plastic covers pop off. They're about 1" tall and 8" wide. Its recessed into the bumper so its real hard to actually notice. With those slits removed the PA is extremely loud, mine can be heard in other vehicles when running at highway speeds which is real loud. Also, zip ties make the perfect tool for fastening the speaker under the hood or wherever you decide to place it.

hey everett , where is preston??? i live in athens, im just tryin to figure out where preston is...i was thinkin bout puttin a police PA system in my truck

Preston is between Columbus and Albany. Exactly halfway. It is also 10 miles from Plains...Jimmy Carter's home. I've driven up to Athens a few times and it took me about 3 hours...give or take a little. I'll be glad to help you however I can though.

Thanks jeverett, I'm gonna look for some whelen kits and see if i can find a good price. I've got a couple other mods to get to first....and money ain't exactly growin on trees...not yet anyway...LOL

Good choice. Whelen so far has been superior to anything else I've had. I had an old SHO-ME system in my ford, and it sucked. Like I said, we can probably work with ya if you want some cheap stuff b/c we have LOTS of used equipment we get from stripped Crown Vic's and trade-in's

Jayson,
Looking for deck/grille remote strobes to mount on my grille guard. Something similar to a Par 36, but I'd prefer rectangular. Have the hook-up on a set in red/blue?
Thanks,
Jeb

Jeverett, the kit I've been looking at is the Whelen CSP690CCCC Strobe System. There's a listing on Ebay with 6 lights and cables and a switch for $250.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=396&item=3962086095&rd=1
Can you put together a similar package for a reasonable price? My only real concern is having enough wattage to really put out some bright lights.....any recommendations?

Thats the same power pack I have, and I absolutely love it!!! It has 9 flash patterns I think total, and I have mine hooked up where you can turn on front/rear seperately.
You'll have plenty of power for them to be bright, that's not a really big concern for you. One thing to remember. If you mount the bulb in a color lens, it knocks about 25% off of the light output of the bulb. Red looks good (hard to see with parking lights on sometims) and clear will blind you!! No problems with them being seen over the parking lights in the front either.

I still have my stock alternator and I'm running 2 packs (8 strobes total) and a SUPER high wattage stereo...I just made sure everything was done the best way possible. (capacitor on stereo etc..) Just make sure you hook into a reliable power source and make a good ground. I've sat at fire scenes for nearly 4 hours with mine going and it doesnt strain the elec. system at all. DO NOT use these for long with the engine off, they'll kill a battery quicker than you can blink an eye.

I can put a system like that together, but It probably wouldn't contain that certain power pack b/c thats what most are upgrading too. I can certainly check for ya though. I'll be glad to help ya however I can..