2003 Silverado - Need some advice from the experts...

Hey guys, I have a couple of questions for you experts out there...

I have a 2003 4wd Silverado extended cab. I would like to lift it a few inches just to get away from that 2003 squished-looking body style (and to get a little more clearance).

So my question (or request), is: If anyone has any photos of the 2003 body style with a lift, could you post them along with a brief comment on how much of a lift it has as well as tire/wheel size?

Also, I want to take off the side door molding, but can't locate any photos of the '03 body style with it taken off. So if anyone has any pictures of that as well, I would love to see them.

Thanks guys...!

Hey guys, I have a couple of questions for you experts out there...

I have a 2003 4wd Silverado extended cab. I would like to lift it a few inches just to get away from that 2003 squished-looking body style (and to get a little more clearance).

So my question (or request), is: If anyone has any photos of the 2003 body style with a lift, could you post them along with a brief comment on how much of a lift it has as well as tire/wheel size?

Also, I want to take off the side door molding, but can't locate any photos of the '03 body style with it taken off. So if anyone has any pictures of that as well, I would love to see them.

Thanks guys...!
keep in mind when you raise it up the center of gravity goes up too. these are some trucks with pretty good handling.
next time you have to haul with it, whos truck will you use because the tailgate on yours is too high?
when you remove the side trim think of what it will look like with door dings
not tring to be a smart azz but it is something to consider.

keep in mind when you raise it up the center of gravity goes up too. these are some trucks with pretty good handling.
next time you have to haul with it, whos truck will you use because the tailgate on yours is too high?
when you remove the side trim think of what it will look like with door dings
not tring to be a smart azz but it is something to consider.
:1: :1: Yep, my trim is staying there because it has already prevented numerous dings

keep in mind when you raise it up the center of gravity goes up too. these are some trucks with pretty good handling.
next time you have to haul with it, whos truck will you use because the tailgate on yours is too high?
when you remove the side trim think of what it will look like with door dings
not tring to be a smart azz but it is something to consider.


I appreciate the input, but have considered all of that. I'm interested in a SMALL lift (just enough to get some bigger tires under it - 4" or so). I'm 6'-2" so I'm not worried about raising the tailgate from the existing 31" to 35". That's barely above my waist. If I have to use someone else's truck because my tailgate is at 35" - something is wrong, hm? As far as the door trim, have you ever actually watched to see how many car or truck doors even come close to actually hitting that small little strip? Not trying to be a smart 'azz' either but, I'm looking for answers to the questions I posed, not an analyzation of the dangers of my actions. Thanks though. :]

I appreciate the input, but have considered all of that. I'm interested in a SMALL lift (just enough to get some bigger tires under it - 4" or so). I'm 6'-2" so I'm not worried about raising the tailgate from the existing 31" to 35". That's barely above my waist. If I have to use someone else's truck because my tailgate is at 35" - something is wrong, hm? As far as the door trim, have you ever actually watched to see how many car or truck doors even come close to actually hitting that small little strip? Not trying to be a smart 'azz' either but, I'm looking for answers to the questions I posed, not an analyzation of the dangers of my actions. Thanks though. :]


hey im all in favor of the lift i think these chevys sit too low for a 4x4 anyway.as for the trim are u gonna repaint it? u will have 2 different coler of shades if u take the molding off and that will lok worse

hey im all in favor of the lift i think these chevys sit too low for a 4x4 anyway.as for the trim are u gonna repaint it? u will have 2 different coler of shades if u take the molding off and that will lok worse

That was part of why I wanted pictures. The truck is pushing 3 years old, so I wasn't sure if there would really be a difference or not.

Yes, you will have a higher center of gravity, but as long as you have a quality kits installed it won't be a problem. I've driven my friends Z with a 6" lift and it handles amazingly. He hauls his dirt bikes and other stuff around all the time. It's not near the pain you would think. I would look at Pro-Comp for the size lift your looking at.

If you've seen pics of any NBS Chevy (99-current) it's all the same. I don't have any to show to you unfortunately. Unlike the others, I chose to leave my trim on b/c I was scared of paint coming off with the molding. Due to sitting in the hot Texas sun for 5+ years while at college.

I removed the trim on my 'o1 Pewter Silverado and there was no color problems. I found that parking in 2 spots or in the farthest reaches of the lot still don't save you so enjoy the look. 3 years old should not be a problem, I saw one that just came off a '99 and no color problems.

Good Luck

I agree with Blender...the trim on my truck has saved me from more than a few dings. For one, theres marks on the trim where a door has hit it and, when you park next to a vehicle, look at it and try to imagine where their door will hit your truck. The stripping won't help you 100% of the time, but the vast majority of the time, I've noticed that if they are a little too careless, their door will hit my stripping.

As for a small lift, I'm a huge fan of switching the torsion bar keys to those from an F-150. Easy swap that you can do yourself and cheap, cost me around $130 for the keys and an alignment afterwords. I've noticed NO difference in ride quality or handling after jacking the front end up 1.75in. to make it even with the back end. It looks a TON better and you could easily fit 33" tires afterwords. It won't give you much lift but when that front end is the same height as the back end it makes all the difference in the world. My 4x4 now looks like a 4x4. Just my two cents...

I agree with Blender...the trim on my truck has saved me from more than a few dings. For one, theres marks on the trim where a door has hit it and, when you park next to a vehicle, look at it and try to imagine where their door will hit your truck. The stripping won't help you 100% of the time, but the vast majority of the time, I've noticed that if they are a little too careless, their door will hit my stripping.

As for a small lift, I'm a huge fan of switching the torsion bar keys to those from an F-150. Easy swap that you can do yourself and cheap, cost me around $130 for the keys and an alignment afterwords. I've noticed NO difference in ride quality or handling after jacking the front end up 1.75in. to make it even with the back end. It looks a TON better and you could easily fit 33" tires afterwords. It won't give you much lift but when that front end is the same height as the back end it makes all the difference in the world. My 4x4 now looks like a 4x4. Just my two cents...

I'll readily admit my knowledge is slim-to-none when it comes to mods. This is the first I've heard about torsion bar keys so excuse the following string of questions...

Is that something you pull from a salvage yard or order from a dealer? What year, model Ford do you use? Is it a simple procedure replacing the existing ones? Are you certain you could get 33's under there without any problems of rubbing when you turn (what size do you have on yours)? I assume your posted photo is of the truck WITH the Ford torsion bar keys? The End (sorry).

I'm not looking for a huge lift - but just like you said, I want my 4x4 to LOOK like a 4x4. Not so much concerned about clearance (or wanting to dump a few thousand into it just to lift it).

Thanks a ton for that input - that may be the answer I was looking for!

I'll readily admit my knowledge is slim-to-none when it comes to mods. This is the first I've heard about torsion bar keys so excuse the following string of questions...

Is that something you pull from a salvage yard or order from a dealer? What year, model Ford do you use? Is it a simple procedure replacing the existing ones? Are you certain you could get 33's under there without any problems of rubbing when you turn (what size do you have on yours)? I assume your posted photo is of the truck WITH the Ford torsion bar keys? The End (sorry).

I'm not looking for a huge lift - but just like you said, I want my 4x4 to LOOK like a 4x4. Not so much concerned about clearance (or wanting to dump a few thousand into it just to lift it).

Thanks a ton for that input - that may be the answer I was looking for!

Here is a link to step-by-step instructions on the switch, with pictures and a part number for the keys. I'm sure you can get them at a salvage yard, but I just went down to the Ford dealership and picked em up for $25 a piece. If you have the right tools the switch is real quick, a lot of people report 45min to an hour, but it took me about 3 hours mainly because I didn't have a jack that would get my front tires off the ground. The only "specialty" tool that you need is a 7-ton gear puller from Sears which runs around $40. Companies also sell these Ford keys online and on ebay for around 75-100 bucks, but they're the same exact thing that go on the f-150, so don't waste your money on em. There are some good pics on ebay of 2 trucks with the front end lifted using these keys, although they're marketed as the 'Silverado Leveling Kit.'

Yes, the pic of my truck is with the keys installed. Its a little hard to tell from the angle shot, but from the side view theres a big difference... check out the pics on the ebay link. I still have my stock 265/75/16s which, without doing the math is, I believe somewhere between a 31" and a 32" tire. I'm waiting for these to wear out before I go with a new set of rims and some 33s. You might have to do a little trimming to fit em, I'm not sure but if you do, it is only minor trimming as these keys give you quite a bit of extra space.

Just check out these links and do a search in this forum, there are a LOT of posts on this subject. And like I said, some people claim that your ride goes to hell after making this switch....I haven't noticed a bit of difference in ride quality or handling afterwords. Post again if you have anymore questions.

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/fscu/fordkeys.shtml

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-05-99-06-chevy-gmc-2-lift-leveling-kit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33585QQitemZ8023473 389QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Here is a link to step-by-step instructions on the switch, with pictures and a part number for the keys. I'm sure you can get them at a salvage yard, but I just went down to the Ford dealership and picked em up for $25 a piece. If you have the right tools the switch is real quick, a lot of people report 45min to an hour, but it took me about 3 hours mainly because I didn't have a jack that would get my front tires off the ground. The only "specialty" tool that you need is a 7-ton gear puller from Sears which runs around $40. Companies also sell these Ford keys online and on ebay for around 75-100 bucks, but they're the same exact thing that go on the f-150, so don't waste your money on em. There are some good pics on ebay of 2 trucks with the front end lifted using these keys, although they're marketed as the 'Silverado Leveling Kit.'

Yes, the pic of my truck is with the keys installed. Its a little hard to tell from the angle shot, but from the side view theres a big difference... check out the pics on the ebay link. I still have my stock 265/75/16s which, without doing the math is, I believe somewhere between a 31" and a 32" tire. I'm waiting for these to wear out before I go with a new set of rims and some 33s. You might have to do a little trimming to fit em, I'm not sure but if you do, it is only minor trimming as these keys give you quite a bit of extra space.

Just check out these links and do a search in this forum, there are a LOT of posts on this subject. And like I said, some people claim that your ride goes to hell after making this switch....I haven't noticed a bit of difference in ride quality or handling afterwords. Post again if you have anymore questions.

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/fscu/fordkeys.shtml

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-05-99-06-chevy-gmc-2-lift-leveling-kit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33585QQitemZ8023473 389QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW


Thanks for the info. Did you say how long you've had the Ford keys on there, or did I miss it? Sharp truck by the way - I like it. Looks just like mine, but mine is the charcoal color. I'm selling the nerf bars - I never use them and in my opinion they make the truck look even lower. I'm kind of with you on the tires. Pending any kind of lift, I'm waiting til my tires wear down a bit before getting new wheels and tires. Thanks again for the info - much appreciated.

Another option if you so wish to look.......I'm not sure about prices.....I just had it in my bookmarks.

http://www.suspensionmaxx.com/Silverado.htm

http://www.generalspringkc.com/ - If I ever get around to it, this is probably where I'll get mine from. I too am looking for just a small lift (3" max).

Hope things work out well for ya.

If you want a short small lift, get the different F-150 torsion keys, and a 2" block or add a leaf for the back. You will also benefit from some slightly entended shocks if you do this cheap lift to maintain factory like ride. Maybe some that are 2 to 3" longer You can fit 305/70's which is equal to a 33x12.50 and it won't rub with factory rims..if you add aftermarket rims, you will have to trim the lower bumper valance and maybe some of the inside of the fenderwell close to the door.

Also IMO, don't get a body lift. THey look like shit...to me. I say if you want to lift, do it right.

If you want a short small lift, get the different F-150 torsion keys, and a 2" block or add a leaf for the back. You will also benefit from some slightly entended shocks if you do this cheap lift to maintain factory like ride. Maybe some that are 2 to 3" longer You can fit 305/70's which is equal to a 33x12.50 and it won't rub with factory rims..if you add aftermarket rims, you will have to trim the lower bumper valance and maybe some of the inside of the fenderwell close to the door.

Also IMO, don't get a body lift. THey look like shit...to me. I say if you want to lift, do it right.

Is the 305/70 what you have on your tuck in your pic? I've seen 295s fit with no problem but I had no idea you could go up to a 305.

I have 285/75's and they fit without any modification. You can turn the torsion bars a few turns to make dang sure they don't rub in tight turns or full suspension compression. 305's are the same height as mine, just a little wider and look bad ass on stock rims.

Everyone needs to keep one thing in mind, when you turn up your torsion bars you are going to have ball joint problems. Putting in new keys or turning up the torsion bars will wipe out ball joints. The best thing to do is get a true lift kit that will leave the lower ctrl arm at the correct angle.

It all depends on how far you turn them. Mine have been turned since it was new in 99 and I don't have a single problem.

So do you have to match the years (f150 to silverado) when buying new keys? I have a 2000 z71 and was just about to buy the "gm leveling kit" from ebay....:banghead:

Thanks, Brian