2004-2500 HD 4X4 Leveling Kit

[VTISC007]

I am currently riding on stock tires (245/75R16 approx. 30.5") & stock forged wheels (16x6.5). I know for a fact that I can install 285/75R16 (33") bone stock. I recently installed a 2" leveling kit for the torsion bars. Now the truck sits nice and level. A guy at the shop where I bought my torsion bar keys, said that one of his customers installed rims and tires from an H2 Hummer to his 2500 HD 4X4, which also had the 2" leveling kit installed. H2 tires are 35". He also stated that H2 rims are offset so that the wheel goes inward which is what allows for the usage of 35's (trimming of the plastic air dam was required).
Has anyone done something like this? I really like the idea of 35 inch tires for the extra ground clearance below the axles. Off road, every inch helps. Another thing, I am not interested in installing a full on lift kit just for bigger tires. I use the truck for outdoor activities like hunting and dirt bike riding. Making the truck too tall would greatly suck trying to put my dirt bike in the back and would severely affect the ease of use for all practical purposes. I already have a lifted Toyota that handles all the extreme off road stuff.
Any input would help. I think there are tires that are like 34 inches out there, just not too many. Should I go with skinny tires or fat ones?

Thanks.

[jumpingjack66]

im suprised that a HD came with 245's. I thought they sat a little higher than my 1500 so atleast they would put a bigger stock on it. maybe a 265 atleast. anyways since youve done the tortion key change you should be able to go to a 305/75/16 with out much air dam trimming just like the h2 wheels. you could just go to a good rim shop specifically diagnose what size/offset/width you need then pick a better rim for less then you would spend on a hummer wheelwhile getting the biggest tire you can use stock.. I run the 285/75/16 bfg's. I swaer by them they will save your life. but i might have liked a 70 series width a little better but being stock highth i probably would have had major rubs. These tires 285's get a little like tiny sleds on snow when you dont have correct pressure or enought wieght in the back and wider would do this more. I personally think the wider tires on 4x4's look better and not so much lift like you mentioned...jj

[VTISC007]

Originally Posted by jumpingjack66

im suprised that a HD came with 245's. I thought they sat a little higher than my 1500 so atleast they would put a bigger stock on it. maybe a 265 atleast....jj

The 2500 HD's 4X4 does sit higher than a 1500. The frame rails are at least 2 inches thicker, thus giving you a higher sitting truck right off the back; nevertheless, they do use 245/75R16E for their load carrying capacity. You would think they would come with 285's, because that's what they fit...............stock.
Thicker frame rails is like having a body lift, but not really!

[wyatt21]

I have a 2500 4X4 (not the HD) with 245's also and was wanting a 2" leveling kit so I can fit 285's. I was wondering where you got the kit and how much did it cost you? Thanks

[VTISC007]

Originally Posted by wyatt21

I have a 2500 4X4 (not the HD) with 245's also and was wanting a 2" leveling kit so I can fit 285's. I was wondering where you got the kit and how much did it cost you? Thanks

The kit is only for HD suspensions; 1500 HD, 2500HD. I'm not sure about 3500 HD. There might be something similar for your 2500. Give them a call at Off Road Unlimited, they are nice guys and they will tell you what will work & what won't, or possibly, send you in the right direction.
The leveling torsion keys cost $80. Then you will need longer shocks, they recommend the Bilstein 5100 series ($70-80) each; you could use cheaper ones. Then, if you don't know what you are doing, installation plus alignment, on the average, is about $185.
I installed the torsion keys myself and installed new Bilstein 5100 series shocks all the way around. I am very impressed. The truck stands nice and level and it rides a lot nicer.

http://offroadunlimited.com/

[VTISC007]

Originally Posted by VTISC007

2500HD. I'm not sure about 3500 HD.
http://offroadunlimited.com/

3500 HD's have leaf springs in the front. It will not work. Torsion bars only.