Lifting 2003 1500 HD crew for 35's

bluewhack · October 19, 2002

Trying to fit 35x14.5x15 Swamper SSR's and level the front up with the best ride I can find for my 2003 1500HD crewcab 6L.

Any suggestions? I'll take all of em all!!!

The Dick Cepek 6",8" looks like a good option but I've read some posts saying it wasn't as beefy as fabtech.

Am I going to run into anything unusual cause it's an HD?

varmint2506 · October 22, 2002

I put 315x75x16's (35x12.50x16) under my 1500HD with a 4" lift. Lots of room left over. I used a Tuff Country EZ ride lift. Not sure if they make one for a 2500 HD or not.

I would stay away from Fabtech. Just what the 4x4 shop said! :thumb:

Look at Superlift, Pro Comp or Tuff Country.

Good Luck

samckitt · November 13, 2002

That is funny because I heard that the Fab Tech parts are best on the market & the others were of lesser quality. I don't know because I have not used any of them. Trying to decide which to go with.

varmint2506 · November 13, 2002

That is funny because I heard that the Fab Tech parts are best on the market & the others were of lesser quality. I don't know because I have not used any of them. Trying to decide which to go with.

Fab Tech and Pro Comp are very high marketers. The local 4x4 shop that has been in business here for over 20 years recommends Superlift. I got a good deal on my Tuff Country is why I went with that. I did have a few steering problems and the shop had to make there own modifications to the kit to get it right. My truck ended up to be the guinea pig for that kit. They also said that Tuff Country had the beafiest parts and braces of all the brands. Superlift being the next best. They also mentioned many problems with Pro Comp kits. (having to go back and weld pieces that are bolted)

Just my $0.02. :thumb:

Dihappy · November 15, 2002

Just wanted to say that i love my ProComp lift.

No problems at all.

silverado man · November 15, 2002

Just wanted to say that i love my ProComp lift.

No problems at all.

Execpt for the shop that installed it.

bluewhack · November 18, 2002

Sorry I meant to post what I finally did

35x14.5x16.5's on with a 6" RCD the front

It rubs. but It looks great!!!

I think I'm going to add some 1" or 2" spacers on the front shocks in addition to some bumper mods.

y2kz71 · November 20, 2002

Trying to fit 35x14.5x15 Swamper SSR's and level the front up with the best ride I can find for my 2003 1500HD crewcab 6L.

Any suggestions? I'll take all of em all!!!

The Dick Cepek 6",8" looks like a good option but I've read some posts saying it wasn't as beefy as fabtech.

Am I going to run into anything unusual cause it's an HD?

Glad you got it lifted, looks great IMO :thumb:

I was going to say before I saw your last post that Dick Cepek doesn't make a lift kit for the new body style 99-up trucks yet and 15" wheels will not fit

Congrats again, your truck looks really nice.

OCFreedom · November 27, 2002

I just thought i'd put my two cents in... Fabtech makes one #### of a lift....especially if you go with the 8"....I don't particularly like Pro Comp b/c of many horror stories i have heard. Superlift makes a good lift, however; I am told that it settles pretty significantly which I'm not a big fan of. If you really wanna go all out....go with full throttle or whiplash they both make killer lifts but I think you'd have to go with at least 8". I am planning on a 8" Fabtech for my HD with dual front and rear shocks based on all the info I have tried to gather on the 20+ lift kit setups out there.

Dihappy · November 28, 2002

Just wanted to say that i love my ProComp lift.

No problems at all.

Execpt for the shop that installed it.

Yeah, that shop sucks

But the manager was cool and i got a lot in return.

Sierra5.3 · December 18, 2002

I also have a 6 inch Pro-comp lift. I havent had any problems with it. Lift companies wouldnt be in buisness for long if their parts kept on breaking, Im sure that most of these stories arent true otherwise they wouldnt have a warranty with the lifts.

Mortgage Paul · December 29, 2002

Sweet Truck there. Yup 6" isnt quite enough for the HD to clear 35's in the front. OK in back since they sit stinkbug from the factory.

Most have to trim the front valance just a shade but they will still rub under compression on the backside of fender just going in and out of parking lots.

35's WILL Clear like the ads say IF you run skinny pre-runner type wheels and tires, or possibly see if you can crank up the torsions a tad. Most stock Chev and GMC come with Minimal preload on the adjusters so you can gain a little lift without sacrificing ride quality. I have a Expedition that i was able to gain about 2" in front with a few turns on the adjusters since they were factory set with almost zero Preload on them. Chevy may be similar, its worth trying, and its Free and Reversable. Just mark it and count exactly how much you give each side so you can back it off, or go back to stock settings and get it right.

8" lift is the way to go on the HD, or go 10" with a Whiplash or Full Throttle setup or something similar and run 37's.