Lift kit ideas?

mordy2593 · March 27, 2012

I have a 2008 gmc sierra 1500 with a rc 2" level and firestone rear air bags. I bought 17x9 rims and 285/70r17 cooper stt tires. I put them on to see how they fit and they would rub too bad to even think of running them. Im not worried about rear lift because i have the air bags. I need a couple inches up front. So far im thinking about getting the RC 3.5 inch kit with the control arms and everything for $429. Any other ideas besides a body lift?

cparks555 · March 27, 2012

What offset are your wheels? That tire size should not give you trouble.

Big Whiskey · March 27, 2012

What offset are your wheels? That tire size should not give you trouble.

I'm curious as well. I'm running that size with a 2" lift....without any problems.

ruggedlife · March 27, 2012

so i'm assuming you bought the wheels online and told them your truck is "lifted" so they sent you the -12mm offset wheel... why dont you try a 1.5" body lift or return the wheels and get the +18mm offset that should be under it...

thinkgreen216 · March 28, 2012

Not a problem Mordy! If you google search airbag spacers you'll find that they make all different sizes of spacers that will attach between the bottom of your airbag and the top of your axle.(Their designed for people who want to run airbags on lifted suspensions) Just make sure you order the right size spacer! Im going to be putting a 5" lift on my truck and well and I had the same concerns as you until I stumbled upon these spacers.

mordy2593 · March 28, 2012

They are -11.2 mm offset. I bought them on craigslist because they were new in boxes and really cheap then i found the tires practically new and cheap too so i couldnt pass up the deal. So if they were positive offset they would clear even if they are 17x9 and with my nobby stt's?

cparks555 · March 28, 2012

+ 18 offset would probably not rub at all, while still giving you a little wider stance from stock.

mordy2593 · March 29, 2012

If i put the lift in it with those heavy stt's how much do you think my gas mileage would drop?

Big Whiskey · March 29, 2012

Your MPG would drop 2-4, depending on your driving habits. Also, if it were me, I'd re-sell the new rims and put that money towards some new rims with a positive offset....so you can run those tires with your current setup. That would be cheaper than buying a lift kit.

SouthCo · March 29, 2012

Your MPG would drop 2-4, depending on your driving habits. Also, if it were me, I'd re-sell the new rims and put that money towards some new rims with a positive offset....so you can run those tires with your current setup. That would be cheaper than buying a lift kit.

x2

mordy2593 · March 30, 2012

Your MPG would drop 2-4, depending on your driving habits. Also, if it were me, I'd re-sell the new rims and put that money towards some new rims with a positive offset....so you can run those tires with your current setup. That would be cheaper than buying a lift kit.

I also thought about selling the package and getting some new factory 20s or 18s. Not sure yet but i sure dont want to lose gas mileage when its 4.15 a gallon! I honestly dont think mine leveled sits up as high as yours in your picture. It seems like yours has a nice stance but mine just doesnt seem like its that high. What are your measurements from the ground to the bottoms of like your fenders above the wheels?

Big Whiskey · March 30, 2012

Well, I may have been kneeling down a little to take the pic, so it looked a bit taller, lol....plus I have 2" rear blocks stacked on top of the factory blocks...which adds to the overall height.

Fender measurements:

Front: 39.5 from fender to ground

Rear: 41.5 from fender to ground

mordy2593 · April 2, 2012

Well, I may have been kneeling down a little to take the pic, so it looked a bit taller, lol....plus I have 2" rear blocks stacked on top of the factory blocks...which adds to the overall height.

Fender measurements:

Front: 39.5 from fender to ground

Rear: 41.5 from fender to ground

My front is only 37.25" and rear is 39.25". All i really need is the front higher for the most part because the rear is very adjustable with the air bags(not that i would pump them up rock hard just to get the height lol). How would yours be 2" higher??? My wheels might work if i had that height!

blackout07 · April 2, 2012

My front is only 37.25" and rear is 39.25". All i really need is the front higher for the most part because the rear is very adjustable with the air bags(not that i would pump them up rock hard just to get the height lol). How would yours be 2" higher??? My wheels might work if i had that height!

37" is basically a stock measurement. Are you sure its got a leveling kit?