3" lift for 2012 silverado??

Chazbuchanan · June 26, 2012

I want to put a 3" suspension lift on my truck but there r so many rhis is the first truck i have had and i just want to lift it a little nd put some bigger tires on it it sits high for me right now because im only 5'6" and i just want my truck to look good i just dont know anything about lifts or what lift i need to buy any help would be grately appreciated. Thanks a lot

thrasher2010 · June 26, 2012

Not to highjack your thread , but i am in the same boat that you are in... Its my first truck too.. Im thinking about leveling mine with a Readylift 2.25" level kit , buy i want to also maybe lift/level it. O more then 4".. Just not sure

tyhuck · June 26, 2012

From what Ive read, mostly on this site, you should stay away from any of the 3" suspension kits on the market. It seems that they will all kill your front end. You would be better off going with a 2" leveling kit (which is the max you should lift your stock front suspension), a 3" body lift, or a 4" lift kit.

The level is the cheapest route (about a$100 - $150), but will not allow you to run quite as wide of a tire, especially on an aftermarket rim.

The body lift is the next cheapest (around $350), and will maintain stock suspension geometry, thus keeping all your steering joints happy. But, it probably wont allow for anything larger than the 2' leveling kit will without some trimming.

The 4" is the most expensive route ($1k+), but will allow the extra height and still keep the front steering components somewhat happy because of the design of the kit. This will also probably require aftermarket rims, but will allow you the most tire clearance. You should be able to clear a 33x12.50 with these type kits.

Personally, I have a compbination of the leveling kit and BL. But, I also have an 05 which allows me to run a 35. If you opt for this setup, you should be able to fit a 33 easily on a '12.

Chazbuchanan · June 26, 2012

From what Ive read, mostly on this site, you should stay away from any of the 3" suspension kits on the market. It seems that they will all kill your front end. You would be better off going with a 2" leveling kit (which is the max you should lift your stock front suspension), a 3" body lift, or a 4" lift kit.

The level is the cheapest route (about a$100 - $150), but will not allow you to run quite as wide of a tire, especially on an aftermarket rim.

The body lift is the next cheapest (around $350), and will maintain stock suspension geometry, thus keeping all your steering joints happy. But, it probably wont allow for anything larger than the 2' leveling kit will without some trimming.

The 4" is the most expensive route ($1k+), but will allow the extra height and still keep the front steering components somewhat happy because of the design of the kit. This will also probably require aftermarket rims, but will allow you the most tire clearance. You should be able to clear a 33x12.50 with these type kits.

Personally, I have a compbination of the leveling kit and BL. But, I also have an 05 which allows me to run a 35. If you opt for this setup, you should be able to fit a 33 easily on a '12.

Im curious is to why 3" would hurt worse than a 6" or whatever. Only reason i ask is wouldnt the lower to stock you are the easier on the joints? Im afraid of tearing stuff up lifting my tru k i have a leveling kit but have not put it on yet i just dont want to tear stuff up.

cracked_up · June 26, 2012

The leveling kit is fine, the 3" kit does not drop the front housing or change the spindles thus creating greater angles on the ball joint and tie rod ends. This causes binding and quicker wear.

The 4 and 6" kits drop everything to keep the angles flat like stock. Stay away from any 3" kit and any 4" kit without new spindles and drop brackets. This pic shows how you want to keep your angles

MB2008LTZ · June 26, 2012

Rough Country 2" leveling kit ($65) along with Rough Country 1.25" body lift ($150).......

tyhuck · June 26, 2012

The leveling kit is fine, the 3" kit does not drop the front housing or change the spindles thus creating greater angles on the ball joint and tie rod ends. This causes binding and quicker wear.

The 4 and 6" kits drop everything to keep the angles flat like stock. Stay away from any 3" kit and any 4" kit without new spindles and drop brackets. This pic shows how you want to keep your angles

What he said.

Daryl Z71 · June 27, 2012

Why don't they make a 3" kit for the 900 trucks that drops everything to keep decent angles like they make for the 800's?

BlackZ71Silverado · June 27, 2012

Why don't they make a 3" kit for the 900 trucks that drops everything to keep decent angles like they make for the 800's?

Totally different front suspension between the two. That may have something to do with it but not sure?

blackout07 · June 27, 2012

Why don't they make a 3" kit for the 900 trucks that drops everything to keep decent angles like they make for the 800's?

Skyjacker makes a complete 3" kit. Most don't because it's not cost effective.

Daryl Z71 · June 27, 2012

Why don't they make a 3" kit for the 900 trucks that drops everything to keep decent angles like they make for the 800's?

Skyjacker makes a complete 3" kit. Most don't because it's not cost effective.

Do they really? Is it on there website?

tyhuck · June 27, 2012

Looks like they do a 3" instead of a 4". For that money, you could lift 3 or 4 trucks with a BL.

I got 5" of lift with less than half of what that 3" kit costs. Just saying.

Daryl Z71 · June 27, 2012

Looks like they do a 3" instead of a 4". For that money, you could lift 3 or 4 trucks with a BL.

I got 5" of lift with less than half of what that 3" kit costs. Just saying.

Not a big fan of body lifts. I think trucks look good with them, but I wouldn't put one on my truck. I also don't really want anymore than a 3" suspension lift, but I would go 4" if I had to.