Completely lost for lift and wheels

[ebackwardse1]

I am really hoping someone can help me here because I have spent countless hours reading on these forums and cannot figure it out.

 

I have a 6.3L 1500 4X4 LTZ Z71 on the way. I want to lift it slightly and level it. Ideally, I would like to lift 2 inches in rear and 4 inches in the front.

 

I would also like some beefier tires and either 20 inch or 22 inch wheels. Here are my questions:

 

1. Can someone recommend a high quality lift option for me? Preferably American made parts. I would rather spend top dollar and get a worry-free solution that will not void warranty, kill the transmission, etc.

 

2. How will 22 inch vs 20 inch wheels affect ride quality, MPG, ect? My thought is that the 22's look better with the bigger tires, but is there a reason I should avoid 22's?

 

3. What is an ideal tire and tire size? Something beefy looking, but not off-road only. I will be driving SoCal freeways and doing off-road very little maybe a couple of times a year.

 

Thanks guys! I really enjoy reading all the posts from everyone on here! Great community!

[AgDoctor]

BDS lifts are pretty good but they only have a 6.5 for the 14 I think. You will get better ride from a 20 inch rim. Tires are so vast in options but the BFG AT, GY duratrac, toyo open country are all god tires. As for warranty all lifts for these new ones besides a leveling kit require cutting on the frame and or diff. GM will probably frown on this.

 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[ebackwardse1]

Wow, BDS looks great and they are based out of my home state of Michigan, so that's a plus too. I emailed them to see when they might have a 4 inch solution available. I will update once I hear back.

 

Thanks pineland!

[blackout07]

If you want minimal impact on parts, a body lift and leveling kit combo would be best. If you want all suspension, then definitely look at BDS, Zone, or Rancho. You wont be able to tell a difference in ride between 20s and 22s whatsoever, so get what you like. Also, I would go with Toyo Open Country MTs or Nitto Trail Grapplers. Both look great, have excellent road manners, and will last.

[Swazimoto]

For the heights you are discussing you only need a leveling kit and block for the rear. They are available between 1.75" and 2.5" depending on the manufacturer. I would recommend a FabTech or a Readyllift. I know a lot of people like Rough Country because it is the cheapest. You said High Quality and American Made. That is why this two brands came to mind.

 

I would recommend a Nitto Grapplers for tire on a 20" Rim. 20" Rims are the new standard. Manufacturers make more 20" LT tires than any other rim size this year for the first time. I prefer the look of the 22" wheels but IMO they do not have enough side wall and do not provide enough cushion. I can't tell much of a difference from 18" - 20" but I noticed a lot from 20" to 22" on past vehicles.

 

You'll be looking at 33" tire to avoid any rubbing or cutting. I have confirmed guys use a 34" and even one 35" but I can't find anyone that would install those sizes and guarantee no rubbing.

 

Lastly, the Nittos have a variety of tread patterns. You'll have to pick what you feel fits your lifestyle the best. I am doing the LT295/55R20 Trail Grapplers myself on 2014 Sierra.

 

There are many good tire options out there. Just sharing the ones I am buying. I didn't really take price into consideration just performance as the primary decision making factor. So these may be more or less but met my criteria.

[jj46]

I had the 3.5" Rough Country lift on my 2009. It went in easily, drops the transfer case for better CV angles, good hardware, good instructions, and only cost $250.

 

Edit: I went back and looked, I ordered the kit that included the upper control arms/larger ball joints as well, and it was $430 total.

[blackout07]

I had the 3.5" Rough Country lift on my 2009. It went in easily, drops the transfer case for better CV angles, good hardware, good instructions, and only cost $250.

 

Edit: I went back and looked, I ordered the kit that included the upper control arms/larger ball joints as well, and it was $430 total.

 

 

Yes. Do this. Best quality and engineered kit available!!!!!!

[Swazimoto]

Yes. Do this. Best quality and engineered kit available!!!!!!

Rough Country is made in Mexico. If the made in USA requirement is important to you. They do produce some of their small metal fabrications piece in the good ol' USA. But anything of margin like shocks or anything not small w/ moving parts... made in Mexico.

 

RC is fast to market with very good at engineering. I do not believe they are trying to even compete with the much higher end lift manufactures or the "best quality" ones. They are trying to get good stuff for a reasonable price to market.

[kstruckcountry]

I had the 3.5" Rough Country lift on my 2009. It went in easily, drops the transfer case for better CV angles, good hardware, good instructions, and only cost $250.

 

Edit: I went back and looked, I ordered the kit that included the upper control arms/larger ball joints as well, and it was $430 total.

 

 

Yes. Do this. Best quality and engineered kit available!!!!!!

:sarcasm:

[Swazimoto]

:sarcasm:

And i rewrote my post several times to try and not offend. DER... I was confused.

[blackout07]

And i rewrote my post several times to try and not offend. DER... I was confused.

 

 

I don't get offended, about lifts....especially Junk Country.

[Jon A]

I'm about 75% decided on the 4" BDS. I figure with the larger 2014 wheelwells it should be enough for 35's without too much trimming. I think I'll wait a year or so though to see what all comes out on the market and what peoples' results are with various kits.

[blackout07]

I'm about 75% decided on the 4" BDS. I figure with the larger 2014 wheelwells it should be enough for 35's without too much trimming. I think I'll wait a year or so though to see what all comes out on the market and what peoples' results are with various kits.

 

 

It really doesn't get much better than BDS in that height range.

[Swazimoto]

I'm about 75% decided on the 4" BDS. I figure with the larger 2014 wheelwells it should be enough for 35's without too much trimming. I think I'll wait a year or so though to see what all comes out on the market and what peoples' results are with various kits.

I have only heard good things about them. I have not used myself but I would agree that you should be fine with 35" and it will look EPIC.

 

I do believe they do make parts in Mexico also.

[Swazimoto]

It really doesn't get much better than BDS in that height range.

Do you have a gallery for your truck. That thing looks bad ass. Is it 1/2 ton w/ the camper mirrors?