Lifting/Tires advice

BTT2007 · December 29, 2013

Hey everyone,

New here but had a few questions for the experts. I have a 2008 Silverado Z82 (I'll try to attack a picture below), and I like the way it looks right now but I'd love to add just a couple of tweaks to it. Biggest thing is that I'm going to need new tires soon…right now it has Mickey Thompson's (came with those) but I'm open to anything.

Biggest thing is, I want it raised just a bit more. I don't want it really jacked up (don't do a lot of off-roading), but would love to see it just an inch or two higher and maybe fit some 35's on there. The problem is I don't really know much about doing this stuff, so I was curious to see any opinions about what people think would look good. Aside from that I want to put a bull bar on the front and then it should be good to go.

Anyways, any ideas on what I should do to get the look I want? I don't want to spend a ton of money, either. I know the tires will be relatively costly, but how about getting spacers instead of a suspension lift?

TooTall1 · December 29, 2013

I'd either do a Rough Country 1.25" or Zone 1.5" body lift. Your other alternative would be a new 4" suspension lift.

kstruckcountry · December 30, 2013

Looks like it's already leveled in the front. You could go with a 4" lift.

LaserBlueZ71 · January 1, 2014

While a leveling kit combined with a body lift will give you 4-5 inches, it isn't true lift. IMO, that's doing 2 things wrong. The leveling kit is going to kill ride quality, and a body lift on top of that will double kill your ride quality. I never suggest body lifts, they usually lead to problems and ride quality goes to hell.

I don't think you have a lot of options besides a true 4 inch full suspension lift kit. If your already leveled and want to gain more height, you have no choice but to spend considerable money. At least a few thousands dollars. Only 2 kits I would consider, BDS or Rancho. The Rancho kit is a bit of a downer because it does not include shocks, skid plates, or complete replacement springs for the rear. The BDS kit includes all of that, springs are optional mind you, but still. Also, everyone knows, BDS warranty is untouchable.

Even though it's only 4 inches, I suggest opting for complete replacement leaf springs in the rear. From the factory, there is already a 2 inch block in the rear I believe. If you add an even bigger block in there, you will get axle hop if you honk on it. It also doesn't handle nearly as well with tall blocks in the rear, especially when towing. Full replacement springs eliminate all of those issues, and BDS covers their springs under their no BS lifetime warranty, so if you break a spring, who cares, BDS will replace it!

MB2008LTZ · January 1, 2014

Body lifts have nothing to do with the ride quality of a truck.

LaserBlueZ71 · January 2, 2014

Body lifts have nothing to do with the ride quality of a truck.

Yes, it does.

Your basically adding thermoplastic resin spacers to your body mounts. Shocks and vibrations are felt more harshly because of the hard bushing material. Body lift kits make the cab mounting very stiff, so even though it has nothing to do with suspension, the ride will feel slightly more harsh then before.

Not to mention, your not gaining any capability. Your frame is still just as close to the ground as it was before. Even if you increase tire size by 2 inches, that's all your gaining. Full suspension lift kits give you more space between the ground, and the frame of the truck, but not between the ground and your sub-frame/suspension components. Larger tires will increase your clearance between your suspension components and the ground.

Body lifts usually require moving bumper mounts as well, your filler tube for your fuel tank, in some cases you end up stretching wiring harnesses too. It's just the wrong way to do things. Do it properly and install a high quality, full suspension lift kit.

cparks555 · January 2, 2014

I think it looks good as is, just slap some new rubber under it and call it a day.

LaserBlueZ71 · January 2, 2014

I think it looks good as is, just slap some new rubber under it and call it a day.

This.

Don't bother with 35's. 33's is more then enough. You will hate the truck with 35's unless you have at least 3:73 gears and a really good tune. Even with 33's these trucks are dogs with the 3:42 ratio.