Lifting tips

Cody1774 · February 1, 2014

I am looking at buying a used Denali 2500HD. I will be using it for work, in some pretty rugid conditions. I will be looking at lifting the truck as soon as possible, to help withstand the abuse from my job. Any suggestions or tips on what to get for a lift? Also will I still be able to pull 5th wheel holiday trailers and gooseneck work trailers with a big lift kit?

Chris · February 1, 2014

Depends on how big to want to go

KMGZ400 · February 1, 2014

Lifting a truck that's going to be a workhorse really isn't the greatest idea.. IMO. You could just level the front and throw 35's on it and it'll be practical and look good

How would lifting the truck help it withstand abuse?

Chris · February 1, 2014

Levl and beef up front end components from my hometown, Cognito Motorsports makes a lot of front end parts for the HD http://cognitomotorsports.com/

Cody1774 · February 1, 2014

I take as good of care of my work truck as anyone on our fleet. 300,000 km and the body is pretty good considering what we do for work. My bumpers, however, look like they've been completely neglected. This winter especially, I've drove in conditions where the front of my truck is plowing snow. I really think a lift would help keep the truck in better shape. It really isnt a question of if I should lift, I will be. Thanks for the link to cognitio, Chris.

Im still going to be looking around for information on what lift is best for my application. I still need to be able to tow, and get in and out of my truck for tools and such about a million times a day for work.

Thanks everyone.

Chris · February 1, 2014

Cognito has other components to help even if you dont use their lift

kstruckcountry · February 1, 2014

IMO, work truck = no lift. If you're going to be hopping in and out, using the bed, and towing a fifth wheel with it, a lift will make all that harder to do. That is if you can even still hook on to a fifth wheel. There are cheaper and easier ways to toughen up the front of a truck. For example, a good bumper. Cognito has support arms you can look into. There's a lot you can do. Something else to consider is that big tires will put a lot of stress on your truck. So you really won't be making it more durable.

Chris · February 1, 2014

Honestly a level and larger rear block will be best with cognito control arms.

KMGZ400 · February 1, 2014

I take as good of care of my work truck as anyone on our fleet. 300,000 km and the body is pretty good considering what we do for work. My bumpers, however, look like they've been completely neglected. This winter especially, I've drove in conditions where the front of my truck is plowing snow. I really think a lift would help keep the truck in better shape. It really isnt a question of if I should lift, I will be. Thanks for the link to cognitio, Chris.

Im still going to be looking around for information on what lift is best for my application. I still need to be able to tow, and get in and out of my truck for tools and such about a million times a day for work.

Thanks everyone.

I wouldn't get a Denali for work if you say your bumpers are trashed.. The painted bumpers chip very easily

Cody1774 · February 1, 2014

the issue I have with my 2004 chev 2500 is that the plastic bumper falls off once or twice a week now. I've tried aftermarket bumpers on two previous duramaxes and the ground clearance has always been an issue. I work in the Canadian Rockies, roads aren't really.... roads. Big banks and drifts, mud up to my eye balls in the spring, debris, pot holes, wash outs.... Yes I understand that getting in and out of the truck will be a bit harder, I get that access to the truck bed will be harder, but by that logic I should be looking at lowering it? I need truck clearance. Ideally I would still like to be able to tow 5th wheel trailers but no matter what, nobody here is going to convince me that a lifted truck isnt a good idea for what I do. Even our Dodge stock trucks are better than our stock Duramaxes.

I appreciate the tips on what to look for/ask for when shopping for lifts. I will seek more advice at our local shop.

Cody1774 · February 1, 2014

I wouldn't get a Denali for work if you say your bumpers are trashed.. The painted bumpers chip very easily

I put on approximately 50 000km annually for work and about 20 000 family use. However you slice it, I spend most of my life in my truck. I'd really like a Denali.

Dirtbiker · February 2, 2014

You can still pull a fifth wheel with a lift. You just might have to flip the axles on the trailer. I did this to mine just so I wouldn't be dragging the drain lines all the time as we camp in fields at dirt bike races an some are not very level fields ha ha. My trailer is a bumper pull but lots of guys here have lifts with fifth wheels. Although none over six inch.

I understand your need for clearance out in the bush. I had the same issue with my new 1500 so I put a four inch lift on it as they sit so low now.

A 3/4 ton levelled with air bags in the back ( which are good for trailer towing too) is a pretty good boost over stock and is cheap as well. Then you can throw a little bigger tire on.

I cranked the torsion bars a little only on my 2006 2500HD and it is now 1.5 inches higher in the front with the airbags lifting the rear a little with only 6 lbs in them. The ride is still good too.

Hope this helps.

KMGZ400 · February 2, 2014

I put on approximately 50 000km annually for work and about 20 000 family use. However you slice it, I spend most of my life in my truck. I'd really like a Denali.

Nothing wrong with that! I don't think I could use my denali for my work truck it would get trashed

Cody1774 · February 2, 2014

I feel like I should be changing the wheels immediately. The stock 20"s don't look like they belong in the bush. I appreciate the input from everyone, but I don't think I am any more confident on what I will do. I'll continue to read more, and appreciate any further advice