Lifting a 2003 Silverado 2500HD

c5hd · April 29, 2003

Posted in 4x4 sections as well:

I am planning on buying a 2003 CC shorbox with the Allison Tranny (Haven't decided on the Duramax or 8.1 yet). I have read as many posts I could find about lifting. From the posts and vendor offerings, it looks like a 6" is the most popular.

Are there any issues that I should consider or be aware of when lifting a 2500HD versus a 1500?

The only real reason I would be lifting is for aesthetics. I have no plans to do an real offroading (although you never know).

I will be towning a car trailer at least couple times a month.

Any and all input and opinions are greatly appreciated.

ToTheMax · April 29, 2003

I would not lift it if you are planning on toweing a car trailer allot. To high and in my opinion it is harder on the braking. If you get the duramax you cant put a body lift on it. I own a 03 Duramax and love it. Some dealers will not want you to lift it and might even threaten a warranty void, check with them first.

Good Luck!

c5hd · April 29, 2003

Yeah, I kind of figured that was the most glaring negative of the lift. I'd be curious to here some opinions of people with lifted trucks that do tow.

A follow up question would be, are there any specific lifts or extra hardware required for and HD with my engine/tranny combo that I should look for?

Threejaws · April 30, 2003

I have a 6-7in Superlift on my '03, and have had no problems. I still have my full warranty and I bought the 75000 mile extend warranty, and every thing is still covered. I have pulled a car trailer, but it didn't have a car on it just helping someone move. I couldn't tell the trailer was back there, you won't have any problems, good luck with the lift.

Lifted 2003, 2500HD

1BADHD · April 30, 2003

I installed a Rancho 6" on my truck about 2 weeks ago. I pulled a 26 camper weighing in at 7500 this past weekend. With no problems. You just have to get a healthy drop hitch. And the warranty shouldnt be an issue. Your warranty is not void unless the dealer can prove that the aftermarket part caused the part to fail. Now, you may have to put the stock tires on for service because the GM service equipment is only calibrated for factory tires. Depending on the service your getting done. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

P.S. you can install a body lift on a Duramax, but you will need to fabricate a few brackets and mod a few things under the hood.

ScramblerHD · April 30, 2003

Towing a car trailer will be no big deal be sure and get the drop hitch like 1BADHD suggested. Before I got my 03 HD I lookes at a 02 HD with a 6" lift. You have to admit if you are just doing it for aestheics all you have to do is look at 1BADHD and Threejaws, good looking rigs there, you will be happy with the lift. What I did not care for on the 02 was in my experiance when you go to a lift in the long run I think you loose durability of the OEM parts still in place. Larger tiers and such make the truck heavier. Think of it as if you walked around all day long with a back pack which had 45lbs in it. At the end of the day when you took it off you could really feel the differance. Now not to say you could not do that if you were phisicaly fit, key word being fit. You dont want to twist an ankle, strain a muscle or such right. So make sure you check your trucks u-joints, bushings ect. every so often. Hope this makes sence

Threejaws · April 30, 2003

I think having a lift on an HD is better because the U-joints are bigger and the rear end is better then on a 1500.

I have a 6in and an 8in drop hitch for mine and they work great.

Lifted 2003, 2500HD

ScramblerHD · April 30, 2003

Exactly my point, maybe it did not come out that way. The 3/4 will be better with the stronger parts in it. Nowa-days lifts are much more than just springs longer u-bolts, shocks and blocks but you still need to do the maintenance thing. What about preformance, what have you seen with the lift on your truck. I would think that even though you have a D-Max there is some preformance drawback unless you add motor upgrades also.

c5hd · April 30, 2003

Thanks for th input. I like what I hear. Threejaws' and 1badhd's trucks do look awesome. Exactly what I am looking for.

So it is the same lift for the 1500 as the 2500HD or are there specific kits I should look for?

Thanks.

tmf6902 · May 1, 2003

I just got a fabtech 6 inch on mine, so far it's pretty bad ass. The only problem I have had with it was from the installer,(cut a CV boot) but they are replacing it tommorow. Besides that I the only problem I had was with the speedo and I got a superchip to adjust for bigger tires. I have heard that the tranny would act wierd, but so far (knock on wood) I havn't had any problems. The installer of my lift says he likes fabtech the best, but he also does RSD? RDS? <- that one...but the customers didn't like them, I dunno why. But I guess as long as you get a reputable lift, there all basically the same. I have also heard that some lift are true 6 inch lift, and some just drop the front diff, like fabtech....I don't know much about it so I am not gonna act like I do....maybe some one else can shed some light on it. Just don't go with a Ford.

TMF