lift kits

hamhawk · August 29, 2003

Anybody out there that might have some advice or opinions - I am looking to buy or order an '04 crew cab, LT, duramax, longbed, 4wd in the next 2 weeks and I'll need to lift it, I'm thinking about 4", nothing too radical, but need to get it a little higher than stock and put some 305's on it. Anyone had any luck with a particular brand? I'm in the Dallas area and talked to 4WD Parts store and was quoted about $4,000 with 305 BFG A/T's for a Rancho 4". They weren't sure on a drive shaft extension for a long bed on the '04 and that would run an additional $150 or so. Does not include wheels, they said the stock wheels would have to be replaced. I've been driving 1/2 ton Z71's for the last 10 years and have never lifted one before and I want to do this one right. Thanks for any info.

mayhem · August 30, 2003

First of all - stay away from 4WP. They fed me more bs and tried to make me take the lift that they wanted to install. Second - $4,000 for a 4" and 305's, not including wheels? I have done extensive research on 6" lifts for my 2500HD and mine would be around the same price including everything(lift, install, wheels, 35" tires, etc.) Take a good hard look at what they are telling you. As far as what tyupe of lift, there are a lot of good ones out there. I have heard good things about Rancho b/c of their one pice subframe. As I said, I really only know about the 6" lifts and havent looked at 4" but my advice is just to take the time to look around and read about all the lifts. Check out fullsizechevy.com forum as wll. Lots of good info.

Also, one other thing: If all you want to fit is 305x70x16 you can fit those on your stock suspension. I fit 305 with stock rims just to see if any rubbing and there was none. Now, you dont want to run with stock wheels because they will crown and wear real fast. Try them on a 8" wheel and you should only have minor trimming. If you are looking to order the truck shortly order with the plow prep pakage because it comes with different torsion keys that level out your front end with the back. This should give you plenty of room for 305's. If you dont get the plow package then you can order green keys and bring up the front end. Long and short is you dont really need 4" lift for only 305's on that truck. Hope this helps