New lift and performance mods for the HD

tbyrne · December 13, 2003

The HD got a new lift and a few performance mods this week. The Trailmaster lift was replaced with a 6.5" Full Throttle. This gave it a little more height, better ride and tucked the tires in. It also has a set of Crane 1.7 roller rockers helping the valves open/close and the programming was upgraded by Wester's. These mods have made the truck more responsive and I find that it pulls much better to redline.

This will probably be it for mods until the spring. I think I'm going to go with a set of 17" Evo wheels wrapped with 37" tires. If I do that the gears will be upgraded to 4.56s. I'm also waiting for Paxton to have their supercharger ready for the 2002 8.1s. That should be done in the next few months.

It's kind of dirty but here are a few pictures with the new lift -

Before -

After -

Before -

After -

Also a rear view with the new cover -

Tom

MountaineerTom · December 13, 2003

That looks nice Tom.

You don't have body lift do you? If so, is there room to install the factory tow hooks with that PIAA air dam without having to trim it any?

tmf6902 · December 13, 2003

Lookin good

tbyrne · December 13, 2003

Just a suspension lift on this one. I think the hooks might fit with the PIAA airdam. It's been awhile since I put that on so I don't remember if I pulled them hooks for that or to put the grill in.

antig24 · December 13, 2003

looks awesome

Truckman031 · December 14, 2003

MCourson · December 14, 2003

I like that color.

JimWilson · December 15, 2003

The hooks fit fine, but you have those grill inserts that would get in the way.

And if you call that dirty then I'd hate to think what you'd call my truck, especially after 2 winter storms a week apart...

HDROCK · December 15, 2003

LOVE YOU TRUCK !!! I have a 2001 2500HD and I really like the original HD series and I wish they would go back to where you can see a difference between the 1500's and 2500HD and 3500.

GREAT LOOKING TRUCK

02 2500avalanche · December 16, 2003

Hey Tom, the HD looks awesome I got all but one of those rancho shocks I bought from you on and they are great. The reason why I did not get them all on was because Im missing one hardware bag for the front shock, it had 2 steel washers, 2 poly bushings, and one nut. It wasnt in the box so Im thinking someone forgot to put it back in the box when it was at your shop. If you could try to locate them that would be great. Also, what size valve cover spacers did you use? Im getting ready to order the cam, studs, and spacers. Thanks

Alex

Shaners · December 16, 2003

Your HD is looking great Tom!!! Hmm... that blower would top it off!!

HendyPhoto · December 16, 2003

Tbyrne, your truck looks sweet! I cant wait to see what it will look like with 37's! I have the 6" lift and I want my rear end up another inch or so, what do you suggest? Can I add anything on an already lifted truck? On your 6.5" lift, is the rear a 4.5 inch block and 2" in springs, or what is the setup? I am just curious because I like the height of my front end, but I want the back a little higher, so when I am towing it will be level. Thanks man!!

8100HD · December 16, 2003

Hendy, If my memory serves me right, Tom is running Deaver rear spring packs in is HD, you can get them with any amount of lift, custom made, I also believe that Tom is a dealer for them, lucky sob.

MountaineerTom · December 16, 2003

The hooks fit fine, but you have those grill inserts that would get in the way.

What I'm talking about is if the hooks will fit in there with a body lift, without the grille inserts, and without having to trim a notch in the airdam, like this;

tbyrne · December 16, 2003

Thanks for the compliments guys!

Alex: I will take a look for that hardware. Everything should have been in the shock box. If not, I'll see if I can get it from Rancho. I'm using a set of 3/8". This way here is definately enough room under the covers

Jon: I'm currently running 4" Deaver springs with a 2.25" block. That and the front lift gives me 49" all around. You could go with the same set up so you have the flexability for height or just use a set of 6" springs. Either set is $589.99.

The 37s wil look good under there. The motor is only turning at 1700 RPMs with the 35s so 37s will probably bring that down to about 15xx with the stock 4.10s. The only thing I don't like about a gear swap is the noise. I see (hear) this with alot of the Camaro/Firebird gears and think it's one thing that takes away from the car/truck. I've been told that most of the truck gears are quiet though.

I got an idea of how high the truck is today. My fiance's is 5.0'. She was able to walk under my mirror ... without ducking

Tom

2002 8.1 Silverado HD - Comp Cam, TOGs headers, Volant induction, Direct Hits ignition, 8" lift 18" wheels/tires + more

2002 8.1 Suburban -Intercooled Whipple supercharger, TOGs headers, Volant induction, 22" wheels/tires + more - 407hp/558 ft-lb torque at the rear wheels.

www.tbyrnemotorsports.com