Newbie wants to lift his Z71

Skip Talker · March 29, 2006

Hello newbie here with a question about lifting. I have a 2004 Z71 ext cab. I average about 1k miles a week 95% highway 5% off road up some little traveled mountain roads, I work on those towers you see up on top of the mountains.

I want just a little more clearance and its time for new tires and shocks anyways, so I got an estimate from the first off road place I found. I’ll get more soon. The 1st guy suggested a “Torque and align” for the front and add a spring to the rear for about a 1.5” lift. Then a bigger tire on the stock rims for another 1” lift. I might not have the terminology right, remember I’m a newbie.

So does this sound like the ticket for an economical lift? Has any one done this and can comment on the ride? Any other suggestions?

Thanks

deluce · March 30, 2006

Hello newbie here with a question about lifting. I have a 2004 Z71 ext cab. I average about 1k miles a week 95% highway 5% off road up some little traveled mountain roads, I work on those towers you see up on top of the mountains.

I want just a little more clearance and its time for new tires and shocks anyways, so I got an estimate from the first off road place I found. I’ll get more soon. The 1st guy suggested a “Torque and align” for the front and add a spring to the rear for about a 1.5” lift. Then a bigger tire on the stock rims for another 1” lift. I might not have the terminology right, remember I’m a newbie.

So does this sound like the ticket for an economical lift? Has any one done this and can comment on the ride? Any other suggestions?

Thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

By torque, I'm guessing he means the torison bars...

Skip Talker · March 30, 2006

Yes

scrapykunas · March 30, 2006

if by "torque" he means crank the torsion bars. it is a harsh ride for some even with longer shocks and alignment. I have an add leaf on my 99. it raised it a little over an inch and still rides okay. I think I need new shocks though. I have 285/75 (32.8") on stock rims. no rubbing although they are AT not MT. I think MT's would rub alittle. any wider will to. I'm at stock front height. about to install torsion ford keys this weekend. should get me up 1 1/2 - 2" in the front with alot more play in the adjusting range. just my $.02 there is alot out there. look around alot before you jump into something. there is also a nice 3" lift out there, superlift i think, that is easy to install and a super nice ride. good luck

Bruce03Silverado · March 31, 2006

I put a 3" body lift on mine with new rims and tires. Kit cost $500 from performance accessories. It wasn't difficult - just tedious. Here's some pics.

pwall · March 31, 2006

Looks really good!

Skip Talker · March 31, 2006

That does look good. About the right stance I was looking for too. If you get a chance can you get me a tape measure reading from the mirror or some other reference point to compare with what I got now? Any problems on tire clearance?

BTW where are you at? I was born in Mitchellville but now live in San Diego.

Bruce03Silverado · April 1, 2006

That does look good. About the right stance I was looking for too. If you get a chance can you get me a tape measure reading from the mirror or some other reference point to compare with what I got now? Any problems on tire clearance?

BTW where are you at? I was born in Mitchellville but now live in San Diego.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually all you need to do is put your truck next to an HD 4x4 and that's the height of my truck. I did have to do a little trimming to fit the 305's but it only took 10min and isn't noticeable. My rims are 16x8's and the stock ones were 16x7.5. It's my daily driver so I wanted the height w/o compromising the functionality especially since I drive it almost 100mi a day and mostly on the highway. The 33" tires actually bring the truck a tad bit more than just 3". I think it's the perfect height right now. I've parked right next to a lot of HD's and I'm eye to eye with them. In fact my truck pretty much looks like a 1500HD with rims and tires I'm located in Edgewood, MD about 11mi East of Bel Air, MD. I'm right next to Aberdeen Proving Grounds. For the price of a suspension lift I was able to get the body lift and rims and tires. I wasn't a fan of body lifts at first until I realized how much I used my truck and what I used it for and a 6" isn't practical for me and I can't see spending $900-$1400 for a 3" suspension lift when I get the same height for $500 out of a body lift and the suspension doesn;t change. I did add Rancho RSX shocks which was a huge improvement over stock as well. LEt me know if you have anymore questions - I'd be glad to help!!

bmrtech · April 19, 2006

Bruce03Silverado-

did you do the install yourself? if so, how tedious was it? that is a great look, the same look I would like on my 00 z71. I emailed PA about the kit, I was also intertested in the Hill 4 Wheel Drive leveling kit. If I installed that, would that add to the 3" body lift? I was also looking at the add-a-leaf for the rear also.

Skyz71 · April 19, 2006

That body lift loked to have worked out pretty good. Now, for an application where your lookin for better offroad performance, would a body lift and bigger tires be sufficient? or should i bite the bullet and get a suspension kit and beef up the IFS?

ZZebes · April 19, 2006

Bruce03Silverado - Nice T/A in the background, i'm guessing that is the fun for the weekends.

as for the forum topic, i would go suspension if you plan on offroading. Skyjacker makes a 3" lift, but for like 150 more it is a 6" so it depends what you want, the 3" clears 285's(33") and the 6" clears 315's(35")

Skyz71 · April 19, 2006

Thanks for the advice, i think that'd be the way for me to go. Do you happen to know if you can install it at home without any welding or exhaust modifications?

Meatywand · April 19, 2006

3 inch body lift and Ford keys will clear 315s, hell I was clearing 315s on my 97 with just the body lift. I would do the body lift, and keys...its easier and alot cheaper and easier to remove than a d**n suspension lift