? for those with lifted d-maxes?

[Riverholic]

I am would like to know what lift you have and what size rim and tire you are running? Also if you experience any tire rubbing at all? Did you have to re-gear? I am currently leaning towards the RCD 6" lift and 16.5 x 9.75 wheel with 35 x 12.5 tires. I am not sold on the wheel size yet, I just don't want any rubbing. Thanks all responses are highly appreciated!!

[dmatt]

Riverholic:

Right now I am running a CST 6" lift on my Duramax. The tires are 315x75x16 (35x12.50x16) on Weld 16x10 wheels. No rubbing at all. Had this lift/tire combination on now for 25K miles.
The stock gears are working fine for me with all the torque the engine puts out. I mostly use it off-road where I live with no towing.

DMATT

[gardnerteam]

02 2500HD 4X4 with 4" Rancho lift with Bilsteins. 285 Tires. Also have run 295 tires. No clearance problems with either size even during extreme offroad climbing and turning. Wanted to keep the vehicle as low as possible with more ground clearance than stock because of the extreme off road uses I have at times. Roll over trucks are no fun. Been there - done that. Truck weighs 9,000 lbs. Very happy with the 4" lift.

[HK 3]

Gardnerteam, is the 4" Rancho lift a true 4" lift and how does it compare to the RCD and Fabtech 6" lifts with repect to the overall height when the installation is complete? I have been told that the 4" lift is only available for the 2 wheel drive configuration and that the only lift available for the 4 wheel drive is a 6" lift. Is this correct?

[gardnerteam]

My 4" lift kit is Rancho RS6548. Sure appears to be a true 4" lift. I had previously cranked up the front end, but it took superior handling away, which I didn't want to give up. All the 6" kits were too high and too easy for me to roll a vehicle off road at high speed. Last winter I was caught in Guatemala in 4WDH in mud up on the two right side tires in a tight corner at about 45 mph with what bystanders said was about 3" of air under my left side tires. This was on a CC weighing then about 11,000lbs and with stock heigth. I felt my heart go all the way to my shorts and they probably needed changed after that. I feel I can get in enough trouble with a 4". I cranked the vehicle back down before putting on the lift kit and have left it in stock position plus the lift kit. I could easily crank it up another inch or two for more heigth, but I need the best control and driveability I can get. I have rolled both a 4X4 extended lifted pickup and 4X4 race jeeps at speed in my younger days and survived with minor injuries (vehicles totalled), but old age, an aching body, a empty wallet, and a wife who would kill me if I didn't die, prevent me from exercising my pedal to the floor-no brake mentality to the fullest. Damaged aching body probably scares me the most - I'd have to learn to build Duramax powered wheelchairs or hospital beds - hey, a whole new career - any orders?
Anyway, the 4" has proven safe and has given the large diesel tank underneath a bit more clearance.

[JAXXXA]

6" Fabtech with 315/75/16. Required major cutting, and still rubs very slightly.

http://www.aikler.com/ford/2500hd.html

[HK 3]

Gardnerteam, thanks for the informative post on the actual 4" Rancho lift. I will look into it further. Like you, I don't want to have to use a step ladder to get into my Chevy Duramax/

[buelldude]

hey,
How about a bit of help on this, I want to lift my 02 chevy 2wd cc. I want to do a 3" or 4" lift. I have never done a lift!!!!
How about some info?
1 I have 16x8 weld wheels, do I need to change?
2 What about kits, how much and brand names?
3 How about pro's and con's for towing after?
Any and all info will help me, I don't want to go more than 4". Its only a 2wd so its just for looks.

[Professor]

BuellDude,

Look at FabTech's spindles.

http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/applications/spindles/spindles.html

That is what I have on my 2500LD

http://members.cox.net/rhowell2/gmc/99g.jpg
http://members.cox.net/rhowell2/gmc/99_2a.JPG

[hdmax(mike)]

BuellDude;
On the new 01-03 2500HD and 3500 trucks, the front end is lifted the same on 4x2 and 4x4. That makes it easier to find a lift. You would be best off with the Rancho 4" lift and run a 285, 295, in the 75 series or the 305 in the 70 series. They all three will look great with 4" of lift and 8" rim width.

[buelldude]

thanks for the info, the only thing is we here in VA Beach, VA don't have many 4x4 shops to speak of(not good ones)! Hey, has anyone had problems with warrenty work because of the lift that they put in?

[Diesel Dan]

Riverholic,

As far as the rims go, buy 16" rims. There are getting to be less and less tires available for the 16.5 rims anymore. I have 16.5x9.75 Welds on my suburban and wish they were 16"s, some of the tires I'd like to run aren't offered in 16.5". Many of the newer tread designs are for 16" & even 17" applications. IMO if you are buying new rims 16.5s are only good for 38s and larger.

[SteveO]

Diesel Dan,

I agree totally..

I can remember 5-6 years ago you could get just about any tire in 16.5 without looking all day.. Not anymore...

I would go with 16s 17s or even 18s.. Nittro has some Great looking 18s smile.gif

[buelldude]

well does anyone have a good place(price that is)to get the kit? How much does it run to have a shop do it? I know every shop is different, I just want a ball park. Thanks

[BEAVER BASHER]

03 CC SHORTBED SIERRA I AM LOOKING TO JACK IT UP 6INCHES.ALL MY TIME IS NOT GOING TO BE SPENT OFF ROAD IS THERE ANYONE WHO CAN GIVE SOME SINCERE FEEDBACK ON RIDE QUALITY COMPARED TO STOCK RIDE .I SPORTING A 2500 DMX SINGLE REAR.I PLAN ON PUTTING A LOT OF HWY MILES ON HER.

[Riverholic]

Thanks diesel dan after looking at the catalogs I see you are right! Well after talking with my local shop I have decided to go with 16x8w/ 315's and the RCD lift. I just saw a Monster HD on the cover of this months Sport Truck. It has a 18" lift on it with 42" tires. But like all circus wagons that high: nice to look at but wouldn't want to own it. Thanks for all the replys.

[SteveO]

Riverholic,

Check this out..

http://www.bulletproofsuspension.com/

I have been drooling all over my screen, Yes, the girls are nice but the truck is very nice... smile.gif

The truck looks to be VERY well built..

It looks as if it has normal U-joints in the frontend?

Steve

[Riverholic]

SteveO, that's the one on the cover of the magazine. That truck is just AWESOME!! I don't think I want to lift mine quite that high but one can only dream.