What's up guys. This is my first post on the site but i have been reading and learning things for a couple years. Im wanting to know the pros/cons of both a body and suspension lift. I want to lift the truck about 3-4" and put some 33's on it (nothing to big) so im thinking that the body lift will be fine. However i have heard horror stories about body lifts. Thanks for the help guys.


Brandon

 

Body lifts gained a bad reputation from idiots making them from hockey pucks, metal tubing, wood, etc. There is nothing wrong with a properly designed and installed body lifts, like the ones made by Performance Accessories. I am on my third truck with a PA body lift and I have never had a problem.
The pros of a body lift are the low cost and the ride is not affected.
The only con I can see is you are limited to 3 inches of lift.
Also, welcome to the site.

 

Well, another "con" for the body lift would be that it doesnt improve your suspension any, it only allows you to run bigger tires and wheels, thats it.

The suspension lift costs a bit more, but it also does alot more for your truck's suspension. FYI the smallest suspension lift Ive seen for our trucks is a 4" lift made by Rancho. Body lifts are only available (as far as I know) in 2 or 3" lifts.

So it depends on how much you want to spend as well as what you plan on doing with the truck. If you just want to squeeze in bigger tires, then a body lift will be just fine. If you need your truck to be able to do more off road, then I would look at a suspension lift.

 

Get a set of Ibach front coil springs that are 2in taller than stock( $200.00 ),
then a 3in body lift kit ( $150 ). 33's will clear great. Body lift will take you and a buddy all day and is not that hard. The bitch is getting the shift linkage resinked with the extended bracket. THE IBACH SPRINGS RIDE AWESOME COMPARED TO FABTECH AND PROCOMPS stiff **** they sell. You will be so happy.

 

I was going to mention exactly what Wandell said. For photos you can go to my website. If you have any other concern just let me know, I will be more than glad to help.

 

Good info guys. Im not wanting an off-road machine but i want to be higher than the other cars around me. I only want to go with 33in BFG A/T so im thinking a body lift is best. Wheres the best place to buy the PA 3" body lift from? Thanks again guys.


Brandon

 

the best place to buy would be from http://www.4wheelparts.com. i think they have about the cheapest.

 

Cool, so now i have the lift i want. How do i know what exact size tires and rims i need? I know i want 33in BFG A/T....but what size rim do i need (16,17,18??? width? backspacing?, anything else i need to know).

 

I think if you went with a 16x10 with some 305/70R16s tires, thatd look good.

For backspacing, I think 4.5" is good, but Im not real sure on backspacing, someone else can chime in on that for good measure.

You can get about any size wheel you want...as long as it is at least a 16" or larger. 15" wheels wont clear the brake calilpers on these trucks.

 

I agree, if your truck is a 4x4.

 

4WPW is a great store, but before going any further, check the price in JCWhitney. Sometimes they have discounts and that may help you get a low price. I bought mine many years ago from them for about $133.00. I am sure is higher now, but one never knows.

 

hey guys, i found this three inch leveling kit from"TRUXXX" i have never heard of these guys before, i have been looking at these for about a week now, anyone else heard of them??

 

You guys are great. Thanks for all the help.

 

what kind of truck do you have? 33x12.50"s fit my wife's truck just fine, with stock suspension.





Another

 

i have an 03 2wd S/C flareside. Im guessing that since i have the 2wd then 33's wont fit on the stock suspension? But if i had the 4x4 then they would?
Nice Truck by the way.