New lift kits

[Magic34]

Question regarding CHEVROLET lifted truck options.
I have had my share of lifted trucks/Tahoes, and swore to myself that I would never do it again. Well, I have heard that the new lifts of today were much better than they were 6-8 years ago by numerous people. I want a smooth ride, and I also don't want it to be huge, just clean.
I like the look of this one.
http://www.socalsupertrucks.com/trucks/173_1.jpg
I'd like to be able to drive my truck at 95 MPH with no issues and it to be smooth. I am going to the dunes a lot more and would like to change the look of my truck a little (getting bored with it ;) ).
What lifts are the one's to look at that ride the best? This truck only leaves the pavement at the dunes.
Thanks guys.

[RidinRed]

You didn't say what model but, i'll go out on a limb since the pic is a "HD/Duramax" and by the screen name 34 yours is too. 6" w/ 35's is the most common and imo the safest as dailey driver for the >3/4 tons. but in the 6-8" lifts the chebbies are running CST & RCD. I am looking for a smaller lift for the 1/2er, and both of those look good to me. Naturally they both have their own sales gimmicks and it boils down to what you like or how much you could save on it. both should clear 35's to 38" tires. Best thing is start looking around & going to the shops every once in while and see what others are running. I stop every time I see One and make note of likes and dislikes.
Sorry it's so long, good luck

[Magic34]

Here is what I have: 2004 Chevy 2500 HD 4x4
I would like to run 35" tires and go with the smallest lift possible (4"-6").
The Nitto Terra Grappler 355/60R20 measures just over 36". This is the tire I want to use. Funny thing is that I am running NT404 Nitto tires right now that are 325/50R20 on stock. I did have to trim the hell out of the wheel well. They measure about 1.5" less than the ones I want to switch to with the lift.

[SoCalHD]

Here is what I have: 2004 Chevy 2500 HD 4x4
I would like to run 35" tires and go with the smallest lift possible (4"-6")
I would say CST without hesitation. I have their 6-8" lift on my 2002 2500HD 4x4. I am running it at 8" with 37" tires. The reason I say CST is that it is NOT a spindle lift, (like Rancho, Fabtech, RCD, Pro-Comp). The spindle lifts are the trucks you see around that have the front tires sticking out so far from the wheel well. The CST is a full 6" drop, 1 peice sub-frame kit. This allows you to have a 6" lift, without cranking up your torsion bars. On most of the spindle lift kits, they drop your front end components 4.5", and then you adjust the torsion bars up to get 6". Adjusting the torsion bars up to get the clearance is when your ride goes to crap!

[riverroyal]

he has had 2 trucks like that one,that may be the one he owns now,looks the same

[SoCalHD]

Question regarding CHEVROLET lifted truck options.
I have had my share of lifted trucks/Tahoes, and swore to myself that I would never do it again. Well, I have heard that the new lifts of today were much better than they were 6-8 years ago by numerous people. I want a smooth ride, and I also don't want it to be huge, just clean.
I like the look of this one.
http://www.socalsupertrucks.com/trucks/173_1.jpg
I'd like to be able to drive my truck at 95 MPH with no issues and it to be smooth. I am going to the dunes a lot more and would like to change the look of my truck a little (getting bored with it ;) ).
What lifts are the one's to look at that ride the best? This truck only leaves the pavement at the dunes.
Thanks guys.
BTW, that truck is at SoCal Supertrucks-they did all the lift install and fab work on my HD.
Would reccomend them to anyone!!!!!!!!!!

[Magic34]

I would say CST without hesitation. I have their 6-8" lift on my 2002 2500HD 4x4. I am running it at 8" with 37" tires. The reason I say CST is that it is NOT a spindle lift, (like Rancho, Fabtech, RCD, Pro-Comp). The spindle lifts are the trucks you see around that have the front tires sticking out so far from the wheel well. The CST is a full 6" drop, 1 peice sub-frame kit. This allows you to have a 6" lift, without cranking up your torsion bars. On most of the spindle lift kits, they drop your front end components 4.5", and then you adjust the torsion bars up to get 6". Adjusting the torsion bars up to get the clearance is when your ride goes to crap!
Will going a full 6" looks like sh*t with the tires I want to use? Nitto Terra Grappler 355/60R20

[SoCalHD]

I don't think so-I am running the Parnelli Jones Dirt Grip tires in 37x12.50 with my CST adjusted up to the 8" range. Running those Nitto's with the lift set at 6" will look fine-plus the ride will be awesome!!!!
I also did the Deaver spring pack, as well as air bags and on-board compressor and tank(thanks to Sigepmock!). The truck tows great, just needs more power!!!!LOL

[Magic34]

What size lift is this??? When I am done, my truck will look almost exactly like this one.
http://www.californiasupertrucks.com/gallery/chevy2500hd1.jpg
It is a CST lift.

[SoCalHD]

That is the CST 6" lift.

[BLOWN HOWARD]

I don't think so-I am running the Parnelli Jones Dirt Grip tires in 37x12.50 with my CST adjusted up to the 8" range. Running those Nitto's with the lift set at 6" will look fine-plus the ride will be awesome!!!!
I also did the Deaver spring pack, as well as air bags and on-board compressor and tank(thanks to Sigepmock!). The truck tows great, just needs more power!!!!LOL
If you dont mind me asking what did the spring pack run ya?? And is the ride better??

[sigepmock]

I got my spring pack directly from Deaver paid $450 for the 4" lifted set. It rides nicer than the stock 3/4 ton springs but not as nice as SoCalHd's truck he got a 1/2 ton set and make ups the difference with the airbags for towing. It rides very nice. Also something Chris (SoCalHD) did was not waste his money of dual front shocks but rather installed a single SUPER PIMP DADDY bypass shock at each corner. It looks pimp and rides better than a $1000 hooker :D or so I've been told. I would agree with Chris, CST is the way to go. I have the RCD and have had to upgrade then upper A-arms and the steering(pitman and Idle arm) the CST comes with all the goodies already and the guys that did the work on Chris's truck did an outstanding job, some of the cleanest work I've seen.
Just my $.02,
Chris (the other one)

[BLOWN HOWARD]

Well sounds like i am going to get the 1/2 springs cause i was already going to do the bags. Are the 1/2 springs cheaper than the 3/4 ton ?? I am running the RCD lift so far and no probs! seems like a good kit.

[sigepmock]

1/2 ton springs were the same price when I talked with the guys at Deaver. Call and talk with Jeff or (can't remember the other guy's name) at Deaver 714-542-3703. I think the price started at $600 and then I talked with him a couple more times and the price kept droping. Give him the old "I heard about you from some guys that bought direct from you before and they said the price was around $450.....can you help me out?" kinda thing.
Don't get me wrong the RCD is a great kit for the price and this is my second one.....but if you have the $$$ the CST kit is the way to go.
Chris

[Magic34]

OK, so it looks like if I do this the CST is the one to go with. Do I have to bag it if I don't want the rear to sag when towing? I have a 34' boat and a 30' Weekend Warrior. I do run weight distribution on the toyhauler.

[sigepmock]

I noticed more sag in the rear after I lifted the truck, even running the blocks and stock springs with the load leveling hitch. I think the weight distributing hitch losses leverage when you use a drop hitch. I switched to the Deaver lifted springs and air bags and the truck towed a ton better and rode a ton better. You can stay with the Rear lift blocks and stock springs but with all the torque the Dmax has I think you may start to see some wheel hop. I did with the S/C on my truck.
Chris

[BLOWN HOWARD]

Don't get me wrong the RCD is a great kit for the price and this is my second one.....but if you have the $$$ the CST kit is the way to go.
Chris[/QUOTE]
I have priced them out before and some shops are actually selling the CST cheaper than the RCD but maybe some shops get better deals on them. Defenetly alot more parts in the CST to change than the RCD, i could see the CST costing more because of that.

[SoCalHD]

Don't get me wrong the RCD is a great kit for the price and this is my second one.....but if you have the $$$ the CST kit is the way to go.
Chris
I have priced them out before and some shops are actually selling the CST cheaper than the RCD but maybe some shops get better deals on them. Defenetly alot more parts in the CST to change than the RCD, i could see the CST costing more because of that.[/QUOTE]
I think part of the reason is that the CST is sold without shocks. The other lifts come with shocks. The RCD comes with very nice Bilstein shocks. That might explain why it is a few $$ more.