questions concerning lifting options...

[kd0ezq]

So, I've been searching and reading for quite awhile, but I still have some questions. I have a 2001 Suburban 1500, it is stock with 265/75R16 tires on it now. I have added Rancho RS5000 all the way around. The torsion bars have not been turned up that I know, but it sets almost Level. I measure 32" from the fenderwell lip to the top of the lower wheel lip.

I am running TreadWright 10ply Guard Dogs and never have any rubbing.

I would like to increase the stance and perhaps go to a 285/75 or a 305 tire. I am already planning on new wheels and going with an aftermarket 16x8.

My question concerns going with a torsion bar lift vs a true suspension lift. Since my truck already sits level, can I expect a level ride with a torsion bar lift since most all of them attempt to get rid of the factory rake?

It is hard to justify spending $1k for a 4" suspension lift if a $300 torsion lift will get me close to the same results.

Thanks for the help everyone!

Tim B.
Victoria, Kansas

Just a picture to show you what Im working with...

 

[Donut Slayer]

A key lift will give you more lift with the front end. To be level you will not have to crank the keys all the way as you do with the stock keys. Basically if you use keys on the front, you can use a rear spacer from 3/4" to 2" and then level the front with the rear. Rough country has a lift that will fit 33" or 285-70-17's with a 3/4" rear spacer and keys. I know of a few people who fit 315-70-17's on keys and 2" spacers with trimming of the plastic fender liners on stock wheels. Your truck looks great, BTW. If you want to fit 285's or better yet 305's without rubbing, I'd at least go with keys and 3/4" rear spacer.

 

[kd0ezq]

Donut Slayer, thanks for your reply!

Here is what I am contemplating. I have read that white gm keys, $27 a piece on gmpartseast.com, will give similliar lift to the ford keys. SO if I buy say 3" blocks off ebay and install them, do I just crank the keys up to level out the suburban?

I like the thought of a 3" lift for about 75 bucks!

I am also contemplating replacing the rear coils with z71 coils and using 2" coils...

thanks for the help!

Tim

OH, and wait till you see the new pics of the truck! can you say RanchHand!

 

[Donut Slayer]

cool, cant wait for you to post pics. Oh, got to replace the shocks with longer ones with the keys and spacers.

 

[Donut Slayer]

Take a look at this, http://z71tahoe-suburban.com/iboard/index.php?showtopic=38443 35's with no lift. I think keys and spacers would be better.

 

[kd0ezq]

So I ordered my coil spacers and lift keys along with shock extenders tonight. Found everything on eBay from sellers I was comfortable with.

I was bored tonight at work and played with some different heights to see what I liked... Here is a pic that I took with 3" of lift....

Sorry for the poser pics but I really like this stance!

I'll keep everyone posted! Thanks for all the advice!

 

[frostt3ch]

Sub

Ford keys 2in spacers on 33's. thinking about adding a 3in spindle and another 2 for the rear.

 

[kd0ezq]

OK! The lift is complete and I am very HAPPY!

I purchased 3" coil lift blocks from McBay Performance, 3" Keys from SuspensionSpecialists, and shock extenders from LiftCountry all off Ebay.

We installed them at our shop the other night and everything went pretty smooth!

I already had Rancho RS5000 shocks front and rear.

Here is before...

Here is after...

I love it!

I must say though, I used a 6 ton 2 jaw gear puller for the keys, I am sure the right tool is worth the money!

Thanks again for all the help!

 

[Donut Slayer]

cool, now you can come help me do mine this spring. eace: so you had problems with a 2 jaw puller?

 

[kd0ezq]

Yeah, No one in town had the right torsion bar tool for rent or to buy... I rented a 7 ton 2/3 jaw puller. I used it as a 2 jaw.

It worked ok on the passenger side, but on the drivers side we had horrible issues, it kept slipping out of the divit that was machined in to the key.

We ended up using a 2" ratchet strap to keep the puller from popping out and had to reset twice because it moved over...

after we got done I found out one of my buddies had the c clamp for the torsion bars..