I just cant make up my mind about lifting my truck maybe if I see more trucks with the lift I am think about it will make up my mind so I am looking for 2500HD trucks with 6" RCD lift and also 4" Rancho I hate to be so picky but I am sure there are plenty of people who wont mind showing off there sweet rides if you could also post your tire and wheel size thay would be cool.

shaydog24,


FWIW you might want to ask around/consider how many pieces make up the sub frame. I checked around before I ended up only cranking my TB's and adding H2 rims with 315's and was told that if the sub frame is more than one piece you can have (not always) problems with the bolts coming loose on the mutli piece sub frames. You will want to confirm this but as I recall the Rancho is the only true 1 piece sub frame and I think it was the Fabtech 6" that has the least number of pieces of the non-one piece units.


I may have mentioned this to you before, but when I was where you are now, trying to decide http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15_4_101.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001) what to do, I decided to use a progressive approach. I cranked my TB's and put on the H2's with 315's. If that didn't satisfy me I was going to re-sell the H2's (because back spacing was wrong for my next choice) and I was going to do the 4" Rancho with correct BS rims that I would choose if I had to go that way. Fortunately, the cranked TB's and H2's with 315's were exactly what I hoped for so I didn't proceed any further.


I said all that to say, the progressive approach really helped me to get off dead center because I wasn't getting anywhere but wanted a better look/stance than stock. The new Avalanche front look definitely looks a lot better lifted IMNTBHO!http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/39.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)


The 4" Rancho looks real good too and so does the any 6" but the 6" is a bit higher than I was willing to go! LOL!!

2DAMAX



http://www.smileycentral.com/sigpc=ZSzeb005 (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb005)

2DAMAX


Thanks for the input I allready cranked my TB and put 33" tires on it looks great but I think I want more I just wanted to see what others looked like.


Thanks

I'm running Goodyear A/T's 33x12.5x16 on a 16x10 rim


The lift is a 4" Rancho


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/658_backview.JPG

another viewhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/8BB_front_view.JPG

Thanks nice truck

Nice truck but that alignment is screwed.

I would have to agree with Dmax2damax!!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif As soon as I started getting serious about gettin the lift and went out and priced it I was shocked. I didnt totally give up on the thought but just thought of all the other toys I could buy with that money. The cheapest lift I found was $2100. Id much rather have a complete dvd system and programmer. Every truck I have had in the past has been lifted so the first week I got this I couldnt leave it stock. But I did turn the torsion bars and but some 18" rims with 325/60R18 Terra Grapplers. Love the ride! Everyone thinks that I lifted it. Every time a girl complains about it being "too tall" or "Lifted" I cant help but get a grin knowing that I didnt spend that $2100 yet they still think so.


Good luck with the decision though. I know that Fab Tech makes some sweet stuff and have some nice skid plates and other goodies to add to the combo.


Here is how it turned out.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/562_DSCN0096.JPG


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/C52_1.JPGEdited by: bybycop

Nice truck but that alignment is screwed.


Hoot,


You gotta a way with words!! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4_1_102.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001) hehehe! Good eye too! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/82.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)


2DAMAX





http://www.smileycentral.com/sigpc=ZSzeb005 (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb005)

bybycop wrote:


"Every time a girl complains about it being "too tall" or "Lifted" I cant help but get a grin knowing that I didnt spend that $2100 yet they still think so."


Image is everything! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/384.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)


Your truck/lift looks real good!!http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/228.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)


2DAMAX





http://www.smileycentral.com/sigpc=ZSzeb005 (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb005)

I am getting good input but I am still looking for a picture of a 6" RCD lift someone has got to have one out there.


Thanks

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/8B9_DCP_0478.jpg

shaydog24,


What about the RCD 6" appeals to you? FireLT's 6" Fabtech looks awesome!! And it's the one with fewest pieces of the multi piece sub frames.


What have you read/heard about the RCD that has you interested? Inquiring minds would like to know, http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/346.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)maybe I'm missing something!


2DAMAX





http://www.smileycentral.com/sigpc=ZSzeb005 (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb005)

2DAMAX


Check out this post from Lighting http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=511&PN=1 this is whay I am choosing RCD I have heard nothing buy good things about them and they are the only ones that use Bilstein shocks and from my research thay are one of the best.


Thanks


Shaydog

Here's a pic from the RCD website.


http://www.racecardynamics.com/products/sharedimages/chevy4wd86/big/chevy4wd86a.jpg

Here's another


http://www.mychevytruck.com/gallery/PAULSTRUCK/92735.jpg

http://mishuna.image.pbase.com/u4/little_wiley/large/825435.2500HD_Side_3.jpg

http://images.cardomain.com/member_img_a/344000-344999/344183_3_full.jpg


You can go here to see more if my truck.


http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=344183


Its a Rancho with 315/75/16 X-terrains and 16x10 Eagle Alloy wheels.

RCD website states that their 6" Lift for the 2500HD has a 2 piece sub frame. Several 4x4 shops have told me that an other than 1 piece sub frame can have trouble with the bolts loosening and then causing alignment problems. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif Can someone cofirm that the RCD is a 2 piece sub frame and has anyone had any trouble like that with the RCD kit or any kit other than the Rancho 4" cause it's 1 piece?

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">


The RCD kit does have a 2 piece sub frame which will allow the fram to flex as it naturally would when put in different situations. As far as bolts loosening, I have never heard about this from anyone that I have spoken to. The Rancho kit says 4" but in reality it's about 5" or 5.5". I think you will be happy whether you go with Rancho or RCD. If you do go Rancho, they offer their kit in all black, which looks a lot better then the red IMO.</BLOCKQUOTE>

Not trying to be a jerk,http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif but look closely at the front drop down then look at the Fabtech's (more ground clearance/looks better IMO).


Everyone around here in PHX,AZ seems to have the RCD so I choose to be different. No problems so far, was cheaper than the RCD also. Go buy the Rancho 9000's if you want a great shock....


RCD is a great product, I just like Fabtech especially since they went black powdercoat....


Edited by: KTDURAMAX

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/front_duramax.JPG

I don't want to get into a debate, but the weak link in the Fabtech kit is where it attaches to the crossmember by the torsion keys. Take a look at this thread...there is a photo that explains.


http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=511&amp;PN=2


By the way, great looking truck.Edited by: Lightning

I looked very closely at that pic. That bracket is no where near the same for the HD kits. I do think mine is even stronger than the O.E set up. I was worried at first, until I compared the bracket. Now I also believe they need to address that problem for the Avalanche's....


Thanks for the complement.....

Lightning---- MY FABTECH HD 2500 6 IN. KIT DOESN'T LOOK ANYTHING LIKE THE ONE IN THE LINK,LIKE KTDURAMAX SAID IT LOOKS TO ME TO BE TWICE AS STRONG ,I HAVE HAD MINE ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND NO BOLTS OR ANYTHING ELSE HAS COME LOOSE,MY ALIGNMENT STAYS STRAIGHT,OWNLY HAVE HAD TO DO IT ONCE ,DON'T BE AFRAID TO GET ONE ,YOU WILL LIKE IT,MIKE

Who cares what ground clearnace you get in the front. Unless the rear diff gets raised the same height, you gain nothing. But, anyway you go, RCD, Rancho or Fabtech. Those are ALL quality lifts.

Your right about the actual ground clearance issue, I mainly like the look Fabtech gave it. As for quality, they are all good. Some are prouder of their product than others $$$$$.

...was told that if the sub frame is more than one piece you can have (not always) problems with the bolts coming loose on the mutli piece sub frames. You will want to confirm this but as I recall the Rancho is the only true 1 piece sub frame
DMAX2DMAX what shop has told you about bolts coming loose? I have owned a lifted truck since 2000 and I can guarantee you whatever shop fed you that line does NOT know what they are talking about. Over the past couple years I have become very familiar with GM IFS suspension kits. Rancho, RCD, Fabtech, BDS, Full Traction, ProComp(stage I) and a few others use the replacement steering knuckle type lift. All of these kits use the same basic bracketry; a few minor tweaks here and there plus whatever shocks they offer. CST, Superlift and ProComp(stage II) use a different method of lift, they drop all bracketry, including the upper control arms and differential a full 6". Rancho is the only lift in the first group that offers a one-piece subframe but they are not the only, CST a lesser know company also offers a one-piece subframe but they take it a step further and tie the subframe, differential and upper control arms all together. While a one-piece subframe gives you that extra piece of mind any of the other multi piece subframes are just fine for the average Joe. Bolts will NOT come loose if installed properly and these lifts do not have alignment issues like some of the old 88-98 body style lifts did.



I would have to agree with Dmax2damax!!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif*As soon as I started getting serious about gettin the lift and went out and priced it I was shocked. I didnt totally give up on the thought but just thought of all the other toys I could buy with that money. The cheapest lift I found was $2100...
...But I did turn the torsion bars and but some 18" rims with 325/60R18 Terra Grapplers. Love the ride!
Suspension lifts are not cheap at all however cranking the torsion bars or using replacement torsion keys can have some ill effects normally associated with suspension kits. Pitman and idler arms along with inner and outer tie-rods tend to wear out faster not to mention CV angles. With these IFS trucks you cannot crank the torsion bars more than the CV can handle, there is no manual that says what degree of angle they can handle but if they bind at full droop, at wheel lock or both the CV joints will go bad or you'll rip a CV boot.

I am not normally a fan of 35s and torsion bar/key lift but I want to say that the both of you guys have very good looking trucks. I will be purchasing a '04 CC Long bed 4x4 when the new Dmax and 3500 SRW options are available. I am undecided as to whether I want a 6" lift and 35s (see below) or want to go the torsion ket route and either 33s or 35s.

http://www.performancelifts.com/albums/gm/Bill_HD_3.jpg

y2kboti,

Let me start off by saying that I am not a suspension or lift expert! Also, my comments were general in nature and not intended to be a direct quote but could have been. If they were intended to be a quote they would have been attributed to the person/persons or shop/shops that made them.

To your point:

While calling many (more than 10, less than 20) shops about different methods to achieve my desired lift, I had several (more than 2, less than 5) shops make the comment that in all their years of experience they have noticed that the multi-piece sub-frames can have problems with the bolts loosening and that loosening of bolts has caused alignment issues.

Several folks with more specific knowledge than me, have/had a concern about bolts loosening. They still sell and install them but they wanted me to know about that potential issue before making my decision and for that I am grateful. I can’t imagine anyone taking offense to that but hey, you never know!

I would have appreciated the benefit of your “couple years” experience as well and I would have factored it into my decision as I did theirs. I have mentioned this several times over the past months and you are the first to respond that it’s not an issue.
Because I chose to take a progressive approach, I was able to determine that I could achieve what I wanted with only cranking my keys 1 ¾” (because the most I’ve heard from recommend less than 2”), tying back the e-brake cable &amp; inner fenders in a couple spots, and trimming the lower air dam. With the 315’s I got 4 ½ or 4 ¼” of lift and leveled my truck. It rides real good; my wife doesn’t notice any difference. My front shaft angles look real good and I only get a minor rub in reverse with wheels fully cranked while going backwards over some bumps/curbs/etc. I don’t off-road so I got ex

Can someone please pass the popcorn? This is getting interesting.

DMAX2DMAX I’m not questioning what you have been told but I can’t believe those shops said that. There are a lot of misconceptions about lifts kit and a lot of them stem from problems related to the old IFS lifts. The old ProComp kits use to have horrible alignment problems and some of the bracketry was questionable on others but these new lift kits have addressed those issues. Most new kits use less brackets which equals less bolts and even those that use mulit-piece subframes are tough.. In the event that you do break something 9 times out of 10 an oem part(i.e.tie-rod, ball joint, CV, etc) will break before any lift will. I don’t mean to come off the wrong way I just want you and others that read this to know the only thing you have to worry about when lifting a truck is a higher center of gravity and of course how big a tire you can wedge in there! :D

I believe I emailed you a couple weeks back DMAX2DMAX but would you please respond to this (http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=869&PN=1) thread. I know you briefly commented in this thread but your additional imput would be appreciated in my other thread.

BTW I think taking the “progressive” approach is definitely the way to go. Lifted trucks are great but you do lose some of the vehicles versatility. It’s harder to load stuff in the bed and no fifth wheel capability, depending on how high you go. With torsion keys and larger tires you retain all the stock capabilities but you gain that modified look. The only downfall is if you ever decide to go with a lift new wheels and tires are in order.

bybycop would you also respond to the thread linked above. Great looking truck but I would also like to know how you like your Nitto Grapplers?

Well I finally did it I went with the RCD 6" and I am pretty happy with it although it did come out a bit higher and rides I little stiffer than I expected. I went with a 35" tire I feel a little power loss but there is still plenty to go around anyways thanks for everyones in put sorry I started a little feud there but it made for good reading.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/ZCD_GMC.jpg


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/F1D_gmc2.jpg


Thanks

WOW! Nice!

shaydog24----THE TRUCK LOOKS GREAT,THAT RIDE WILL GET A LITTLE BETTER AS THE LIFT WEARS IN A LITTLE,ARE THOSE NITTO GRAPPLERS,THANKS MIKE

Thanks Mike no they are Pro Comp.


Shaydog

Looks good shaydog24. No fued, just opinions for others to consider when lifting their trucks.

shaydog24,


Your new look is awesome!! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23_1_10.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)


It really sets you apart from the crowd!!http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23_1_19.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)

Have you tried towing your toyhauler with it since you lifted? Please let us know how it handles when &amp; if you do.

2DAMAX

http://www.smileycentral.com/sigpc=ZSzeb009 (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb009)

Thanks 2DAMAX I have not towed yet I will soon I will let you know.


Thanks


Shaydog

What did you do for wheels, are those just American Racing Baja's ? What was the total cost out the door when it was all said and done?

That lift looks greathttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif, now if I could only fit my truck in the garage with a lift...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif.

That lift looks greathttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif, now if I could only fit my truck in the garage with a lift...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif.


Yeah, as if the length of these trucks isn't enough of a challange for many with the short garages they put in so many houses these days!!

The wheels are Pro Comp made by american racing I dont know the name they are new I think. The total cost was $2300.00 OTD for the lift &amp; $1100.00 OTD for the wheels &amp; tires I had them done at different places becouse they guy I by my tires from did not carry RCD lifts. As for the garage I have 2 quads a Harley and tons of boxes in mine I could not park in there if I wanted to. My 4" exhaust is being installed today them cold air intake and I am done I hope' these dam thing can cost a small fortune.


Thanks


Shaydog

shaydog24,


Truck looks great. Is that black or carbon . Was the lift $2300 installed. If it was that was a great price.

Thanks HDDuece it is carbon and my lift was $2300 OutTheDoor installed.

If I could find it for that price I would not hesitate. I was given a price of $2300 just for the lift without install. I have the exact same truck, same color, so now I use your picture for wallpaper. I did the 4" exhaust and AFE stage 2 filter. Just need the lift and gauges.

Wow I am honored that you would use my picture I think you can order the RCD kit for $1700.00 at http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/GM_IFS.htm I did not look very hard maybe there is a cheaper place otherwise just keep shopping around that's what I did. If your thinking about getting gauges look into the Juice with attitude mine is very cool I can clock my 0-60 &amp; 1/4 miles and it does a whole lot more. I just got my truck back from the muffler shop man does it sound cool I love it I clocked my 0-60 at 7.6 sec. on setting 5 that pretty fast for this size truck the new ford F-150 does 0-60 in 10 sec.


Thanks


Shaydog