Well guys and gals they day has come. I'm gonna order my lift kit friday. What are yall's opinion on the RCD 6" kit. I'm pretty sure it's the kit I want. If my mind serves me correctly the RCD is a spindle style lift kit. Therefore, it want increase my track with as much as the others. my only concern is price. I'm hoping the guy that I order it from can get me a good price on it. I've seen if for like 1700 on the internet. I hope I can get it a little cheaper then that. If I can't then my next option would be the tuff country, and then if all else fells I will get the fabtech. just don't want the add track with. I am also going to run an 18" wheel. most likely the weld evo velocity 8. and probably nitto terra grappler tires. opinion and suggestion would be great. thanks


-Chad-

Do a search on lift on all forums.


afp1 made a great post on the subject. Lift thread (http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5288&KW=afp1)


Many Many Articles


Search Link (http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/search.asp?KW=Lift&SM=1&SI=TC&FM=0&OB=1)

Go for it and do whatever you think will make you happy. I use to say the bigger the better but now that I have to use my truck for stuff I prefer to keep it as close to stock as possible but that does mean that it will not be FAST....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Something about like this?


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/7ZA_IMG_0008b.JPG

allstok03Dmax the RCD kit will increase the track width just as much as Rancho or Fabtech. They are all the same so if you are looking for a kit that does not increase the track width RCD is not an option. Price is a consideration for just about everyone buying a lift however for a couple $$$ more you could pick up a CST kit. They are top notch and there are a few guys on the forum here that run CST and will vouch for what I said. Check out their website (http://www.cstsuspension.com/products/?productID=28) for further info and if your interested email Jeff@PLC (jeff@performancelifts.com), tell him I sent you and he will help you out.

Chad I have researched this topic to death and I have a few pointers for ya. I went with the RCD kit also , don't have a truck to put it on but thats a different story. I found the best price was through National Tire and Wheel 1-800-847-3287, $1595 shipped, they paid for the shipping so it was real reasnable. Also if your wanting the Velocity 8's you will probably have to go with the Velocity XT's they are basicly the same but they have the correct backspace you will need. I would definitly check this out b/c all the info I found stated that in a 17 in wheel the bs for the 8's was like 5.14 and the XT's was 4.5 which is what you'll need with the RCD kit.

Hey, thanks everybody for your help I really appriciate it.





Professer: thanks for the link. I have been referring back to that link from afp1 for a couple of days now. and thanks for the pic.





Y2kboti:I'm not an expert by all means. I'm just going by what afp1 says. he said that the tuff country and the RCD only changes the track width about a .5 inch on each side . and the Fabtech, skyjacker and another increases the track width about 1.5 inches on each side of the the truck. the truck has a 65 in track up front and a 66 in the rear so the kits that only increase .5 would help keep the wider tires I will be runnin from sprayin the side of my truck as bad. thanks for the help. I will see if the store I am going thru carries cst lifts and compare there prices. I really like there kits.





9W3-HD: thanks for your help. If National tire and wheel can sell it for 1595 then the store I'm going to buy it from should be able to get it in the price range that i'm looking for. I also though that I was probably going to have to go with XT to get the right back spacing, but I wasn't for sure. So, thank for the help on that.





My next question the the power junkies is. will there be any drivetrain issues that I will have to worry about. I have the edge/***, exhaust, intake as of right now. but I plan on doing the tranny upgrade this summer and addin another programer. Thanks again everyone and for those that are going to thunder at muncie or going to be at beach bend may 1st. I'll see ya there.


-Chad-Edited by: allstok03Dmax

Now that have the Rancho 4" kit, I think the 1.5" increase in track width has more plusses than minuses. While the look isn't exactly what I like, the added track width makes the truck very stable. I think it handles better now than it did before the lift.


BTW, I added pics to the "Racho 4" thread, and I have edited my "Lift Kit Summary" Thread with the info I have learned since installing my Rancho lift.


Here is a pic.





http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/77B_16_14.JPGEdited by: afp1

have you thought about pro comp ? does not seem to be a favorite, but it does not increase track width much at all. there have been a couple of members on another forum that really like them

Increasing track witdth is a plus.


The Pro-Comp is not considered a very durable kit. I'm sure it's fine for street use and mild offroad, but it seems to be questionable for heavier off road use.

I vote CST!!!!!http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

Y2kboti:I'm not an expert by all means. I'm just going by what afp1 says. he said that the tuff country and the RCD only changes the track width about a .5 inch on each side*. and the Fabtech, skyjacker and another increases the track width about 1.5 inches on each side of*the the truck. the truck has a 65 in track up front and a 66 in the rear so the kits that only increase .5 would help keep the wider tires I will be runnin from sprayin the side of my truck as bad. thanks for the help. I will see if the store I am going thru carries cst lifts and compare there prices. I really like there kits.
Let me first say I stand corrected. It appears as though a couple of the spindle lifts that he mentioned do not extend the track width as much as certain kits but w/ that said there is one thing that all spindle lifts have in common and my biggest problem with them. They do not lower the front differential the same amount as the lower control arms therefore your CV angles are automatically increased. Atleast w/ a true 6" kit(such as Superlift or CST) you can crank the torsion bars and net 8" of total lift w/ semi decent CV angles. Do the same to a spindle lift and more than likely the will bind and break off-road. Most shops do not carry CST, if your shop happens to great if not give Jeff a hollar. Edited by: y2kboti

ok thanks very much guys. I was going to go with a super lift at first but the guy that is installin the lift said he has had some fitment issues on my style truck. he says that if it was any other truck it was be is #1 recommendation but on the HD's it has some fitment issues.


My biggest issues is not braking any axles or driveshaft because of bad angles. if the kit that drop the whole frontend a true six have less severe cv angles. then that something to thank about, because I do plan on addin a little more power this summer to the truck so like someone stated the add track with help handling so I am all confused again. THANKS ALOT EVERYONE. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif Just kiddin. thanks for everyone time and help. see yall later.


-Chad-

ok thanks very much guys. I was going to go with a super lift at first but the guy that is installin the lift said he has had some fitment issues on my style truck. he says that if it was any other truck it was be is #1 recommendation but on the HD's it has some fitment issues.





I'd be interested in hearing what kind of fitment issues he has seen with the Super Lift on HD trucks. The truck above has a SuperLift. There wasn't any problems with the install. The alignment shop was very pleased with the ease of alignment and had good things to say aboutthe lift in general as well. Not trying to promote the SL but I am surprised by your installers comments.

I have a question for you guys that are lifting your trucks. What are going to do if you ever have to go to the dealer for tranny work? They won't work on it if it does have the original size tire. If you put the 245's back on for a dealer visit with a lift, are they still going to serivce the vehicle or will they give you crap and not help you? I would love a lift but not with the BS the dealer will give out. Just curious what you will do.

I'm out of warranty.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I only have 6000 left on my warranty, but the salesman I bought my truck from happens to be a good friend of mine. so, i don't have to put up with all that mumbo jumbo crap that some of the dealer ships put people thru.

at the dealer ship I got my truck from. they are putting like 31" all terrian and mud terrians on some if the 4x4.

and as far as the fitment thing goes with the super lift. I think it could of be an issolated thing. The guy who is installing my lift has been doing lifts for 15-20 years and does about 10 truck a week on average. If I remember correctly he didn't like the way some of the mounts on the transfer case or somethin along those lines. I'm not sure so don't quote me on it. He said it not super lift in general it just the HD truck that he didn't like the fitment.

FWIW a buddy of mine has the Pro Comp 6" lift on his HD. He beats the sh!t outta it on the trails. Its the reason I ordered one for my D/A. A lot of parts I agree, but very detailed instructions. He's running 37" BFG MT's as I will after seeing that the tires clear alright.





Just my $.02


Nick

My installer told me the superlift and procomp kits have issues with the alignment staying true. IIRC, you will also need a new front drive line with these kits. I was also told these kits require some original parts to be cut off or modified in some way. There is no way to return to stock after this.


Another superlift dealer I talked to actually tells his customers to bring the truck back after a few hundred miles, at which time he WELDS some of the parts in order to keep the alignment true. I took this to mean bracket lifts must have some serious alignment issues.


Just my .02


HD

HD4Fun: do you have any pics of your truck. I'm fixen to order my lift in about 20 minutes. some last minute decision being made.

allstok03dmax,


My truck is posted on page 13 of "lets see what your ride looks like"


HD

allstok03dmax,


My truck is posted on page 13 of "lets see what your ride looks like"


HD





Oh, ok cool

Well, guys I order my lift today. RCD 6" from national tire and wheel. 1595 shipped. I'm gonna order the wheels and tire tomorrow or monday. I"m gonna try to find someone local that can get the tires for me. if any of you can help me or know of someone that has good prices. I want the Weld Velociti 8 xt in a 4 5/8 backspacing and a 325/65/r18 nitto terra grappler. thank for the help.


-Chad-

Right on Chad, you made a good choice!

You made a great choice, congrats!

I can't wait to get my lift put on. I fill like a little kid at Christmas. I just can't wait.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


Still need help with my wheel and tire setup. I think I"m gonna order 325/65/18 nitto terra grappler w/ 18x9.5 Velociti 8's in a 4 5/8bs. sound good. also what is everyone's opinion on the nitto tires. I haven't heard very much about them. also, is there any good places on the internet to order or should I try to find a local shop.


-Chad-Edited by: allstok03Dmax

Chad,


Most of these kits will only accept 4.5" backspacing max, some less. Make sure you talk to RCD and see what backspacing and width they recommend.

I talk to one of the guys at RCD and he said that with the 18" wheel it will clear the spindle and everthing else and that I need to go with 4 5/8 bs if possible. So, that I don't throw a lot of stuff on the side of my truck. thanks again.


-Chad-

If you want to keep your t-bars out of harm's way, consider installing Realift torsion bar relocators. All these kits have to drop the torsion bars and the torsion bar cross member (TBCM) the same amount as they lift the truck. This means you may have a net decrease in the ground clearance to your frame after you lift the truck.


It is not unusual to bang the skidplates and frame when driving on rocky shelves and over obstructions, and if you smack a torsion bar or the TBCM on a rock, you may wipe out a t-bar and find your truck resting on the bumpstops.


I aave a set of these relocators on my truck. They do not affect ride quality and do a good job of getting the t-bars and TBCM back up into the frame. They cost $275 shipped. Here is a link and a pic:


http://realiftsusp.com/


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/Realift_3.JPGEdited by: afp1

afp1: thanks for showing me those. I have been lookin for those the last couple of days. I'll be lookin in to that. still gotta get my wheels and tires. so once my bank account revives. I'll get it. I'm going to get the RCD traction bars, double shock when they come out, and tbar relocators

We need to talk before you install the relocators. I can save yoiu a bunch of time and effort and it will result in a better install.

In many cases the kicker bars hang almost as low as the torsion bars so the torsion bars relocators don't give you back all the ground clearance. I'm not sold on the locators, while in theory they are a good idea the torsion bars weren't meant to move in that arc. There is a better way to relocate them IMO; see picture below, but it is costly and as of now they are not considering putting it into production.

http://www.cstsuspension.com/project.vehicle/cst201.jpg

Best of luck w/ your RCD kit allstok03Dmax.

In many cases the kicker bars hang almost as low as the torsion bars so the torsion bars relocators don't give you back all the ground clearance. I'm not sold on the locators, while in theory they are a good idea the torsion bars weren't meant to move in that arc. There is a better way to relocate them IMO; see picture below, but it is costly and as of now they are not considering putting it into production.

http://www.cstsuspension.com/project.vehicle/cst201.jpg

Best of luck w/ your RCD kit allstok03Dmax.


Is that a coil over kit on your truck or do you have t bars in there?

I do not disagree that there are better ways, but the relocators work perfectly. The do not affect ride quality at all--I personally tested this before and after. Add all that to their price--$275 shipped for a set, and they are hard to beat.


Realize the T-bars do operate in an arc. If they moved in just a rotational direction, they would have to be located at the pivot point of the lower a-arm. The T-bars fit into the lower a-arm outboard of the pivot point, and a such must move in an arc.


Also, my "kicker bars" extend down about 2 inches under the front portion of the frame. The T-bars--in their location as intended by the lift kit--extended down 4-8" under the frame, right in the middle of it, and in a very likely placed to get hit by an obstruction.


Now, I do plan to flip my strut rods and get them completely out of the way, but I definitely gained a couple inches (would likely be a 4" gain with a 6" kit) by using the relocators.


Having said all that, I would prefer coil overs, and I do like the look of the CST set-up you are showing. I am not sure, but based on the picture and the kit description, it looks like CST relocates the T-bars to the upper a-arm. Is this right?Edited by: afp1

Joey D that truck isn't mine but it still has the torsion bars; no coilovers although it does have triple bypass shocks.

afp1 you are correct the torsion bars to rotate however comparing the standard location arc to the Realift w/ the extended 'arm' I believe the Realift cause the torsion bars to rotate much more. Whether or not that is a negative I dunno, just an observation on my part. The kicker bars are further inboard which is a plus but I know on my kit they mount to the subframe w/ is 6" lower. The torsion bars on that kit are not connected to the upper arms. What they did was build a 3rd member that is positioned between the upper and lower control arms almost identical to where the torsion bars mount on a factory truck. They then connected the 3rd member to the lower control arms using dual heim joints. But doing this they are able to keep the torsion bars and torsion bar crossmember in the factory location while still lifting the truck and keeping the torsion bars as opposed to coilovers. That particular truck will cycle close to 14" of traval thanks to the longer fabricated control arms.

Y2k,


It depends on which set of relocators you get. The std ones for an HD are almost vertical, so the t-bar's range of motion is very close to stock. If you get the relocators indexed for more t-bar lift, then they do run at more of an inward angle. I have tried both on my truck and these is no noticable difference in ride from stock to either style of relocator. However, if I was going to go over a 4" lift, I think I like the CST kit the best so far.

I have tried both on my truck and these is no noticable difference in ride from stock to either style of relocator.
Thats good to hear. Do you have any pictures you can post both of the relocators and the torsion bar cross member?

Does anyone have any experience with Full Traction lifts. I read an article in Offroad (June 2004) that claimed they gave a better that stock ride due to the custom valved Bilstein 5100's.


http://www.full-traction.com

Here is how the relocaters look on my truck--these are not a great pics, and I will eventually take some better ones. These are the "high lift style" relocators. I now have the standard style and they are much closer to vertical.


You can see where the t-bars are and where the strut rods are. When I had the torsion bar crossmember installed as per the lift kit, it stuck down 2-3 inches below the strut rods, though the t-bars were only about an inch lower than the strut rods. When I flip the strut rods I'll gain another couple of inches. The last picture gives a better idea of the clearance gained.


I don't have a pic of the crossmember. It is in the frame, about 3" back from it's stock mounting location. I removed the factory rivets from the crossmember mounts and drilled new holes. I also had to clearance the left crossmember mount to clear the fuel line, relocate one fuel line keeper, and relocate one of the parking brake cable guides. All this was straightforward.


http://dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/DE3_07_05A.JPG


http://dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/B4E_08_06A.JPG


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/4D2_16_14.JPG

So, can anybody tell me what the delivery man brought me today. http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big%20Smile.gif


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/96E_DSC00240.JPG

Nice! When are you putting it on?

Does anyone have any experience with Full Traction lifts. I read an article in Offroad (June 2004) that claimed they gave a better that stock ride due to the custom valved Bilstein 5100's.


http://www.full-traction.com
Full Traction is located in Bakersfield. Their lifts are very Similar to Fabtech and RCD, as for the ride you can run Bilsteins on any lift so it's not like they are exclusive to Full Traction.

It's going in the shop next wednesday and will be ready thursday. IF my stupid wheels come in on time. I have everything but my wheels. I'll make sure to post plenty of pics. thanks


-Chad-

Going in the shop!!?? Come on man, do it yourself! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I'm gonna have to scratch that idea. I've never tried to tackle an IFS lift so. I think I just leave it to the professionals. I live by a motto: work smart not hard. later


-Chad-

I was wondering if I"m gonna have some wheel hop with the blocks in the back now. I'm gonna order the traction bars from RCD or someone if anyone has any recomendations. Thanks


-Chad-

I was wondering if I"m gonna have some wheel hop with the blocks in the back now. I'm gonna order the traction bars from RCD or someone if anyone has any recomendations. Thanks


-Chad-





Deaver Springs.

My 2.5" Rancho rear blocks, plus a 125 HP Juice Attitude, cause no wheep hop, even when spinning through the first three gears. I understand that if you usually don't have problems with 2.5" to 4" lift blocks on HD rear springs.

I was wondering if I"m gonna have some wheel hop with the blocks in the back now. I'm gonna order the traction bars from RCD or someone if anyone has any recomendations. Thanks


-Chad-





Deaver Springs.





Just incase I get wheel hop. with the deaver springs are they a replacement or will it mess with my towing capacity.

My 2.5" Rancho rear blocks, plus a 125 HP Juice Attitude, cause no wheep hop, even when spinning through the first three gears. I understand that if you usually don't have problems with 2.5" to 4" lift blocks on HD rear springs.





Oh ok, thanks. let just hope I'm one of the ones that ususally don't get wheel hop.


-Chad-

Well, guys I drop my truck off today.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/Droping_of_my_truck.JPG+


Here's a pic of my lift and my new bed rug.


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





Here is a pic of a ferd that there doing a 10" lift on.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/ford_10in_lift.JPG


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/ford_10in_lift_rear_view.JPG

well they did the back today. they're waiting on doing the front untill my freakin wheels come in. They're suppose to be hear tomorrow. let's everyone pray that the deliever man will come with my wheels tomorrow. here's a pic of the back installed with the factory tires. it's kinda funny.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


the guy who is doing my lift does an incredible job. everything that he has to touch he paint and/or cleans. thanks


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


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/my_truck_lifted_in_the_back1.jpg





-Chad-

Well, no such luck today. I called weld and they said, "we had a small error in our computer and that the wheels are still sittin in there shop. I ordered the freaking wheels last wednesday. I was told 5-6 bus. days and it been 6 bus. days and no wheels. so now I have to have the wheels overnight shipped from Kansas to Nashville and it's gonna cost me another 150 dollars more. I'm so pissed. I call them and asked why I have to pay for there mistake and they said that there's nothing I can do about it. If i want the wheels tomorrow I have to pay for the overnight shipping.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif I sure do love paying for other people's screw-ups. but if they don't show up tomorrow I'll just shoot somebody. the main reason that I'm make such a big deal about it is the back of the truck is already lifted and I can't lift the front till the wheels come. I have already made plans to go to beach bend saturday and have people coming from out of town to come with me. So, it's kinda important. So let just hope that they are true to there word. I'm really disappointed in there customer service, but as long as I get my wheels tomorrow I'll be happy. thanks for listenin to me B*tch.


-Chad-

Here's some updated pics. I'll have some pics of my truck w/ my wheels and tires later.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/14A_my_lifted_HD_with_factory_tires.jpg





http://dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/CZ9_DSC00318.JPG


http://dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/A99_DSC00321.JPG


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/FZB_DSC00323.JPGEdited by: allstok03Dmax

There is something you can do about it. You can cnx your order and find another vendor.


If you don't want to do that, then you get names of everyone you have spoken too, then send a polite letter to the highest authority in the company explaining what happened. If they do not do something--like at least split the shipping--then you tell then you are going to actively tell everyone you know--as well as post on every Internet forum you can--the negative experience you had with them.

afp1:yeah that's exactly what I though about doing, but I don't even care anymore. I got my wheels and that's all that matters.


Here's some more pics of my truck:


There's a pic of my truck and my girlfriend trying to get in it.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/Z35_Michelle_and_the_HD.jpg


Flexin a little at my friends house.


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

It looks good! Now to get that pesky torsion bar crossmember out from underneath the frame..............

Yeah tell me about it. my torsion bars block the view of my SS stablizer bars. my wallet's fillin kinda light right now so that gonna have to wait. when I'm ready to have it put on. I'll get with you on how to install them. thanks


-Chad_

very nice truck allstock i was wondering what your fender height is now and how do you like the way the truck rides(woohoo i own the 3rd page)http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifEdited by: hd guy

hd guy: I'm still gonna crank the TB up the front a little more. there actually sitting where they where stock so I still have plenty of lift in the front to keep the tires from rubing. I don't know if you can see in the pictures, but I had to trim the plastic part of the bumper and it still rubs when the wheel is turn about 2/3 to 3/4. But when it is turned all the way it doesn't rub. So, i'm just gonna raise the front up a little bit more so I can level the truck out and clear the tires better.


The truck rides great. it doesn't have that soft spongy fill to it like it did before. Now it's just firm and smooth. I think the tires help out on the ride also. they are super quite and are smooth also. thanks


-Chad-

thanks and good luck with it

Its looks good Chad, how high did it end up, if you dont mind measuring for me, from the ground to the top of the cab?

I'll try to get you a measurment tomorrow. thanks


-Chad-

Hey guys. just figured I would share some pics. My friend lives in Murfreesboro, TN. this is what he is neighbors with. you can see my truck in the back ground. It made my truck feel so small.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/18D_DSC00356.JPG

9W3-HD,


My truck with a 4" Rancho, set at 4", and with 295/75R16s measures 6' 8 3/8" to the tallest point on the cab.


Blaine

My truck measures a little over 7' at it's tallest.





-Chad-

ok thanks,

My truck measures a little over 7' at it's tallest.





-Chad-





Sounds like your truck stands about 4-5 inches taller then mine. As mine is a tad bit (Less then a 1/4") shy of 80" This is with 2+ inches in front and just under 3 inches in the rear and running 285`s.

Hey guys. just figured I would share some pics. My friend lives in Murfreesboro, TN. this is what he is neighbors with. you can see my truck in the back ground. It made my truck feel so small.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/18D_DSC00356.JPG








I have dreams of having my truck setting like that!