Newbie here in need of some help with new ride... Im at a bit of a cross roads with my new truck - to lift or not to lift ? Hoping to get some good response on the pros and cons. Its a 04 2500HD Diesel 4x4 CC LB... Ideally I would like to lift it 4" and put some 305's but I dont want to sacrifice the handling / driveability of the truck as it is now.... I haul a 24' toy hauler & ride dirt bikes pretty much every week - not always with the toy hauler... Not sure if its a good idea to do the lift as it will probably have an impact on braking, handling, stability, and hauling etc... But maybe im just being over cautious - any help would be great... Thanks in advanced

In all humility, here are some threads which cover this. Yes, they happened to be ones that I started, but you can use them as a starting place for your research. Realize opinions vary...........


http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5288&PN=1


http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6842&PN=1

Thanks for the info - I was checking those out right after i posted this one, but just didnt have enough feed back from people who are towing that have lifted a CC LB and what they though and if there were any draw backs. Im going to keep reading those links entirely and see what I come up with, thanks again

If you are thinking a fiver, then then 4" Rancho would be a good choice. That was a big part of the reason why I chose 4" vs 6". While it's not so hard to get a drop hitch, Getting under a fiver can be a chore, and the lower the truck, the better.


I do not have a fiver yet, but I should be able to get under most if their axles are flipped.


One thing to consider for towing is stability. The Rancho and FabTech kits increase front wheel track 1.5" per side. Not an exciting look for me, but it makes for a very stable truck. My truck is probably more stable now than it was stock. I will probably add some 1.5-2" rear wheel spacers as well, especially before I start towing. I have read very good reports from guys who tow and have added the rear wheel spacers.


Stock, our trucks are about 2.5" wider in the front track than in the rear. I guess this is to enhance maneuverability. Having the front 5.5" wider--like my Rancho does--adds stability and keeps the truck very maneuverable. I am told if we get the rear track the same as the front, the truck can feel funny when cornering. That is why I don't want the rear track as much as the front.

I got lift and also rear wheel spacers. I've got 6" of lift total. Truck is extremely stable on the road the only drawback to towing is the HP loss due to the larger wheels. This is easily solved by swapping out to 4.10:1 gears from the 3.73:1 stock if you have the $$. I haven't towed a 5er so I can't comment on that yet although that is next on the list for purchases. Rear wheel spacers are wonderful!!

How much do the different gears cost and where can you get a good deal on them - thanks

I tow 5500# pretty often. Not a prob.

Gears installed will run $850 - 1000. I did install my own lift kit and have installed gears before, but if and when I change gears, I'll have a shop do it.


FWPW usually has a competitve price and decent mechanics. I have a local guy that is even better.Edited by: afp1

Newbie here in need of some help with new ride... Im at a bit of a cross roads with my new truck - to lift or not to lift ? Hoping to get some good response on the pros and cons. Its a 04 2500HD Diesel 4x4 CC LB... Ideally I would like to lift it 4" and put some 305's but I dont want to sacrifice the handling / driveability of the truck as it is now.... I haul a 24' toy hauler & ride dirt bikes pretty much every week - not always with the toy hauler... Not sure if its a good idea to do the lift as it will probably have an impact on braking, handling, stability, and hauling etc... But maybe im just being over cautious - any help would be great... Thanks in advanced


The biggest impact will be on your wallet http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif. . . not your truck. That D-Max is so strong and with a lift, wider tires, and rear-wheel spacer much more stable. You will love it http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif . Just pic a good product and a good installer and get it done.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

tbone;


PS, since Blaine put in about $10K of time and effort researching, interviewing dealers, installing, and documenting his installation; I suggest you read his threads. sounds like his choice would work very well for your needs . . . .


(Blaine, I will PM you an invoice . . . http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clown.gif )

Maybe I should sell the info???????





Nahhhhh

BOO FWPW!!!! Buy Local!!