The Stupid Lift Questions Thread

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MDR-97-Z71

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You can make it with pieces of pipe out of an auto parts store or take it to an exhaust shop


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Lone Wolf8634

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Ok. Here is the first of what is sure to be a long list of stupid questions.

I just traded in my 88 Sierra for a 98 Sierra SLE. (Avatar pic). The first thing on the list is to freshen up the engine. It runs fine but it has 250,000 on it and I can't trust a motor with that kind of mileage on it without going through it. Just too be sure.

But, I'm an avid hunter and this truck sits considerably lower then the 88 did. I have no idea if the 88 had a lift on it when I got it but it seems to of had more clearance than my "new" one.

Some of the mountain trails here in Wyoming are rather less than adequate. Therefore I would like to lift this a bit but I have some considerations.

First, I do not wish to sacrifice ride quality. This is also going to be my daily driver and I really like how it rides now.

Second, I do not wanna be replacing front end parts every year.

Third, while I don't mind spending on a lift kit, I don't really wanna go wild buying new wheels or regearing the truck.

So here is what I'm thinking. Fro reading here I've already discovered that most consider the 2-3" lift from RCX to be junk. So I'm thinking the 4" kit. Am I correct in thinking that this kit will keep all the angles in spec and retaining my cushy ride?

I plan on using the stock mags but I absolutely hate the way the tires look like they're tucked up under the truck. I know squat about how to fix this problem and some guidance would be appreciated.

And if I lift this thing four inches, what would be a good size tire to go to that will look good yet not cause problems with gearing/power?

TIA
 

MDR-97-Z71

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Ok. Here is the first of what is sure to be a long list of stupid questions.

I just traded in my 88 Sierra for a 98 Sierra SLE. (Avatar pic). The first thing on the list is to freshen up the engine. It runs fine but it has 250,000 on it and I can't trust a motor with that kind of mileage on it without going through it. Just too be sure.

But, I'm an avid hunter and this truck sits considerably lower then the 88 did. I have no idea if the 88 had a lift on it when I got it but it seems to of had more clearance than my "new" one.

Some of the mountain trails here in Wyoming are rather less than adequate. Therefore I would like to lift this a bit but I have some considerations.

First, I do not wish to sacrifice ride quality. This is also going to be my daily driver and I really like how it rides now.

Second, I do not wanna be replacing front end parts every year.

Third, while I don't mind spending on a lift kit, I don't really wanna go wild buying new wheels or regearing the truck.

So here is what I'm thinking. Fro reading here I've already discovered that most consider the 2-3" lift from RCX to be junk. So I'm thinking the 4" kit. Am I correct in thinking that this kit will keep all the angles in spec and retaining my cushy ride?

I plan on using the stock mags but I absolutely hate the way the tires look like they're tucked up under the truck. I know squat about how to fix this problem and some guidance would be appreciated.

And if I lift this thing four inches, what would be a good size tire to go to that will look good yet not cause problems with gearing/power?

TIA

You are correct to pick the 4" kit vs. 2-3", I can't speak for ride quality of the 4" but it is perfectly fine for a daily driver. the best lift that keeps ride quality of a stock truck is the 3" body lift, body lifted can fit up to 35's. as far as best tire size with out regearing you're gonna be stuck at 33's. you could run 35's on 3.73's if you have them, I'm not sure if that'll effect fuel economy much.

You'll be fine in keeping your stock rims if that's what you wish, to push them out from under you could use some wheel spacers.


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TylerZ281500

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the 4" rcx and 6" rcx are the same kit one is just requiring cranking which changes your ride height, my personal opinion, spend the 50 or so bucks more and get a super lift, barely put the bolt in the torsoin keys and run your 33's or what not, now trail riding and such you may benefit from a numerically higher ratio just to help spin and dig (very technical terms) a bit more, 35s and 3.73s arent gonna be happy with thte trans and for low MPH cruising like trails its gonna hurt your low end alot, up high for highway it would excel but youll be doing more wear and tear with 3.73s on 35s. step up to 4.10 and youll be better off or gear it properly and run 4.56
 

Lone Wolf8634

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You are correct to pick the 4" kit vs. 2-3", I can't speak for ride quality of the 4" but it is perfectly fine for a daily driver. the best lift that keeps ride quality of a stock truck is the 3" body lift, body lifted can fit up to 35's. as far as best tire size with out regearing you're gonna be stuck at 33's. you could run 35's on 3.73's if you have them, I'm not sure if that'll effect fuel economy much.

You'll be fine in keeping your stock rims if that's what you wish, to push them out from under you could use some wheel spacers.


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Thanks. I thought of doing a body lift since it seems so much cheaper to do and doesn't mess with the geometry but I really need a bit more clearance. As I said, during hunting season I'm out and about on a lot of mountain dirt two tracks that require a bit of hight. Any idea on how I could tell what my gear ratio is?

And if I stayed with 33's would that still look good with a 4" lift?
 

MDR-97-Z71

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Thanks. I thought of doing a body lift since it seems so much cheaper to do and doesn't mess with the geometry but I really need a bit more clearance. As I said, during hunting season I'm out and about on a lot of mountain dirt two tracks that require a bit of hight. Any idea on how I could tell what my gear ratio is?

And if I stayed with 33's would that still look good with a 4" lift?

With only the 4" and 33's that would be fine yes, to find out your gear ratio- open your glove box and look for a RPO that matches

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Lone Wolf8634

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the 4" rcx and 6" rcx are the same kit one is just requiring cranking which changes your ride height, my personal opinion, spend the 50 or so bucks more and get a super lift, barely put the bolt in the torsoin keys and run your 33's or what not, now trail riding and such you may benefit from a numerically higher ratio just to help spin and dig (very technical terms) a bit more, 35s and 3.73s arent gonna be happy with thte trans and for low MPH cruising like trails its gonna hurt your low end alot, up high for highway it would excel but youll be doing more wear and tear with 3.73s on 35s. step up to 4.10 and youll be better off or gear it properly and run 4.56
Thanks.

I'm trying to find a happy medium between cost, usefulness and esthetic concerns. Which companies make the super lift? Sorry, I'm pretty ignorant of this subject. I wouldn't even bother if I didn't think I wasn't ginna end up high centered somewhere back it the hills! Lol
 

Lone Wolf8634

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With only the 4" and 33's that would be fine yes, to find out your gear ratio- open your glove box and look for a RPO that matches

You must be registered for see images attach



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Thanks. Looks like I have 3.73. So 33 is as tall as I should go, correct?

Also the wheel spacers, are they safe?
 

MDR-97-Z71

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Correct, wheel spacers can be safe or unsafe, I myself am not a fan of them, others I know are. If you choose to use them make sure you check the inner nuts that hold the spacer on about every oil change for example.


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Curt

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And if I stayed with 33's would that still look good with a 4" lift?
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4" Pro Comp lift with 33x12.5x15 BFG KM2's and 15x10 wheels. Not sure how a stock suburban rides but the ride quality in my suburban feels like you're driving in a Mercedes.

EDIT: I should add that brand new shocks and a rebuilt front suspension adds to the ride quality.
 
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