tires and lift specs, little help please

[Sully]

ok, im lost. I have a 97 heavy half (see name) and I am confused as hell!!!!!

I dont have the same ground clearance as stock 1500 or 2500's around here. I am 1/2 a bumper taller than Z71's and half a bumper shorter than 2500's. To the best of my knowledge, the trucks I used as comparison are stock. I'm 99% sure I can clear 33's no problem bone stock. No trimming, no cranking, no nothing! Now I wont say its for sure as I dont have a set of 33 for my 16's, just the wifes 33x15's to mock up with. I'm, wanting to run 35's because any bigger gets too costly to replace rubber. Do i need to do a 6" lift like the 1500 guys or do some minor stuff like the 2500 guys? Dont get me wrong, more lift is always better, but I dont want to drop $1500 on a lift I dont need or worse, have too small a tire for my lift. I saw a very lifted truck driving around on smaller than my stock tires once and wanted to slap the guy driving it. I'm trying to avoid getting slapped here. LOL

 

[Sully]

ohhhhh I didnt note the tire sizes on those trucks and I know that makes a difference so I should have looked.

 

[98chevy4x4]

Id say you could just go with a 4 inch lift and you should clear 35's since your truck is taller than a normal 1500

 

[Sully]

thats what I am thinking, but im trying to see what others think too. Thanks for the input

 

[dcZ71]

these trucks can usually clear 315's stock with a crank and block.

perfect example, member here Giiventofly

he said he has an inch of crank and only barely rubs the frame on tight parking lot manuevers.

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[Sully]

hmmmmmmmm.... I guess its just a get the tires and see what I need. I wont cost me anything to try cranking it enough. I'll just have to watch the joints and see if I get enough.

 

[dcZ71]

yeah give it a shot, it could work out, every truck is different though. post some pics when you do.

 

[Sully]

might not be for a while, but its going to happen eventually. 30.5" just isnt enough for me. Hell, the snow drifts at the end of my driveway would catch that little clearance on the pumpkins.

 

[Sully]

ok next question about the same topic....... I measured from the ground to the chrome strip in the side molding. I know its not the most accurate way, but its what i did. This truck sits level. Is that right? I thought stock trucks sat just under level, not level. Im curious because it would explain why it sits higher than other K's of the same size. If the previous owner cranked the bars, then I am definitely wanting to grab that 6". If not, then I am still at the trial and error game

 

[dcZ71]

Most likely yes, po cranked the bars.

If your only goal is to run 35's, why not just do a 2 or 3" body lift for a couple hundred vs spending a grand on a 6" kit.