rc64597
Newbie
All-
I posted a thread in here months ago about a similar topic. Please disregard that...things have changed.
I bought a clean 1998 K1500 (4x4 extended cab short bed) this year. The previous owner needed to replace steering/suspension parts on the truck for his son...so instead of going OEM, he bought a bolt-on lift kit which had all the parts he needed.
The kit is a 2-3" Rough Country Suspension Lift (effectively a leveling kit) with rear add-a-leafs. Lift seen here (http://www.roughcountry.com/gm-suspension-lift-kit-170.html)
Truck uses (currently):
-Hauling dirtbikes and ATVS
-Home Depot runs
-Pulling single-axle trailors
-Might eventually pull bigger trailers, I will equip truck with tranny cooler and Solid Front Axle if I ever do
-NOT used off-road hardly ever
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Here is my goal:
-Return truck back to stock ride height/ride quality/etc
-Maximize tire, shock, tie rod, ball joint, etc life
-Maximize steering/handling quality
-Minimize steering/suspension maintenance
-Remove the bolt-on lift, install OEM/aftermarket parts, align the truck, and then sell the lift kit. I have access to a hydraulic auto lift and all tools needed to do the swap myself over a weekend.
Questions I have:
1) How do I repair the section of the frame that was cut to remove differential mount? I do not have any parts leftover from when the previous owner did the swap. I heard there is a bolt-on bracket to replace OEM bracket for a case like this, does anyone know where I find it? Or, can you suggest another inexpensive way to fix this, short of welding a new one on? (which I CAN do)
2) Shocks: Can you recommend some good shocks for this truck? Whether I leave the lift on it or remove it...either way...I am looking to get better shocks than the POS Rough Country shocks. I am thinking Bilstein 5100? from the Z71 trucks. Do they make these in longer lengths for lifted trucks?
3) Gas Mileage: From your experience...how much does a small lift like this effect gas mileage on a stock engine and stock tire/rim size? Does the decrease in MPG come from the lift (increased air drag from taller vehicle) or from changing to oversized wheels/tires? I really do not want to put bigger wheels/tires/gears on this truck just to make it LOOK good, this is about making my truck a daily driver instead of a mud blaster.
4) Lift- Would you keep it or remove it? Is this a good lift? If I can maintain stock MPG, handling, and ride quality by keeping the lift, getting better shocks and tires...I will listen for SURE...I would rather not have to spend a weekend doing this if it's a good lift to start with
Thanks all!
Bob
I posted a thread in here months ago about a similar topic. Please disregard that...things have changed.
I bought a clean 1998 K1500 (4x4 extended cab short bed) this year. The previous owner needed to replace steering/suspension parts on the truck for his son...so instead of going OEM, he bought a bolt-on lift kit which had all the parts he needed.
The kit is a 2-3" Rough Country Suspension Lift (effectively a leveling kit) with rear add-a-leafs. Lift seen here (http://www.roughcountry.com/gm-suspension-lift-kit-170.html)
Truck uses (currently):
-Hauling dirtbikes and ATVS
-Home Depot runs
-Pulling single-axle trailors
-Might eventually pull bigger trailers, I will equip truck with tranny cooler and Solid Front Axle if I ever do
-NOT used off-road hardly ever
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______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Here is my goal:
-Return truck back to stock ride height/ride quality/etc
-Maximize tire, shock, tie rod, ball joint, etc life
-Maximize steering/handling quality
-Minimize steering/suspension maintenance
-Remove the bolt-on lift, install OEM/aftermarket parts, align the truck, and then sell the lift kit. I have access to a hydraulic auto lift and all tools needed to do the swap myself over a weekend.
Questions I have:
1) How do I repair the section of the frame that was cut to remove differential mount? I do not have any parts leftover from when the previous owner did the swap. I heard there is a bolt-on bracket to replace OEM bracket for a case like this, does anyone know where I find it? Or, can you suggest another inexpensive way to fix this, short of welding a new one on? (which I CAN do)
2) Shocks: Can you recommend some good shocks for this truck? Whether I leave the lift on it or remove it...either way...I am looking to get better shocks than the POS Rough Country shocks. I am thinking Bilstein 5100? from the Z71 trucks. Do they make these in longer lengths for lifted trucks?
3) Gas Mileage: From your experience...how much does a small lift like this effect gas mileage on a stock engine and stock tire/rim size? Does the decrease in MPG come from the lift (increased air drag from taller vehicle) or from changing to oversized wheels/tires? I really do not want to put bigger wheels/tires/gears on this truck just to make it LOOK good, this is about making my truck a daily driver instead of a mud blaster.
4) Lift- Would you keep it or remove it? Is this a good lift? If I can maintain stock MPG, handling, and ride quality by keeping the lift, getting better shocks and tires...I will listen for SURE...I would rather not have to spend a weekend doing this if it's a good lift to start with
Thanks all!
Bob