pmipmatt73
Street Queen
Posts:115
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| 01/22/2007 3:21 PM |
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hey im new to the site and im looking forward to checkin out all of the discussions and forums and such.
I have a 1997 chevy silverado 4x4 1500 with 31 inch tires(biggest i can get).
well, my questions are
1. whats the easiest/ least expensive way to lift my truck?
2.how much will it be to buy a decent body lift kit and overall is installing a body lift hard?
Im actually up for any kind of way i can lift my truck, i just dont have the money for the suspension lift, and im probably doin the labor myself, so im basicly looking for an inexpensive way to lift my truck, at least over 3 inches but i want to lift it as high as i can on a budget of about 500$. I'd love to have a 6 inch lift on it if i can manage that but im not sure its very possible without a suspension lift, and with only 500$. can anyone lead me in the right direction here? im new at all of this.
heres a pic: http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c196/pmipmatt73/truck.jpg
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n/a
Bone Stock
Posts:11
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| 01/23/2007 8:41 AM |
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| i understand that you do not have the money for a suspension lift but if you are an actuall 4x4 enthusiast you need a suspension lift because the first time that truck is in and accident or you hit a huge whole your whole frame is goin to be all out of wack just bc the fact that you lifting the body and putting spacers under it also body lifts are known to cause electrical failures and problems with ABS break if not done right... my advice start saving for a suspension bc a low price suspension is better that a high price body if installed right. |
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pmipmatt73
Street Queen
Posts:115
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| 01/23/2007 12:02 PM |
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| yeah... im not very worried about crashing or anything, it not going over much mud its mainly for looks, but i guess it is best to play it safe... thanks. |
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SnoMan
Lift & Lockers
Posts:943
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| 01/23/2007 4:05 PM |
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| One advantage of a body lift vs and suspension lift is that it does not raise the CG or truck as much and it places less stress on frame and suspension too than big lifts and spacer blocks. |
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Visit the SnoMan at
www.thesnoman.com |
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pmipmatt73
Street Queen
Posts:115
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| 01/23/2007 6:07 PM |
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yeah i was lookin into spacer blocks too but i dont want to put too much pressure on the suspension. it has a smooth ride new shocks and struts. it already sits decently high off the ground just a lil higher would be nice =) but i dont want to mess anything up by putting in a body lift myself, im sure i can do it, i just dont wanna screw up on somethin.
what ya guys think? if i do it, what main things should i be lookin out for (like cables getting too tight, steering column too short ect.)
still kinda debating on if i should do it or not. |
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SnoMan
Lift & Lockers
Posts:943
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| 01/23/2007 6:34 PM |
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| As long as you do not lift body too mush it is not too bad. At 3 inches you will likely need a longer steering staft and I would install after market u-joints in it too. Then there is the radiator shroud that has to be modified too and Tcase shifter linkage but no other big problems. |
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Visit the SnoMan at
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primetimek5
Lift & Lockers
Posts:537
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| 01/23/2007 6:54 PM |
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the steering extension will come in the kit.
radiator fan shroud easy fix sawzaw.
you are gonna need longer shocks |
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rick p. |
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SnoMan
Lift & Lockers
Posts:943
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| 01/24/2007 3:14 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by primetimek5
radiator fan shroud easy fix sawzaw.
I would love to see a "kit" come with a proper modified fan shroud to help retain cooling efficency rather than a hack fix. |
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Visit the SnoMan at
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ChevyMan0784
Lift & Lockers
Posts:699
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| 01/24/2007 3:43 AM |
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| Actually, gentlemen....If you were to buy a Performance Accessories body lift...they usually come with ALL neccissary hardware to do a correct complete job. That does include a kit to lower the radiator so you do NOT have to do a hack job. And it comes with a steering shaft extension if needed, and bracketry for your tcase. And some kits come with bumper brackets. The other point is, that if you know how to use a Torque Wrench....and you go back and do the neccissary retightening, just as you would on a suspension kit...everything would be fine. I could really go on and on about this, but Id rather not... but I can tell you that I would know a bit about these kits as my grandfather (Jerry Presley) is the President and founder of Performance Accessories, and also owns Trailmaster, and OR Fab. So I can tell you that, if installed correctly (just like a suspension kit) it will last you for the life of the truck. And that really is no bull. There is a reason they dont make anything over 3 inches, you really think they like getting sued? Absolutely not. |
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gimmie fuel gimmie fire gimmie that which I desire-James Hetfield
*Never give an Irish man good cause for revenge.
*Guns dont kill people, but they sure help!!
*98% OF AMERICANS SAY 'OH S**t' BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A ICEY ROAD.
THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM ALASKA, AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS |
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SnoMan
Lift & Lockers
Posts:943
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| 01/24/2007 5:11 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by ChevyMan0784
Actually, gentlemen....If you were to buy a Performance Accessories body lift...they usually come with ALL neccissary hardware to do a correct complete job. That does include a kit to lower the radiator so you do NOT have to do a hack job. And it comes with a steering shaft extension if needed, and bracketry for your tcase. And some kits come with bumper brackets. The other point is, that if you know how to use a Torque Wrench....and you go back and do the neccissary retightening, just as you would on a suspension kit...everything would be fine. I could really go on and on about this, but Id rather not... but I can tell you that I would know a bit about these kits as my grandfather (Jerry Presley) is the President and founder of Performance Accessories, and also owns Trailmaster, and OR Fab. So I can tell you that, if installed correctly (just like a suspension kit) it will last you for the life of the truck. And that really is no bull. There is a reason they dont make anything over 3 inches, you really think they like getting sued? Absolutely not.
I cannot speak for Rick and this site but if you send me some more info or example I would be glad to write a review on it if it has merit. |
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Visit the SnoMan at
www.thesnoman.com |
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ChevyMan0784
Lift & Lockers
Posts:699
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| 01/24/2007 12:06 PM |
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| Well, I have been considering a 2 or 3 inch body lift on my truck for clearance reasons... I am heading back to the slope tomorrow, but when I get back I may get a kit for my K20 and install it. I do have a decent 7mp camera, if you like I can take some specific detailed pics step by step. As far as more info or an example, please be more specific. Do you want an install sheet, or like a parts list from a kit for a specific vehical? |
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gimmie fuel gimmie fire gimmie that which I desire-James Hetfield
*Never give an Irish man good cause for revenge.
*Guns dont kill people, but they sure help!!
*98% OF AMERICANS SAY 'OH S**t' BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A ICEY ROAD.
THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM ALASKA, AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS |
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pmipmatt73
Street Queen
Posts:115
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| 01/24/2007 12:37 PM |
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| ok, well, if everything i need is in the kit, whats the best body lift kits i can buy? any specific recommended brands? |
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ChevyMan0784
Lift & Lockers
Posts:699
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| 01/24/2007 2:02 PM |
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| Performance Accessories is the oldest brand around. They have a kit for every truck and suv out there (and even a couple things we would consider cars). For your truck they run on average 140-200 dollars. That leaves you extra dough for some other doodads. Be ABSOLUTELY sure you can install it yourself, if not...have it done by a friend or a proffesional. IF you decide to proceed by yourself, these following tools WILL be your best friends: At least 4 24 inch jackstands, a decent floor jack with blocks of wood, 1/2 inch drive socket wrench or air gun (if you have access), a breaker bar, various sized sockets in the full range (check for standard or metric before you begin) open/box end wrenches, and a few other odds and ends...but THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU WILL NEED IS A TOURQUE WRENCH!!!!!! Do not even attempt this project if you do not have access to a decent foot pound tourque wrench, PERIOD. That is where SO many people go wrong in their installation. If you have to do ANY jerry rigging to get something to work, stop and find some one with some expertise or call a shop. |
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gimmie fuel gimmie fire gimmie that which I desire-James Hetfield
*Never give an Irish man good cause for revenge.
*Guns dont kill people, but they sure help!!
*98% OF AMERICANS SAY 'OH S**t' BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A ICEY ROAD.
THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM ALASKA, AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS |
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pmipmatt73
Street Queen
Posts:115
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| 01/24/2007 4:01 PM |
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o yeah i got the tools thats not a prob. i got air tools and everything ( only got like 2 jacks but i can borrow more, isnt it possible to do one side at a time? of course, being careful not to lift that side too high) and i have friends that installed a few kits. i just never did a lift before, just engine work. from what i read the lift sounds pretty easy, just takes a long while to do it. and yeah im thinkin of buyin that kit from that brand. i understand they all run around 200$. but will replacing the shocks with longer ones be neccessary?
and it would be nice if someone could hook me up with a link that shows the installation step by step with pictures or somethin.(preferrably any truck similiar to mine like gmc or chevy). if anyone knows a website that will help me out send it to me id appreciate it. |
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primetimek5
Lift & Lockers
Posts:537
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| 01/24/2007 4:20 PM |
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| yes, you need shocks. you even might need longer battery cables.
i agree w/ the torque wrench. air tools make this job alot easier.
i did my first body lift w/ hand tools on my drive way bymyself took
8hrs.
air tools is the way to go |
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rick p. |
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Dan Pitts
Body Lift
Posts:232
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| 01/24/2007 4:55 PM |
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| i dont think you will need shocks and usally you can get a way with moving the negative cable up on the engine block. i am pretty sure you wont need shocks. i wouldn't see why because the shocks arer part of the frame i think on that truck and u are only lifting the body off the frame. i am not a hundred percant sure lets say 99 percent sure. |
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Danny Pitts
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lift it, fat chicks can't jump |
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ChevyMan0784
Lift & Lockers
Posts:699
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| 01/24/2007 5:24 PM |
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| You do not need shocks, I have no idea why you would, as you are onlylifting the BODY off of the CHASSIS! you are not lifting the chassis off of the springs or changing the distance between the upper shock mount which is on the CHASSIS and the lower shock mount which is on the AXLE!! NO SHOCKS ARE NECCISSARY. that is why people go with body lifts, because it retains the exact OEM RIDE QUALITY. |
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gimmie fuel gimmie fire gimmie that which I desire-James Hetfield
*Never give an Irish man good cause for revenge.
*Guns dont kill people, but they sure help!!
*98% OF AMERICANS SAY 'OH S**t' BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A ICEY ROAD.
THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM ALASKA, AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS |
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pmipmatt73
Street Queen
Posts:115
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| 01/24/2007 7:42 PM |
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yeah thats what i thougt, i was kindof wondering how the body lift would effect the shocks for awile lol. well thanks for the replys im gunna do it and take before and after pics to post here.
thanks again for all replys they were a big help. |
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ChevyMan0784
Lift & Lockers
Posts:699
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| 01/24/2007 9:36 PM |
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| No problem at all, good luck with your installation. If you have any questions, just let us know. And deffinately post some pics. |
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gimmie fuel gimmie fire gimmie that which I desire-James Hetfield
*Never give an Irish man good cause for revenge.
*Guns dont kill people, but they sure help!!
*98% OF AMERICANS SAY 'OH S**t' BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A ICEY ROAD.
THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM ALASKA, AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS |
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 01/25/2007 6:15 AM |
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| wow - what a great thread... too bad I was out of town for a few days and missed all of the excitement! [)] |
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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ChevyMan0784
Lift & Lockers
Posts:699
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| 01/25/2007 9:23 AM |
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| Haha, welcome back Rick! I was gone for about a couple months too. My old laptop was broke....for some reason they dont like being dropped, go figure. |
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gimmie fuel gimmie fire gimmie that which I desire-James Hetfield
*Never give an Irish man good cause for revenge.
*Guns dont kill people, but they sure help!!
*98% OF AMERICANS SAY 'OH S**t' BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A ICEY ROAD.
THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM ALASKA, AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS |
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sublmnl1990
Body Lift
Posts:195
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| 02/06/2007 5:51 PM |
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here are a few things you can get to help.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/88-98-1500-2500-3500-Chevy-GMC-SUV-Lift-Leveling-Kit_W0QQitemZ120081817070QQihZ002QQcategoryZ33585QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/88-98-chevy-gmc-2-3-suspension-lift-kit-FREE-SHIP_W0QQitemZ280077520618QQihZ018QQcategoryZ33585QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY-GMC-1500-1-3-LEVELING-LIFT-KIT-SILVERADO-SIERRA_W0QQitemZ220078696618QQihZ012QQcategoryZ33585QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/88-06-GM-Chevy-GMC-1500-K1500-2-3-Lift-Kit-6-Lug_W0QQitemZ230088004877QQihZ013QQcategoryZ33585QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem |
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You know it's going to be a good day when you get the milk to cereal ratio correct on the first bowl. |
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 02/07/2007 7:48 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by ChevyMan0784
Haha, welcome back Rick! I was gone for about a couple months too. My old laptop was broke....for some reason they dont like being dropped, go figure.
Thanks ChevyMan. Glad you got your laptop fixed - welcome back yourself. [)] |
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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