What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Ideal 2" lift kit

C

clecio

Registered Member
Joined
Dec 23, 2011
Posts
23
Reaction score
0
Location
Valparaiso IN
First of all, sorry for posting a so common question, but I have tried hard looking for this information but I have got no straight answer yet.
I am new owner of a 1983 Diesel 1/2 ton 4x4 Suburban, and now I am preparing it for a long trip.
The front spring leafs are worn out and need replacement, and since the truck is almost 30 years old and all original I think it is time to replace the rear springs as well.
Since I will replace the springs I am thinking about a 2" lift. I would like to keep the drivability I have now I don't want to compromise the safety as well, is that possible with a 2" lift?
Also, I have been checking different kits, such as Rough Country, Tuff Country, Skyjacker, Rancho, etc. But none of them mention the Diesel version, all of front leafs them are for gas engines.
So, my question is: What is the best 2" lift kit for a diesel Suburban? I will drive 95% highway and 5% off road. Also, for the rear is better a new set of original springs with the shackle flip or new springs with 2" lift?
Thanks a lot for your help!
 
Bassed on what I have read on here and planning for my lift, the best option would be tuff country. With a diesel I am assuming you want HD front springs. For mostly road driving and if you plan to tow anything with weight stick to factory shackle design and just get the taller spring. The flip kit allows more flex.
 
clecio said:
First of all, sorry for posting a so common question, but I have tried hard looking for this information but I have got no straight answer yet.
I am new owner of a 1983 Diesel 1/2 ton 4x4 Suburban, and now I am preparing it for a long trip.
The front spring leafs are worn out and need replacement, and since the truck is almost 30 years old and all original I think it is time to replace the rear springs as well.
Since I will replace the springs I am thinking about a 2" lift. I would like to keep the drivability I have now I don't want to compromise the safety as well, is that possible with a 2" lift?
Also, I have been checking different kits, such as Rough Country, Tuff Country, Skyjacker, Rancho, etc. But none of them mention the Diesel version, all of front leafs them are for gas engines.
So, my question is: What is the best 2" lift kit for a diesel Suburban? I will drive 95% highway and 5% off road. Also, for the rear is better a new set of original springs with the shackle flip or new springs with 2" lift?
Thanks a lot for your help!
Click to expand...


call Stephen at http://offroaddesign.com/ he'll hook you up with everything you need including the little stuff...
 
tuff country 2" hd for the extra of the 6.2 .

then greaseable bushings for the whole setup make them last a LOT longer and better ride.

then rear if me i would go good stock replacement with 2.5" flip or just do 3" lift spring if you dont wana do the tank drop stuff . and if flip kit plan on droping the gas tank to do the install.

measure your rears now 52" eye to eye or 56" as thay come both .

new ubolts great idea.

bilsten 5100 shocks seem to be the key ticket for best ride off the shelf shocks . otherwise go gas over hydro shocks if on budget.

search in the garage section also here LOT'S more info there.
 
Thanks everyone.
Seems that the best solution is the Tuff country HD for the the front and 2" lift spring for the back.
I heard the Bilstein is too soft, not sure about it. Since I will use this truck most for the highway it is really the best option? 5100 or 5125?
 
clecio said:
Thanks everyone.
Seems that the best solution is the Tuff country HD for the the front and 2" lift spring for the back.
I heard the Bilstein is too soft, not sure about it. Since I will use this truck most for the highway it is really the best option? 5100 or 5125?
Click to expand...

5100 and 5125 are the same shock family; the 5100 is off-the-shelf sized by application for specific trucks and the '25 is custom sized for creative use.

I've got a set of 5100/25's and haven't decided yet. They are mushy in the driveway when I jolt the truck by hand, about the same as the old crap Gabriels I had before. However, in just a quick run around the block it handles better than it did, so there may be a multi-stage thing going on.

-- A
 
So, do u guys think those Bilstein would be a good match with HD tuff country springs in a suburban diesel? Thanks
 
On my K30, I have the Procomp 2.5" front springs and the ORD 2.5" shackle flip. Went with procomp because of the warranty through 4wheel parts.

Overall I really like the set up and I even have a heavy 454. The springs are holding up great and it rides pretty decent for a 1 ton. For shocks, I have the Procomp monotubes that are absolutely awesome.
 
clecio said:
Seems that the best solution is the Tuff country HD for the the front and 2" lift spring for the back.
I heard the Bilstein is too soft, not sure about it. Since I will use this truck most for the highway it is really the best option? 5100 or 5125?
Click to expand...
Since the thread is titled "ideal" and here you say "best", I will mention the idea of custom springs. Still a bolt-in affair, but everything can be customized and you get improved ride + improved durability. Just call ORD and ask about it - then you can decide if it's worth the difference. You might be surprised.

Usually the Bilsteins are only too soft when you have stiff springs. They are certainly better than any "lift kit" shocks. The only thing stiffer are adjustable shocks or getting into higher-end rebuildable stuff.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom