whats the difference between these two?

[TAHOE Z71]

im new to the lift kit ideas, and iv noticed there are 2 kits, a suspension lift kit and a bodt lift kit..whats the difference and which is better?

[Oxpatch Reb]

Good question. I'm also curious about the difference.

[retired2001]

The "body lift" is just like it sounds. It is a set of spacers that are fitted between the frame and the body. If you are just wanting to get more clearance for tires or for looks, this isn't bad. It does not alter the suspension or ride. It does raise the center of gravity, somewhat. The suspension lift alters the suspension with a combination of things: springs; drop brackets; lift spindles; etc. This affects the geometry of the steering and is available in several different levels of complexity and height. You can combine the two and make room for larger tires. There are some folks on this site who are better at explaining this, but this might answer your questions. Good luck!

[TAHOE Z71]

thanx for explaining, from the sounds of it, i may go with body lift, because i just want the look..i like the raised look of it and want to throw on some bigger tires somewhere in the lower 30'' range..i dont ever plan on actually going off roading like i said this is for city driving and i like the looks of it...can anyone suggests some good sites to order some body lift items?

[04sierracrewcab]

a body lift is exactly what it sounds like .. it lifts the body. (cab) ..(cheaper)
a suspension lifts the frame .. which is better and looks nicer .. (more expensive)

what brand are you looking at getting and how much

[TAHOE Z71]

thinking about the body lift may not be the way for me to go, id like to have side step bars on the truck and for the bars to stay at stock level after lifting the body would look bad..

[Pete95Sierra]

id say if your willing to spend the money, go with a suspension lift. some lift kits ride even better then stock.

a body lift uses blocks to lift the body off the frame just for looks and better approach and departure angles. a suspension lift actually replaces the suspension on your vehicle using longer and stronger springs, a more arched leaf spring pack, etc. suspension lifts are much more expensive but are well worth it because everything looks right whereas when you have a body lift the frame sticks out underneath and stepbars and bumpers dont match up unless you buy new brackets

[dwill3015]

The body lift is way less expensive than suspension but, like you mentioned before that the bumpers and frame mounted steps do not raise with the body. I personnaly do not like the look of a body lifted truck as the frame is much more visible below the body (only my opinion and YES I have had a body lifted truck in the past). Most body lift kits come with mounting hardware to re-mount the bumpers so the look normal but someone on here posted about re-mounting steps, as well as a brush guard and i'm sure you can fabricate re-mounting hardware but i'm not sure about a kit. Do your homework on various brand such as Cognito, Fabtech, Rough Country, Tuff Country, Rancho, etc.

[TAHOE Z71]

thanx guys, i'll stick with the real thing, now can someone suggests a good brand to use? im looking anywhere from 4-6'' lift and looking to spend about $1000-$1500 just for the lift, i also want to step it up on the tires has well..something that looks like these..

http://www.truckaddons.com/tires/mickey-thompson/baja-claw-sm.jpg if you guys can suggest a good set and size id greatly appreciaite it, if i sound clue less i am, up untill now all ive ever done with trucks was throw on a set of 24-26'' chrome wheels and installed huge audio systems 4 15's sometimes 4 18's amps miles of wires..lol..so im moving over to a different world far has exteror looks..got sick of the lowering and huge rims that i can only driver 10 mph because of pot holes..lol

[CarpenterGuy]

Well, you can get a Rough Country 6" lift for $1000 that also levels the truck (lifts the back 4-5" and raises the front 6" to level it out). I would go with a 6" lift because the 4" lifts are less than a hundred bucks less, so there's not much of a big difference.

As for tire size, 6" lift fits 35" tires and a 4" lift fits 33" tires (Rancho makes a 4" lift that fits 35" tires)

I recomend Mickey Thompson for your tire. They have a model called the Claw that has that tread pattern. They also have a great load rating (about 3000 lb. per tire).

Some good lift brands are:
Rancho
Rough Country
Tuff Country
ProComp
Superlift
Skyjacker

[TAHOE Z71]

here is my future...lol man i wish i had this truck

http://www.bds-suspension.com/Images/Apps/chevy_tahoe_00-06br_6in.jpg

[04sierracrewcab]

Well, you can get a Rough Country 6" lift for $1000 that also levels the truck (lifts the back 4-5" and raises the front 6" to level it out). I would go with a 6" lift because the 4" lifts are less than a hundred bucks less, so there's not much of a big difference.

As for tire size, 6" lift fits 35" tires and a 4" lift fits 33" tires (Rancho makes a 4" lift that fits 35" tires)

I recomend Mickey Thompson for your tire. They have a model called the Claw that has that tread pattern. They also have a great load rating (about 3000 lb. per tire).



I aggree with all the above except I dont like Rough Country I would recomend Superlift ir Fabtech or Rancho, Skyjacker
Also i would not go with a 24 inch wheel if you plan on doing any wheelin :glasses:
The Claw is a great tire.. great in the mud... a comprabel tire is the pro comp x terrain :money:

[SilveradoBrett]

So it looks like most people have already defined what a body and suspension lift areso I will skip that. The thing I think about is do you have the tools, time and expertise to do a suspension lift? I put a 4" lift on my bronco and it took me all weekend to do it. About six hours a day on saturday and sunday with two people, 4 3 ton jacks, 4 jack stands, and mean air tools. So its not an easy task! Now if you are doing a body lift you could do it in 1 day fairly easily. The suspension lift is great because it gives you more clearance under the truck to drive over things you could not drive over before but you should do the research to see what fits your application the best. As far as tires go I would recommend some interco super swamper TSL radials. The tread pattern in your picture is pretty aggressive but if you drive some 35 with those treads your tires will howl pretty fierce. Also the aggressive tread will use a softer compound so if you drive alot on the street it will eat your tires and the tire life will be short. The TSLs are great tires, they have a semi aggressive tread, nice ride, low noise, descent life and are fairly inexpensive. I have owned a few sets of these tires and have never had any problems. But my suggestion is hunt craiglist for some used tires in the size you want. That way you can try before you commit to 1 brand new set of $1000+ tires. Plus if you bought new tires and they were too loud for your taste you would be out a considerable mount of money. But if you buys used, you can always sell them back on craigslist for close to what you paid. Thats my suggestion!

[bry2500]

Lifting and putting larger tires is always great but keep in consideration the local and state laws. I am going to lift my 02 Avalanche and because of state laws I am limited to 7.8 inches total lift. 3.9 inches suspension and 3.9 tires. And when you need to get an inspection sticker either you can't or you need to "know somebody" and have deep pockets. If not you have to drop the truck back down just for the inspection every year.

[SilveradoBrett]

You wouldn't have to remove the entire lift to have the truck pass the inspection. You could always get some smaller tires that you only throw on there for the inspection couldn't you? My wonderful state doesn't have any inspection so I do not know the whole process of what they look for and everything. Our state has the 48" law which tells you that your headlights must not be over 48' off the ground or you will get a fine. Thats about it!