Downside to Body Lift?

[afp]

Are there any?

Blaine

[DinoMax]

afp, body lifts are normally done when there is a tire clearance issue. I see you are running 285's, which should not have a rub problem. IMHO, body lifts look a little strange. You only gain body height, not groung clearance, frame rails and undercarriage tend to show, ride quality usually suffers a bit, and I have seen them get annoying squeaks and creaks. Getting in & out is a little tougher, too. If you are looking to go to a larger tire, I would recommend a suspension lift, as you gain a lot more that way. Of course, this is a more expensive route, but worth it in the long run. Just my .02 cents. Good Luck, DinoMax :D :D

[afp]

The 285s rub when at 3/4 travel and I hit a hard bump. There is only 3/4" of clearance at this point. I already have the nose raised 1.75". I need about 2" height. I wish somebody made a 4" suspension lift that dropped the control arms and didn't require cutting up the front dif.........

[JMJORDAN]

I am not a fan of body lifts. You have make sure to to check body bolts periodicly. The added leverage of the spacers can make the bolts come loose. Also you can already see lots of frame hanging down already. With a body lift it will be real visible. Just does not look right IMHO.

[DinoMax]

afp, have you tried cranking the torsion bars up a bit? Others here have had good success trying that w/ 285's. DinoMax :D :D

[afp]

Yes, I have replaced the torsion bar keys and raised the nose 1.75".

[DinoMax]

afp, this is kind of a reach, but do you think it is possible w/ the bigger tires and noise raised 1.75", you shocks are not the correct length? I see you have Bilsteins, and I assume they are the same length/travel as the stockers. Something with a couple more inches of travel might inexpensively solve your dilemma. Good Luck, DinoMax :D :D

[afp]

Good thought, but the Bilsteins are not topped out until the the truck nose is jacked up and the suspension is at full droop.

I am thinking of adding another inch to the torsion bars and then putting 1" blocks in the rear. This would give me enoug clearance, and by raising the rear the same amount as I raise the front the ridw quality will remian the same.

[afp]

I just checked, and I would need another 2.5-3" of lift to get the stock fender high enough to properly clear the 285s. I think it is time for some sheet metal work...........

[atvpilot]

I run 285/75/16 on my GMC 02 D/A CC 4x4 and I don't have a clearence problem. i am running sport kings :cool:

[Kennedy]

Biggest problem I see with a body lift is fan shroud alignment. Now if the radiator and junk stay at same height, you'll be ok, but if they move up you'll have problems.


If you want the rear up, add a leaf. I find that the ride is BETTER with a little more spring rate. Don't believe me? Try bouncong on one corner of the rear bumper. Not much there...

[BadDog]

I run 285/75R16s Bridgestone Duelers with out even turning up the bars, much less adding a lift. All I did was use a heat gun to reform the inner fender on the drivers side to eliminate some useless bulges that rubbed a bit.

As for body lifts, I absolutely despise them. In fact, I just took a 2" body lift of the 88 K5 we bought for my son. Removing the kit made a VERY noticeable difference in ride quality. The result was significantly less body roll and nose dive, WAY more than I ever expected. That little bit of change in CG was just enough for a dramatic change when combined with the rest of the vehicle. We also got to eliminate several other somewhat bootie-fabed "adjustments" that were made to accommodate the body lift with the fan shroud and bumpers among other things.

[8.1GASSER]

Well, I see alot of guys putting a B/L down, personally I don't think they are all that bad. I put mine on a couple of months after getting my HD back in 2001. I've got around 28,000 on this set-up, and have not had any problems what so ever, never had to re-tighten any bolts, and did not notice any change in the ride, my truck rides 10x's smooth than my bro's '03 HD. yes its tougher to get into, but I wanted a lifted truck, that still fit in the garage, and a 6" kit was too tall. I tow regularly(5-10k)with it and haul around my sleds and ATV's in the bed with no problems, engine and trans temps are actually better than stock. Biggest problem you are going to have is finding one for a Diesel, as far as I know no manufacturer has one avail. due to the re-plumbing of the intercooler.
As far as looks go, there are some on here who have seen it and can't believe that there is a B/L on it, its all in how it is put together.
http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/374000-374999/374975_18_full.jpg
http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/374000-374999/374975_13_full.jpg

[afp]

Guys--thanks!