285's,torsion bars, and shocks

[clifcotim]

Just purchased 05 2500HD D/A 4wd CC. I want to install B-stone Dueler A/T Revo 285's. Local tire dealer, good one, says needs to raise torsion bars approx. 3/4". I know he has done this countless times from other trucks around town. He also says he has to realign afterwards. After reading several other topics I am concerned about the front shocks and possible long term alignment/tire wear problems. The 285's look awesome on other trucks I have seen. What do ya'll think about this combo? Should I go ahead and look at new shocks as well? And last do you think fuel mileage will be affected greatly?

[More Power]

3/4" may not cause enough of an alignment problem to be concerned about, but could be easily checked. Some of the better tire dealers around here offer alignments, and usually make a better deal if included with a new set of tires.

There are lots of discussions about 285's here in this forum.

Shocks.... I really like the Bilsteins I've installed on everything I drive. Big difference between them and stock.

MP

[clifcotim]

If I go ahead and get Bilstein 5125's all around as seems to be a popular shock what exact model number do I order from someone like Kennedy Diesel? Would the shock model # change as a result of the tire dealer adjusting the torsion bars 3/4"?

[DmaxMaverick]

Ditto's on the above. If you raise only 3/4", you shouldn't need an allignment, but I don't think that will be enough. See pic's in sig. 1" was marginal. I raised mine 1.5", and an allignment was necessary. Thumbs up on the Bilsteins.

When I first raised mine, about 70K ago, I installed 285 Dueller M/T's, and now have 285 Dueller A/T's. The clearance is very similar, as should be the Revo's.

I have noticed little, if any, mileage difference from stock. It seems happy towing my 11K+ 5'er with no compromise. An added bonus is a smoother ride (less PSI) and a higher weight rating. The tires wear VERY well if I keep my PSI's correct with my actual weight. I got 30K on the M/T's, and looks like 45-50K on the A/T's (40K now). I have heard similar reports on the Revo's.

On Kennedy's site, order by truck model. Don't mess with part #'s.

[madmatt]

will 305/70R16s fit w/ out much rubbing or torsion bar adjustment. there the same height as a 285/75R16 and less then a inch wider. Thanks.

[Ranger354]

I have BFG 295s on my CC and they rub on the inside bar. They are on stock rims and they is the reason why. I have to trim the plastic a bit and the full replacement front bumper took care of bumper rub issues.

[LTChip]

Ran stock rims and 285/75-16s with no lift or adjusting the t-bars. They just barely kissed the inner skirt at extreme turning position.

2001 Chevy 2500HD D/A Crew

These are now worn out at 45K and will be putting 16x8 wheels on because too many folks and tire shops are recommending against using stock rims and I don't want to go down to the 265 or 245 tire.

[Kennedy]

Originally posted by clifcotim:
If I go ahead and get Bilstein 5125's all around as seems to be a popular shock what exact model number do I order from someone like Kennedy Diesel? Would the shock model # change as a result of the tire dealer adjusting the torsion bars 3/4"? The OEM yellow Bilsteins are best suited for these trucks. The 5100 series is only different in color, and the ones that fit the front are a generic application. While they work fine, the OEM replacements are the best match in my opinion.

Many here running 285's on stock wheels, but the technical spec has the wheels too narrow for 265's even. I run 265's, but 285's should really be on an 8" wheel.

[LTChip]

Art Bilsteins the ones that came with the truck originally?

[Kennedy]

No, I'd guess maybe Monroe makes the OE. Bilstein made the GMT 600 Z71, but Monroe made the GMT 800 Z71 which were very harsh until they changed them. The std suspension trucks always got plain old black ones.