PDA

View Full Version : lifting a 03 chevy 1500



CRaSHnBuRN
07-18-2008, 10:04 PM
Its time to replace the tires on my girlfriends truck, and she wants to go with 285's this time. Her truck is a 03 chevy 1500 Z71 currently on 265's. For being a 4x4 with the Z71 package, her truck seems really low in the front, so I doubt the 285s are going to clear with out a lift, trimming, different backspaced wheels, or some combo of the above. She doesn't mind lifting it, but doesn't want to go very high (max of 2 inches or so). So does anyone have any suggestions on what route is the best?

I could probably crank the torsion bars, but her truck rides pretty ****ty as it is, so I don't know if thats the best idea. Quite honestly it seems like the whole front end is worn out, and leans to the passenger side alot. I'm going to replace the shocks to see if that helps the ride or the lean somewhat. How hard is it to replace the ball joints on these trucks? We've had several people say that it looks like they are worn out. Sorry about all the questions, but when it comes to problems with IFS, my normal method of fixing things involve a cutting torch.

uglyota
07-18-2008, 10:20 PM
totalchaos

Reckless
07-18-2008, 10:33 PM
Look at cognito, all the HD guys swear by them. Ya might also look at changing the torsion key to a green key. Doesnt change the ride a whole lot, but gives enough room from 285s
http://www.merchant-automotive.com/1-3liftkits.aspx

BMFScout
07-18-2008, 11:00 PM
I think The Bellamy Brothers wrote a song about this.

jerryg79
07-18-2008, 11:21 PM
if i said you had a beautiful body would you hold it against me?

Graystroke
07-18-2008, 11:24 PM
2"x2" square tubing cut in small lengths

jerryg79
07-18-2008, 11:33 PM
2"x2" square tubing cut in small lengths

what album is that on?

Graystroke
07-19-2008, 10:02 AM
what album is that on?

It was on "The Swedish Collection" except on their it is called "5.08 cm X 5.08 cm vierkant buizenstelsel dat in kleine lengten wordt gesneden."

DRAGOONRANCH
07-19-2008, 10:19 AM
I am pretty sure I have that cd somewhere. It did not live up to the hype, so save your money and just download it.

CRaSHnBuRN
07-19-2008, 10:52 AM
totalchaos

I checked out their site and didn't seen anything listed for this model truck.

CRaSHnBuRN
07-19-2008, 10:54 AM
Look at cognito, all the HD guys swear by them. Ya might also look at changing the torsion key to a green key. Doesnt change the ride a whole lot, but gives enough room from 285s
http://www.merchant-automotive.com/1-3liftkits.aspx


How do the keys affect the ride? It seems like that would be no different than cranking the torsion bars

jerryg79
07-19-2008, 10:57 AM
It was on "The Swedish Collection" except on their it is called "5.08 cm X 5.08 cm vierkant buizenstelsel dat in kleine lengten wordt gesneden."

nice:gigem:

rockfrawg
07-19-2008, 12:40 PM
geez, y'all sure know how to hijack a thread.

the torsion keys are clocked differently that allow for more lift w/o extra strain on the torsion bars. its easy and cheap and should allow for clearance of the 285s.

http://www.readylift.com/c-35-silverado-1500-1999-2007-classic-4wd-6-lug.aspx

TxCruzr
07-20-2008, 12:45 PM
Whats the difference between those keys and getting the factory keys to swap out besides being a **** load more $$$. I swapped mine out with the ford keys or whatever and it looks like 285's will fit pretty easy. Can't tell a difference in ride either. Once I get back to tejas I'll be needing new tires so go get some before then and let me know how they fit :gigem:

CRaSHnBuRN
07-20-2008, 01:02 PM
Whats the difference between those keys and getting the factory keys to swap out besides being a **** load more $$$. I swapped mine out with the ford keys or whatever and it looks like 285's will fit pretty easy. Can't tell a difference in ride either. Once I get back to tejas I'll be needing new tires so go get some before then and let me know how they fit :gigem:

I thought you had a 2500? The ford keys are just F150 keys you can get from the dealership for around 50 bucks, right? Any one know the specific part number for these? At this point, I think we're going to try the keys out with some new bilstiens

TxCruzr
07-20-2008, 05:02 PM
no, its a '99 1500, was looking for a 2500 but kinda glad it's not now with gas the way it is and the 5.3 will still pull the cruiser around w/o a problem.
part # from fullsizechevy is XL3Z5B328CA
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/general-discussion/offroad/65871-ford-keys-torsion-bar-cranking-replacing-tech.html

CRaSHnBuRN
07-20-2008, 06:48 PM
I think we're going to give the ford keys a try. From reading that article it sounds like I should keep the stock (green) keys off of her truck in case I ever want to do something similar with my 2500