2013 Escalade AWD looking for some lift

[PAPA_E]

Hate to be that guy, dug around the search menu a bit but im still pretty lost.

I have a 6.2 AWD Autoride 2013 Escalade ESV

I am wanting to lift it with the goal of 35" tires

I will consider 33" tires but my main issue is most kits are 2.5K or more



So I see much less expensive kits for Tahoes, Yukons, and Denalis. I see body lifts and suspension spacers and honestly I have zero interest in actual lift performance. Just want a higher ride and the most offroad ill ever see is flat grass and maybe......maybe a touch of beach driving.

So ive looked at Supreme suspension lifts, and body spacers around 500bucks and around 6"s of lift and yet i cant find any info on what plugs need extended, the length of extension of brake lines and driveline spacers. So if the only safe and quality ride is in a 2.5k+ kit fine, but i come from old squarebody's and always had a much worse ride over OEM with aftermarket kits.

Thanks
-Alex

 

[Akinshake]

I have been searching for the same answer. I am about to pick up a new family vehicle and have settled on the 2011-13 Denali XL. Ive read this forum for weeks now looking for the same thing you are. A nice looking change in altitude. I will be running roughly 33s and have been looking at the this https://performanceaccessories.com/index.php?id_product=86&controller=product

There are very detailed instructions with this kit, and thats why I am leaning this way. Hopefully somebody will chime in who has experience lifting these autoride trucks while maintaining the factory suspension.

The only real negatives that i've read, all have fairly easy remedies such as the body gap. this kit has everything for the bumpers and hitch.

 

[PAPA_E]

I guess I would really like to know if AWD GMT900 lift kits work across the board. I know Chevy, GMC, Cadillac over the years have shared a lot and usually the higher in brand and trim the extra features interior and more powerful driveline you get. I just see so much more in the way of lift kits of all kinds for suburbans and next to nothing for escalades. While to my knowledge both share the GMT900 platform.

 

[01Konvict]

Any 4wd truck front end lift kit will fit on an Escalade. The problem is the front driveshaft and auto ride. Any awd needs a new dual cardan front shaft. This is because of the angle it rotates will cause vibrations. New shafts are about $500. Then the auto ride needs to stay in tact otherwise you get error messages if not disabled with more parts. That’s why the lift kits are more expensive because they make parts to fit auto ride features. Best kit for you to clear 35s is bulletproof 6” or mcgauhgy 7” retaining auto ride. If you’re dumping it then bds with fox coil overs and trick the computer plus new driveshaft.

 

[BigRedB]

Hi just my 2 cents...

I lifted my 2007 Tahoe LTZ at 80k miles, im now at 130k

I went with Fabtech 6.5" suspension lift. Its worth the cost. No error codes whatsoever. Im on Nitto 35's. When I lifted my truck I have replaced...
Front wheel bearings twice - 1 time due to my stupidity (double check lug nut torque ALWAYS!!!)
Drive Shaft - 1 time due to my stupidity (double check all bolts are tight after the lift is installed)

Check your torques after 500 miles and then periodically thereafter

If I would have done this I would have had no issues...

I love the lift, I balked at the cost at first but I am happy I did a suspension lift, I would do it again, its worth it if you plan to keep the truck. Fabtech has an excellent product.

 

[PAPA_E]

Hi just my 2 cents...

I lifted my 2007 Tahoe LTZ at 80k miles, im now at 130k

I went with Fabtech 6.5" suspension lift. Its worth the cost. No error codes whatsoever. Im on Nitto 35's. When I lifted my truck I have replaced...
Front wheel bearings twice - 1 time due to my stupidity (double check lug nut torque ALWAYS!!!)
Drive Shaft - 1 time due to my stupidity (double check all bolts are tight after the lift is installed)

Check your torques after 500 miles and then periodically thereafter

If I would have done this I would have had no issues...

I love the lift, I balked at the cost at first but I am happy I did a suspension lift, I would do it again, its worth it if you plan to keep the truck. Fabtech has an excellent product.

Does the fabtech lift and level? My escalade has a rather noticeable slant in the front wondering if that will disappear?

 

[BigRedB]

Does the fabtech lift and level? My escalade has a rather noticeable slant in the front wondering if that will disappear?

Mine is level, I have an air ride suspension like the Escalade. It sits perfect.

I had a slant in the front when I needed to replace the front shocks.

After I replaced them the slant went away. I had a slant in the back when the air shocks in the back went bad after I replaced them the slant in the back went away.
​

Have you checked the condition of the shocks. The air ride on an escalade should sit level.

Im not sure of the condition of your escalade, Im just trying to be helpful.

With regard to the lift kit the Fabtech kit sits perfect. Take a look at the photo to the left, that is the way the lift will look.

 

[PAPA_E]

Mine is level, I have an air ride suspension like the Escalade. It sits perfect.

I had a slant in the front when I needed to replace the front shocks.

After I replaced them the slant went away. I had a slant in the back when the air shocks in the back went bad after I replaced them the slant in the back went away.
​

Have you checked the condition of the shocks. The air ride on an escalade should sit level.

Im not sure of the condition of your escalade, Im just trying to be helpful.

With regard to the lift kit the Fabtech kit sits perfect. Take a look at the photo to the left, that is the way the lift will look.

it seats evenly in the front between the sides, just about 2"s lower. Maybe it does need new shocks? might as well replace whats there with the lift

 

[BigRedB]

You will be surprised how much difference shocks make if they are worn out. When I changed mine it was a very noticeable difference, even with the lift kit installed.

Perfect color for Escalade, if I do say so myself, I see your avatar pic. I always admired the escalades with the same color as my Tahoe, they look very clean.

 

[PAPA_E]

You will be surprised how much difference shocks make if they are worn out. When I changed mine it was a very noticeable difference, even with the lift kit installed.

Perfect color for Escalade, if I do say so myself, I see your avatar pic. I always admired the escalades with the same color as my Tahoe, they look very clean.

Ya man I wanted black but i came across this red platinum with the premium brown leather, miles and price i couldnt pass it up. I have seen 1 other red escalade on the road and 1 suburban I believe but see white, beige, and black GMT900's everyday. I enjoy the uniqueness