Newbie to lifts

[Slopples]

Is there a guide or any hand reference for people new to lifting? I'm browsing kits online and there are suspension kits, crossmember/bracket lifts and body lifts. A guide or resource explaining what the difference and applications for each would be great.

 

[Redhoe01]

I feel your pain man. leveling blocks, ford keys, torsion keys etc.... So much to learn.

 

[brucebruce45]

start reading and doing research

 

[AquinoSteven]

Lets narrow it down.
Year
Make
Model
4x4?

Desired tire size
Budget cap
Special Considerations (ex. parking garages, small children, etc....)

 

[polobuds]

i'm with slopples, only i've been reading a bunch of posts in this section. What is the difference between raising stock keys, and buying a leveling kit like the rough country one that includes keys? From what i've read, raising stock keys may cause damage to axles and will need an alignment. So, if I were to get the rough country leveling kit, would i experience the same damage to axles and would i need to get an alignment?

Thanks

I forgot to add that i have an 03 LS tahoe with 265/75/16 BFG. Looking to go 295/75/16 or 295/70/17.

 

[McAllister513]

i'm with slopples, only i've been reading a bunch of posts in this section. What is the difference between raising stock keys, and buying a leveling kit like the rough country one that includes keys? From what i've read, raising stock keys may cause damage to axles and will need an alignment. So, if I were to get the rough country leveling kit, would i experience the same damage to axles and would i need to get an alignment?

Thanks

I forgot to add that i have an 03 LS tahoe with 265/75/16 BFG. Looking to go 295/75/16 or 295/70/17.

The only difference between RC keys(which are exactly the same as Ford keys) is that they will allow you to crank higher. The reason for that is the keys are clocked different. But the higher you crank the worse the ride quality will get and all your angles will get worse at the same time. And even if you crank or change keys then you will have to get an alignment.

 

[AquinoSteven]

i'm with slopples, only i've been reading a bunch of posts in this section. What is the difference between raising stock keys, and buying a leveling kit like the rough country one that includes keys? From what i've read, raising stock keys may cause damage to axles and will need an alignment. So, if I were to get the rough country leveling kit, would i experience the same damage to axles and would i need to get an alignment?

Thanks

I forgot to add that i have an 03 LS tahoe with 265/75/16 BFG. Looking to go 295/75/16 or 295/70/17.

I only got to about 36"s with stock keys, as soon as i added aftermarket keys i cranked all the way to 38"s. When cranking both you assume the risk of wearing out parts faster but a proper alignment will give you some more time. BTW you only have one axle and it in the rear. In the front you have CVs. On stock rims youll have no problem fitting those tires with the RC kit

---------- Post added at 08:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:55 AM ----------

In the end i all depends on how big of a tire you want to run. From there its easier to steer you too a proper lift

 

[jerseyjonny]

haha it all depends on how much $$$ you can spend

 

[polobuds]

haha it all depends on how much $$$ you can spend

true that!

---------- Post added at 08:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:33 PM ----------

I only got to about 36"s with stock keys, as soon as i added aftermarket keys i cranked all the way to 38"s. When cranking both you assume the risk of wearing out parts faster but a proper alignment will give you some more time. BTW you only have one axle and it in the rear. In the front you have CVs. On stock rims youll have no problem fitting those tires with the RC kit

---------- Post added at 08:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:55 AM ----------

In the end i all depends on how big of a tire you want to run. From there its easier to steer you too a proper lift

So if I want to eliminate my front end rake (which is 1.5" lower), I was thinking of simply cranking the stock keys 1.5". Is that possible with stock keys or would I need to get the RC leveling kit to get the 1.5". I plan on running at least 33" tires.

And thanks for correcting me. I meant CV instead of axle. So cranking any keys will increase the angle, but you said an alignment would help ease the wear and tear?

Thanks for the help!

 

[AquinoSteven]

Cranking you keys will level you out with the rear. You will be able to fit 33"s on stock wheels with minor trimming. Anything bigger you will have to lift front and rear 2"s