View Full Version : Question about truck lift kits....
Thinking about a newer truck and a 2013 Silverado 1500 Club Cab 4x4 has my eye. I like everything about it, except it's lifted 8 inches. Probably be cool for awhile, but I think I'd get tired of it quickly.
So, can a lift kit be removed and the truck restored to normal? Or maybe changed to 4" or 2"? Everything else, age/mileage/price/color/options/etc. are right what I want.
BushMasterBoy
11-27-2016, 13:34
It depends on how it is lifted. It can be changed back to stock. How is it lifted is the question. Pictures of the undercarriage would necessary to say what would have to be done. Maybe some other members can chime in.
8 inch lift probably has larger tires, larger tires often means a gear change.
Lots there to think about.
Yeah, that's just it - I don't know jack shit about lifts. Only seen it once, in the dark. The front looked like it has some big flanged tube-type spacers. I'll go back and get fotos.
8 inch lift probably has larger tires, larger tires often means a gear change.
Lots there to think about.
Huh..... hmmm.....
fportmen45
11-27-2016, 14:15
8" on that truck is huge. From what I gather from your post, if I was you, I'd be looking for a stocker.
8" on that truck is huge. From what I gather from your post, if I was you, I'd be looking for a stocker.
Yeah, a stocker is definitely preferable over the Viagra Kit. And even though the big tires are brand-spanking-new and still have the lettering on the tread, replacements will be pricey. And alignment issues, and other wear/tear. And it probably rides like hell.
Then there's the voice of my Daddy in my ear saying "you need that like you need another tit!"
Think I've talked myself out of it.....
mtnrider
11-27-2016, 14:57
8' lift is huge. Going to take a lot to get it back to stock. Also what I have found in the past if remove the lift and go back to stock it will most likely need all new ball joints, tie rods, steering linkage, pretty much anything with a joint in it. They get worn out from those extreme angles. Going back to stock that thing will probably wonder all over the road until all of that is replaced.
.
fportmen45
11-27-2016, 15:12
Yeah, a stocker is definitely preferable over the Viagra Kit. And even though the big tires are brand-spanking-new and still have the lettering on the tread, replacements will be pricey. And alignment issues, and other wear/tear. And it probably rides like hell.
Then there's the voice of my Daddy in my ear saying "you need that like you need another tit!"
Think I've talked myself out of it.....
Right on - you don't strike me as the flat biller bro type.
mtnrider
11-27-2016, 15:38
You don't want to drive a "Bro-Doser"? Lol.
I love lifted trucks but as I have gotten older not wandering all over the road and ride quality have become more important.
.
...but as I have gotten older...
It's amazing how preferences change as you get older. Craftmatic adjustable bed? Walk-in bathtubs? Vehicles with a nice step-in/climb out height with a nice ride? At one point those all seemed crazy to me, but after getting past 50 and some health issues later, I'm starting to think those might be a good idea.[blaster]
BladesNBarrels
11-27-2016, 17:13
Throw in switching to automatic transmission due to the knees complaining in today's stop-and-go heavy traffic.
[blaster]
clodhopper
11-27-2016, 17:42
If everything else on the truck is exactly what you want, and you aren't afraid of some wrenching, one option could be to find the flat biller who wants the bro dozer and has a similar model stock truck and swap out suspension parts and wheelsntires. He gets his stupidity, you get your stock ride and some cash. It is some work, but if it is otherwise the right truck at a good price....
Yeah, like the wife says, we ain't in a hurry. And there's no shortage of used trucks around. Really want one with 4wd and remote start though, I work nights and coming off work at 6:30am to a frozen-over vehicle has a very high suck factor.
Shore is purty though.....
That looks horrible to get in and out of.
kidicarus13
11-27-2016, 19:55
Really want one with 4wd and remote start
Don't let the lack of remote start make or break your decision. It's only $150 installed...
https://www.cartoys.com/4115x
lol @ Rondog and cartoys in the same sentence.
That looks horrible to get in and out of.
Yeah, the Silverado I have now - I open the door, put my ass on the seat, and slide in. Nice and low. No 4wd though.
lol @ Rondog and cartoys in the same sentence.
Oh now.... Which one does your son work at? I'd give 'em a shot. He at the Parker shop?
ZERO THEORY
11-27-2016, 20:07
1. Ball joints get eaten alive on brodozers like that. And I can actually see the GIANT spacer on the front end and the stock control arms instead of proper aftermarket uniball style. This truck is not safe in this config.
2. If it's got a huge spacer on the front, it's surely got leaf blocks in the rear. Leaf blocks make me contemplate suicide.
A properly-lifted IFS truck shouldn't exceed 3" or so. You can use front diff drop brackets and whatnot for 6"+ lifts, but it's an exercise in futility. Add a leafs/extended shackles/custom leafs are the way to do the rear properly, and the front should have new coilovers and UCAs. You've been warned.
1. Ball joints get eaten alive on brodozers like that. And I can actually see the GIANT spacer on the front end and the stock control arms instead of proper aftermarket uniball style. This truck is not safe in this config.
2. If it's got a huge spacer on the front, it's surely got leaf blocks in the rear. Leaf blocks make me contemplate suicide.
A properly-lifted IFS truck shouldn't exceed 3" or so. You can use front diff drop brackets and whatnot for 6"+ lifts, but it's an exercise in futility. Add a leafs/extended shackles/custom leafs are the way to do the rear properly, and the front should have new coilovers and UCAs. You've been warned.
Couldent agree more.
I only lifted my truck 2-3" but Did New leaf pack in back all new shocks and new UCA. My other addiction along with guns[dig]
I would pass. It's not a very unique truck and you should be able to find one exactly like you want. I would pass on a lifted IFS GM.
1. Ball joints get eaten alive on brodozers like that. And I can actually see the GIANT spacer on the front end and the stock control arms instead of proper aftermarket uniball style. This truck is not safe in this config.
2. If it's got a huge spacer on the front, it's surely got leaf blocks in the rear. Leaf blocks make me contemplate suicide.
A properly-lifted IFS truck shouldn't exceed 3" or so. You can use front diff drop brackets and whatnot for 6"+ lifts, but it's an exercise in futility. Add a leafs/extended shackles/custom leafs are the way to do the rear properly, and the front should have new coilovers and UCAs. You've been warned.
Not terribly sure what you're saying, but I believe you mean this is all shit, and to be ran away from yes? Pisses me off, there's a good photo of the front parts right between these two photos, that REFUSES to upload. One of the left side too. Why some photos will and some won't is baffling, shot all at the same time on my Samsung.....
Oh now.... Which one does your son work at? I'd give 'em a shot. He at the Parker shop?
He is not.
BushMasterBoy
11-27-2016, 23:24
I drive a stock 07 2500HD. Only modification has been a deep sump cast transmission pan with drain plug. If you ever drive a truck with a camper, tow a trailer or haul a heavy load, you will regret a 1/2 ton truck. I have four GM trucks and I wrench on them.
On the other hand the truck doesn't look too hard to turn back to stock. Zero Theory is right, the truck is dangerous as it is. The truck suspension was designed for maximum safety. The problem would be getting a shop to do all the corrections properly i.e. remove the lift kit and return to stock configuration.
My recommendation is a stock truck.
fportmen45
11-28-2016, 15:07
Not terribly sure what you're saying, but I believe you mean this is all shit, and to be ran away from yes? Pisses me off, there's a good photo of the front parts right between these two photos, that REFUSES to upload. One of the left side too. Why some photos will and some won't is baffling, shot all at the same time on my Samsung.....
RUN AWAY!
That brake line... LOL
Thanks for input guys! That truck's off the radar now. It's a shame somebody ruined that pretty truck.
ZERO THEORY
11-28-2016, 20:35
Not terribly sure what you're saying, but I believe you mean this is all shit, and to be ran away from yes? Pisses me off, there's a good photo of the front parts right between these two photos, that REFUSES to upload. One of the left side too. Why some photos will and some won't is baffling, shot all at the same time on my Samsung.....
Just as suspected; stock arms, 6" spacer, rear blocks, non-extended brake line. Run away.
Thanks for input guys! That truck's off the radar now. It's a shame somebody ruined that pretty truck.
It is indeed a shame. I love the newer Chevys pre-facelift. Unfortunately, full-size trucks don't have nearly the "real" lift support that say, a Tacoma does. 90% of the stuff out there is cheap, non-performing shit like seen above that just eats the truck up and is a legit hazard.
Last time I test drove a truck with a big spacer like that, I just hopped in to give it a go before looking around. If I'd have inspected first, I wouldn't have even bothered driving it. We set off down Wadsworth just south of 36 on that big hill, and when I got on the brakes, it had worse death wobble than a solid axle Jeep. I actually thought I was going to lose control for a minute. Insanity.
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