I need advice lifting my 2WD 2000 Silverado!

[Threxx]

I've got a 2WD 2000 Silverado standard cab short bed.

I'm not trying to be ricey or anything by going for the 4WD look when I really don't have one... I just like riding up higher.

I'm not talking about a big lift or anything, maybe like 3-4 inches tops. Just to the point where I don't feel like I'm driving a low-rider.

First of all, I've noticed my front end sits quite a bit lower than my back end. So I'd like to even that out. Then I'd like to make the truck sit another couple of inches higher overall.

My #1 overall criteria is that I don't want my ride quality to suffer. Hell, I'd prefer it to improve if anything. I hate jiggly/stiff riding trucks... I'd like to keep my ride at least 95% stock-feeling.

So can this be done, what will it cost me, will I suffer any potential reliability or ride issues, and what's the best way to go about doing it? I don't mind getting bigger tires because my stock ones are about finished anyhow... if that will help some, what's the biggest size tires I can safely put on my OEM wheels? (I love my stock wheels, hate the way weld wheels look though, I have the stock 5-spoke chrome wheels that you see on a lot of 99+ Silverados).

Thanks in advance for the advice!:)

[speedjunkie]

what size tires?
You can go with fabtech or pro comp. I don't know of any other co.

[BadAss_2002]

Camburg is another company. On the stock 16x7 rims, you can go with a 33x12.50, or if you want a little higher 35x12.50. You can get the 6" lift from camburg, and run 35s. Ride will not be "squishy" Its going to tighten it up. Just as Fabtech or ProComp. When you lift it, you loose the stock cushy ride. Its a truck not a cadillac;) I'd prefer Camburg over Fabtech, but thats just my opinion.

[BadAss_2002]

Another one is California Supertrucks. There **** is top dollar though and you will pay that. But its not necessary. If you're going to spend as much as they want you to, you can go to Camburg and get some King or Sway A Way coil overs put on there. Just depends on how much you're willing to spend

[J to the izA]

my buddy at work put on a 3 inch fabtech spindle lift on his 2wd silverado. raised it perfectly so it sits about 1 inch above a factory 4x4. he runs 285/75s on 16x8 AR bajas. it is a sweet looking truck and it rides like stock still cause he only used spindles.

anytime you use coils to raise a 2wd it will ride like $hit. stiff stiff stiff

personally i would not put 285s on factory rims. but some 265s would look nice on them

[BadAss_2002]

If you go with Camburg, they use Eibach springs. They don't ride like ****. Its a very controlled ride. You're not bouncing all over the place, and you're not floating either

[Threxx]

Originally posted by JA4x4
my buddy at work put on a 3 inch fabtech spindle lift on his 2wd silverado. raised it perfectly so it sits about 1 inch above a factory 4x4. he runs 285/75s on 16x8 AR bajas. it is a sweet looking truck and it rides like stock still cause he only used spindles.

anytime you use coils to raise a 2wd it will ride like $hit. stiff stiff stiff

personally i would not put 285s on factory rims. but some 265s would look nice on them

Doesn't a spindle lift also replace the shocks? Are the shocks any good or are they going to ride badly and wear out in 50k miles?

What would a spindle lift cost me, and could someone like me with absolutely 0 knowledge of suspension tech put it on in an hour or two with just basic tools, or should I just get it put on "professionally"?

[J to the izA]

yes it does replace the shocks. the fabtech shocks do make the ride a little bit stiffer, but its not THAT much ruffer. if anything its just a little firmer and much much sportier. less body roll in the turns.

and i would only install spindles if you are mechanically inclined. if you never work on cars, dont even try it, but if you have some wrench experience go for it.

[BadAss_2002]

With the spindle lift you don't have to replace the shocks, unless the ones you have are worn?

[Threxx]

OK so one person says I do have to replace them and another says I don't? :confused:

Maybe it's an optional step?


If so-
What should the kit cost roughly with or without the shocks?
What should the labor for installation cost with or without install of the shocks?
-What is the advantage/purpose of replacing the shocks vs keeping the factory ones?

Oh and my factory shocks are pretty much mint... I just hit 20k miles yesterday and 90% of my driving so far has been highway.:)

[J to the izA]

the spindle kits run around 600 bux.

you dont have to replace the shocks. but i recomend it. IMO factory shocks are shot when you drive off the lot. with 20,000 miles i would DEFINATLY replace the shocks.

as far as installation cost, i have no clue.

the new shocks come with the kit. and they make the ride more solid. it does not bounch around at all. and the body roll in the corners is almost gone.

[wolfdog]

here ya go, try this. it's a CST spindle lift.

http://www.performancelifts.com/cgi-bin/cart/CST0005.html

[Scooter]

SFA it.. :naughty: :naughty:

[wolfdog]

Originally posted by Scooter
SFA it.. :naughty: :naughty:

or that:crazy: :tongue:

[Threxx]

What makes you say that factory shocks are shot straight off the dealer lot? From my experience a shock isn't shot until it is no longer providing stable support during turns or rough road and/or it rattles and slides abnormally when the interior part of the shock is traveling. :confused:

I have no problem with a stiffer ride... hell... I love the hydroformed chassis in this truck. I just don't like a rough ride. I think people confuse the two a lot.

[chane]

Originally posted by Threxx
I just like riding up higher.


The cheapest is to just take out your seats and install some 'seat lift blocks'.. Then you will be riding up higher.. :read: :crazy:

[Badassilverado1]

Old thread, but I'm gonna post anyway.

I'm about to go with a 6inch Fabtech lift on my '01 2wd. I'm going with 33x12.50 M/T's and some ar baja's probably. Talk to Fatboy if you have any questions about lifting a 2wd, he was extremely helpful and gave me alot of good info. :rocking: BTW, I think the backspacing on the stock wheels, I have them too, isn't good for a lift b/c they stick in too much..Fabtech even go as far as saying they won't work.

[BadAss_2002]

Most factory shocks are shot. When they put them on the transport truck they are tightened down hella tight. and the bouncing with them already compressed puts a killer on there life time. So usually by 20k, your factory stuff is shot.

[Bummer]

my dad has 83K on his 2000 SILVERRADO and his shocker are stiff as can be, the only way you will need new shocks is if you get more down travel or up travel than the shock can go.:D

[y2kboti]

Threxx no matter what lift you choose or what size tire you go with every lift will harsen the ride somewhat. Luckily for you having a 2WD there are a few options out there that will keep the ride as close to factory as possible. If your looking for a modest 3-4" lift and still be able to run slightly bigger tires there is only one option IMO...well make that two. Get a spindle lift. Buy using a spindle to lift the truck insteafd of replacing the coil spring you are able to retain the factory ride, or as close as possible. New springs will stiffen the ride, even Eibachs. If you want to go big then get a spindle and coil lift. Then you'll be looking at 7" of lift as 35s if you don't mind the rubbing. Check out Performance Lifts. (http://www.performancelifts.com/) CST offers a 4" spindle lift or you can opt for FFS. According to the site they are similar just less expensive. Both companies also offer 7" lifts if you want to go bigger. Now one very important thing that has not been mentioned is that you will have to go with an aftermarket wheel if you get a spindle lift. Only way to retain the stockers would be to go with a 3" spring lift but it will ride alot worse than a spindle lift.