Intro

[BGA2500]

Hello!

Well, I dumped my 1999 Grand Cherokee for the Avalanche 2500. I used to collect transformers when I was a kid (alright, so I still do), so I think this truck was just designed for me. Now to get some decent size tires underneath this monster! Why do they put SMALLER tires on the BIGGER truck?!?

My Cars:

2002 Chevy Avalanche 2500
2000 BMW M5 <- truly a beast
2000 Yamaha Vstar 1100 (Bike)
1974 Caddy Eldorado Convertible.

I can't figure out whether I'm a redneck, yuppie or a pimp.

This is the first truck I've had that I'm going to (errr..have to) lift, so I look forward to learning from all of ya'll.

Skyward!

[CKTA]

Welcome!:D

[454ss]

Welcome to the site:D

[flatlander]

welcome to the addiction ......i think its cool that you are lifting an avy....i want one of those bad mutha's ......what lift you got in mind for her? what size tires? got any pic's of her? again welcome to the forum.....:D

[BGA2500]

I'm really looking to do the SFA conversion. I've got a good friend that owns a local body shop/garage and they can do all the work for me, but I'm looking to get some more info before I go down that road.

I've been looking at ORU, since they seem to have basically done it, but they don't seem real forthcoming with info.

Now I'm thinking I may do a 6" CST lift with 3" body now and wait a little bit and let someone else do the R&D on the Avy SFA conversion. I'd like to get about 36's or so underneath it.

I've got about zero experience in this stuff, I've never lifted a truck before, so I'm still doing my homework. Do I seem to be going the right direction / any suggestions?

[The_Law]

BGA, the CST to SFA sounds like a very expensive process. The CST alone is what? 3 grand? You may as well buy a Dana60 for that... I can understand the body lift as it will transfer over. If you are really worried about doing it wrong, maybe you should not attempt it. I do recommend looking into it as a SFA conversion is a definate bonus for your truck. I have yet to crawl under a 2500 Avalanche but my guess is you have a 14 FF(please correct me). Because of this, you will need either a HD D44 or a D60 to match the rear end. The D60 is the obvious choice for hardcore use because of it's strength, but price comes along with that. One good thing is that you can use the dual piston calipers on Ford outers which will tremendously help braking. The best way to tell is to ask yourself what do you want to do with this rig? If you need locked 4wd, strength, height, simplicity... the SFA is the way to go. If you just want to sit taller than most on the road and ride on the sand, stick with IFS.

[BGA2500]

I hear ya.

And honestly, I'll probably be mostly driving on the street with some, maybe 5-10% off road (mud/dirt once every 2 weeks or so, no sand out here), and could really get away with just a IFS lift. But... I'm the type of person that it would probably irratate me after a while. If there's something better out there, it would be bugging me.

But, I don't want to just jump into something that radicle that I've got absolutely no experience in. My understanding is that with the Dana 60 conversion, I've got to change transfer cases, say goodbye to the ABS, goodbye to most of my warranty, and I've just learned that I may not even be legally able to do so in VA (big problem if true).

Honestly... I'd rather spend the 3K, have some lift for now and really do the research to do the SFA right the first time. I might even be happy with just the IFS lift, keep it and my warranty and not do the SFA at all.

oh. What do you mean by 14 FF? I've got a 14 bolt rear, I think it's a 10.5. No idea what the front is.

[Mark]

Welcome to FSC. I wanted an Avy so bad, "She" wouldn't let me have one though:( We need more Avy owners here anyway. Good to see someone modifying one though. Can't wait to see what you decide on. good luck!

[HP409ss]

Welcome to the Club!


HP409ss

[Dropped]

Welcome!