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Lifting An AV (body, Suspension, Tires)

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I'm picking up my new AV today and am seriously considering having it lifted. ?As I understand you can lift either the body or just the suspension. ?What is the real differece? which is better? ?Why? ?

When doing a lift is advisable to get larger tires as well or can you still use the stock tires. ?

Finally, how will all this affect the ride and warranty of the AV?

Thanks in advance.
 
If you have the money, do the suspension lift. But the body lift is more reasonably priced. All the body lift does is lift the body off the frame and install some spacers in between the frame and body. You'll see more of the frame and for your Avalanche, your trailer hitch will be sitting lower under the cladding. You'll also probably have to take off your tow hooks up front unless you don't mine trimming your lower front bumper.
This is definitely the place to ask for pictures of different Avalanches. I'm sure there is plenty of body lifted and suspension lifts folks here that are more than willing to show you pictures.
You'll have to get new tires either way you go. Check out some pictures and see what you like.
I have a Silverado and I'm going to be doing the suspension lift this summer. Maybe down the line I might do a body lift, but the suspension lift has to come first.
Hope this helps.
 
Good tip on the front tow hooks. I had not considered that.

Legend
 
IF you click on the link below you'll se my AV.

I have a 4" suspension lift and 305 tires(33")

That should give you some idea.
 
One thing I thought you had to consider when lifting of any sort is the autotrac. I seen in a magazine that you needed a new driveshaft, is this true? and also is there any way to compensate for the towhooks and hitch, some way to raise them up so they are not too low with the body lift. Any body out there who did a lift have any of these answers??
I am one of those who would love to get a body lift because of the way it looks. The AV just screams to be lifted.
 
I don't think you need any new driveshafts. you just need to make sure you maintain the proper angles from the transfer case to the differentials.

I suppose if you got a big enough lift this might be an issue
???
 
flyin high -- your av is sweet. What were the price breakdowns for your lift and tires. Can you keep the stock rims with that or not.
 
crewzzr said:
One thing I thought you had to consider when lifting of any sort is the autotrac. ?I seen in a magazine that you needed a new driveshaft, is this true?
That mag was Offroad, I have the article. I don't remember they required the driveshaft but they did change it with a more robust one. I can double check and scan it in if necessary (its at work).
 
Mrowe8,

Thanks for the good words, price breakdown is as follows...

From the interent....

4" Rancho Lift approx $1950
Full set of tires and Wheels $1650

You could keep the Stock rims, however you wouldn't be able to go with such a wide tire.

 
More info here:

Calling All Lifted Av's

and

Body Lift Cost

If you're going to want to do any challenging 4-wheeling, think about the suspension lift. If you're just looking for the tougher stance and bigger tires, then the body lift is much more economical, but it doesn't increase the frame's ground clearance (so your approach and departure angles are still lower than with a suspension lift)

Whatever you decide to do... post pictures!! :)

 
I know that this very issue is discussed several times in just about all 4 wheel drive forums / magazines, but, here are some other things to think about:

The body lift doesn't raise the center of balance as much, the heaviest items (frame, engine, suspension, etc) stay lower. This could be a factor in roll-over if you wheel in sand or in off balance situations.

You may not be able to do some mods if you have a body lift. ie; front grill guard, the UPD air intake listed in this site, anything that has pre-messured componants going from engine or frame to body.

Just some items that most people don't think about. (I know I learned most of these after getting my body lift) I sure would love that air intake at the group price but, it just won't work with my 3" body lift. :6:
 
Hi,

Can someone kindly educate me on how a body lift will impact a grill guard and/or the UPD air intake?

THANKS.
 
RoarinRow said:
Hi,
?Can someone kindly educate me on how a body lift will impact a grill guard and/or the UPD air intake?
THANKS.
Well I've got the GM guard and might soon be doing the body lift. The bottom of this guard mounts in the same holes as the tow hooks. With the lift the tow hook stays where it is and the body goes up, hence the problem. I will have to add a 3 inch extension to the lower tubing of the guard to make it work. Same for the intake, engine stays where it is and the body goes up so again some custom fitting is in order. I think it's doable ?(y)
 
SinTechRay, Let me know if you are able to do the grill guard and/or UPD. I would like to do these two mods but everyone keeps telling me no way.

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OK lifted ones:

You guys convinced me to lift my AV.

Here's the question.

I live in Pittsburgh (GO STEELERS) ?>:D

I talked with my dealership and he told me that I could only take the AV up to 30" from the ground to the bottom of the bumper. Which lift and how big a tire combo can I use to get their? I would like to use current 17" stock rims for now.
 
I have the Fabtech 6" Lift. I have no complaints at all, as far as driving (ride) you cant even tell the difference, but for looks and clearance it is awesome.

Im not sure how high the bumper is from the ground. I will measure it and post later today.

dukhntr
 
Any update on the UPD and a body lift? I just finished the UPD mod this weekend and the lift bug has once again crawled up my rear (and this time I actually have the $$$ to do it.)
 
mandreen,

If you have the money, Fabtech 6" hands down, it's slightly more than rancho or skyjacker, but their products have a very good history. With that 6" you can go up to 35" tires, any lower a lift, and your wheel will still be 1/3 - 1/2 in the well, so consider 33" tires max.
 
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