Thinking of buying a Bds suspension

This is my first post ever in this forum. Normally I just read. So if I forget to include anything. Just ask and I'll add it.

I have a 2002 2wd Suburban LT.

I read on here that you could in fact install a 4wd kit on a 2wd. http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/index.php?threads/75051/

Here's the kit I'm interested in.
http://bds-suspension.com/kit-customizer?kid=183H

The 6 1/2 in with the Fox shocks.

I'm planning on regearing it. I know you guys talk alot about going to 4.50 or something like that. And going with lockers. Which locker diff would you recommend?

Im not entirely sure on what size tires I'm gonna get. So I'm open to suggestions. However I really wanna go with the BFGoodrich Mud Terrains KM2. That's for sure.

I know I want the rims to be 17. Course the kit says they have to be aftermarket. My suburban has a 16 in OEM rim. So I mean I'm forced to go aftermarket anyways. So that's not an issue.

I'd love to see some photos of some of you guy's trucks with a bds 6 1/2 kit to get an idea of how it will look aswell.

I appreciate any input in this thread.

Unless you off-road hardcore I would suggest a different kit. Most of us with lifts on these kind of sites are mostly "mall cruisers" with the occasional mud pit here and there. Look into Zone Offroad. They are the sister company to BDS, and much more pocket friendly. Many run their kits with no issues.

EzSkAnKeN said:

Unless you off-road hardcore I would suggest a different kit. Most of us with lifts on these kind of sites are mostly "mall cruisers" with the occasional mud pit here and there. Look into Zone Offroad. They are the sister company to BDS, and much more pocket friendly. Many run their kits with no issues.

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I actually do take my truck offroading so that's one of the main reasons I went with this. And sometimes I'm a little rough on it so yeah. The price point doesn't bother me. Thank you though

I run 4.88 with 37's on my Fabtech. You can get away with 4.10-4.56 with 35's. Look into Yukon for your locker. I also run Fabtech's traction bars. BDS has 2 types of traction bars so decide which one you want. Fixed is what I have.

18" wheel and 35's look good. I have 18x12's wrapped in 37x13.5.

Old setup. Pre air bags, traction bars, and 37's. I decided to take my pocket flares off just a couple days before this. Getting in the mud was a sour of the moment thing.

EzSkAnKeN said:

I run 4.88 with 37's on my Fabtech. You can get away with 4.10-4.56 with 35's. Look into Yukon for your locker. I also run Fabtech's traction bars. BDS has 2 types of traction bars so decide which one you want. Fixed is what I have.

18" wheel and 35's look good. I have 18x12's wrapped in 37x13.5.

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Thank you, I will look into Yukon for lockers. Thank you for your help. I might go with 18s. What brand rims are your favorite? Out of curiosity.

EzSkAnKeN said:

Old setup. Pre air bags, traction bars, and 37's. I decided to take my pocket flares off just a couple days before this. Getting in the mud was a sour of the moment thing.

View attachment 64844

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Your truck looks very nice.

Personally I like Fuel Offroad for wheels. I have their Hostage in a 20x12, their Maverick in a 18x12, and I'm wanting to get their Rampage in a 20x12 next.

dont lift a 2wd.... doesnt matter how tall and how big of tires.... your gonna get stuck and wish you had 4wd. if you must have a lift, just do a body lift so that you can put bigger tires. save your money

abishoff said:

dont lift a 2wd.... doesnt matter how tall and how big of tires.... your gonna get stuck and wish you had 4wd. if you must have a lift, just do a body lift so that you can put bigger tires. save your money

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I always take this truck offroad. Getting stuck is actually something that doesn't happen too often. The idea is to keep the truck moving. If you stop a lot than yes your gonna need 4wd.but most of the time it makes it through. And I have someone out there with me all the time. We just pull each other out and go back to doing it.


If I really do find myself needing 4wd. I know you guys are gonna find this unconventional. And a waste of money. But I'll just convert it to 4wd. Assuming I can find a wreaked 4x4 suburban. But I doubt it.


The reason I'm getting this kit is because I'm way to rough on the suspension as it is. I'm not exact what you call easy on the truck offroad. So yea