6" Lift Comparison

[bluebear15]

I currently have a 97 Tahoe but looking to upgrade to a 00-06 Tahoe Z71 soon. When I get it (hopefully in spring) I want to do a 6" lift. From what I've been reading the most common 6" lifts seems to be BDS, Rough Country, and ProComp. The Rough Country kit is the most appealing to me since it is the cheapest however I don't want to compromise something. What is the best 6" lift kit? I've heard some lift kits wear out your ball joints and other suspension components quicker due to the higher angle and I DO NOT want that to happen. Do these kits maintain stock angles?

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

Any lift will destroy front end components regardless of make, Its all how you set it up to be honest. A better setup will reduce how fast they wear . Ive heard some good things about BDS. I know on OBS trucks Superlift was one of the best not sure about there NBS and NNBS setups however . RCX seems to always have a good kit and at an affordable price . The biggest problem with 99% of all lift kits is they are not what they advertise i.E 6 inch lift.

Let me explain , Yes they can add six inches to your truck , however this is only done by cranking the torsion bars to achieve this . Most lift kits are not true 6 inch lifts . If they were that means the drop brackets would have to drop the front differential a total of 6 inches most do not. I know on OBS trucks the RCX drops the diff about 4.5 inches while the super lift drops it 5 to 5.5 (depending on Gen of lift) Some might ask why this matters EASY. The more Diff Drop you have from the Lift = better stock suspension geometry at 6 inch mark.
for instance in order for you to to reach the full 6 inches of lift with the RCX (OBS) you would have to crank the TBs about 4-6 turns (depending on how worn your TBs are) and on the super lift (again OBS) you would only have to turn them 2-4 to reach the same amount . Thus your keeping as much angle off of the ball joints CV axles Ect……

 

[SLCHOE]

The Procomp is a true 6" diff drop.

 

[jomulk56]

I've known multiple that have ran the BDS on different vehicles with no complaints. If you want something a little cheaper but just as good look up Zone. I'm about 98% sure BDS owns them.

 

[jdpber]

My lift is 5.5" bolt holt to bolt hole centers on the drop.

 

[bluebear15]

I've known multiple that have ran the BDS on different vehicles with no complaints. If you want something a little cheaper but just as good look up Zone. I'm about 98% sure BDS owns them.

I'll have to check them out.

I'm not too concerned with being a true 6" lift. As long as it fits 35's with no issues then I'm good with it. I'm mainly concerned with reliability and longevity. As well as how easy the kit is to install (not as much welding/cutting) since I'll be installing it.

I don't want to have to be doing ball joint's every couple of months or stuff like that which normally would last longer. I'm ok with paying more for something good. I want to get the lowest price I can but I think majority of the time you get what you pay for.

 

[jdpber]

Look at my truck. I'm 6" with 35s I trimmed bc I would rub when articulated off road.

 

[bluebear15]

Look at my truck. I'm 6" with 35s I trimmed bc I would rub when articulated off road.

You're truck looks great! Love the stance. I tried looking up the trailmaster kit but looks like it's only for silverado's. Was there a kit that you got for yours or did you just use the silverado kit and then what did you do in the rear?

 

[jdpber]

It's a kit for the Tahoe. Spindles, X drop, lateral bar braces. Tortion bar drops. Steering stabilizer, longer tie rod links. Rear is drop 5link brackets, taller coils. And different shocks all around. I have replaced the TM shocks with Rancho 9way adjustable. You may want to call TM I have had to I busted a rubber spacer bushing on my sway bar when doing front end bushing replacement and they sent me new set of end links. So far been great company to work with. I have 41k on this lift in 4 years and she rides great.

 

[bluebear15]

It's a kit for the Tahoe. Spindles, X drop, lateral bar braces. Tortion bar drops. Steering stabilizer, longer tie rod links. Rear is drop 5link brackets, taller coils. And different shocks all around. I have replaced the TM shocks with Rancho 9way adjustable. You may want to call TM I have had to I busted a rubber spacer bushing on my sway bar when doing front end bushing replacement and they sent me new set of end links. So far been great company to work with. I have 41k on this lift in 4 years and she rides great.

Hm. Ya I've tried searching for a Trailmaster kit for the tahoe and they only show for pickups. That's good to hear you have that many miles on it and no problems