How much lift for 33's

[MSU BullDAWGz]

I've got a '05 Suburban 1500 LT w/ the L59 (vin Z) 5.3L flex fuel. She came with 265/70R 17's from the factory. Which are 31.7" I want to put on 285/70R 17's or 33 x 10-12" x 17". Note: the 285's are a hair in under 33" also.

So my question is do I need to lift my Suburban?
If yes then how much?
Can I crank the torsion key and get enough?
Will a 2" lift/leveling key work? And would it need extra cranking?

I'd also would add a spacer to rear coil springs to keep truck level if I need to.

 

[S33k3r]

I'm running LT275/70R18s on my 2004 Silverado 2500. This is the way the truck came to me, so I am unsure if it is lifted via keys or kit. It's currently outside what I know. That said, it just barely rubs, and it is almost time to replace the tires. This setup is justy at 33.25 inches, when I ran it through a calculator, and it assumes new rubber. It rubs at full clock, but just barely.

I've attached a link to pictures so you can get a good idea.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/trGFdtgVf39p9dTE6

 

[MSU BullDAWGz]

Where is it rubbing? Is it hitting the front bumper? After doing more research from many other forums I read that 33's should fit without a lift or just a little added using the factory keys just torqued a little. I'm going to try n see. If needed I'll add some lift. Most cases of rub was at the bumper.

 

[corvette744]

Yes you will need 2 inch leveling-if you maxed out the stock keys it might still rub and would ride like a tank.you might have to go up half way with the new keys.Might need a 1 inch coil spacer in rear might not every truck sits a little different.And like i found out if you do raise it make sure you get the jounce bumpers within 1/2 inch of your control arm.I had to add a washer and a 1 inch bumper to get there.You will also need an alignment for sure.

 

[Buggdave]

when i first went with 285/70/17s i had to get a cheap pair of keys off of flea bay because my adjusters for my driver side keys was already maxed out. No cutting was needed for my install. I did have to use a 1 inch bumper so i could keep the jounce stops contacting the control arm, the preferred operation to keeop the ride similar to stock. I have since converted the tortion bars to a coil over suspension and I like the ride a lot more now.

 

[S33k3r]

Where is it rubbing? Is it hitting the front bumper? After doing more research from many other forums I read that 33's should fit without a lift or just a little added using the factory keys just torqued a little. I'm going to try n see. If needed I'll add some lift. Most cases of rub was at the bumper.

Mine are 33.25, and it is hitting the inner fender liner. Both sides, I believe; if not, definitely the driver's side -- and only at extreme angles. But I freaking hate it. I'm either lifting or getting smaller tires.

 

[LordWayback]

2001 gmc Yukon XL 1500 4wd 5.3 SLT with bilstein worn in shocks Cranked keys to the max? (lift+ level in trunk getting installed this week hopefully) and I’m almost scrubbing on 30.5’s if I flex out off-road I WILL rub 265 60 r18’s 18x9.5? Pro comp wheels on the street or even a good bump I don’t rub, full lock I don’t rub , but if I actually go off-road I rub. If I had 33’s I’d rub standing still probably.

You can see me almost rub just going onto a curb 33’s would rub on everything lol glad I went a little smaller even though these are pretty rubber bandish.

 

[Trey Hardy]

Me and my buddy Austin were able to clear 22x14 and 33/12.50 atturos on his 05 Silverado with nothing but a leveling kit and a small like 1.25-1.5” body lift so maybe 3-4” if lift max

 

[KelZu]

I did 295/55/20 Nitto Ridge Grapplers and a 2 inch lift in the front. Doesn't rub but a close fit when it's turned all the way. I can still make U-turns with no problem.

 

[S33k3r]

I visited a suspension shop because my Silverado needs suspension repair/replacement. The most experienced guy they had there said I'd want a 4" lift to clear 33s.

 

[Alex_M]

Not so. I have run 33s on every Tahoe/Silverado I have owned with stock keys cranked up, no rubbing.

That is with stock wheels though. If you have aftermarket wide offset wheels then you may need more lift. Offset and rim width as well as tire width play a big role in what will fit and what won't.

And cranked keys ride no different than a "leveling kit"/aftermarket lift keys. Any change in ride quality is due to the angle of the control arm changing. The suspension end of the torsion bar has no idea, nor care how you change the angle at which the torsion bar is mounted at the key end.

Most of the difference in ride quality people notice is usually their shocks topping out over bumps anyway. With shock extensions ride quality returns to/remains nearly stock.

 

[S33k3r]

I kind of figured that, sinceI'm running 33s and they barely rub with about 1" of lift via the keys. And it is how the truck came to me, not any change/addition I have made.

Ride height is important to me because my wife is 5 feet tall; adding any more height is going to be difficult for us.

I'm also thinking I'm going to add the power steps, but need t oresearch if they go any lower than the side steps I currently have.