what to consider lifting '98 tahoe

[Juicifer]

Hey guys, i'm about to buy a '98 2-door tahoe and i've been researching a lot, but there's also a lot of old info out there. is there anything i need to know when buying a 6" lift kit for these. I've read several posts on here about which brands are good and they have been very helpful. I just want to make sure there aren't any other hidden issues when lifting these '98s. I saw something about the autotrak but i don't understand if that will effect me?

also, if anyone is in atlanta and knows a good place to get the work done that would be great!

thanks!

 

[bowtiefreak]

Budget, this is something that can get away from you quickly depending on how well you decide to execute this. What is the end plan? Are you lifting, adding new wheels and tires as well as gears? What lift are you looking at?

For autotrac, do you have the option on the drive selector for all time 4x4?

The 2 doors have such a short wheel base that you should keep an eye on the rear drive shaft length depending on how much you lift the rear

 

[Juicifer]

Thanks, bowtiefreak! So, my plan is to lift the truck 6" and add 35" tires. I know that probably means taller gears so right now i'm trying to budget what it will actually take to do it right. It's not as simple as just installing a RCX 6" kit and then i'm worry free right? So what else do I need to consider taking care of so i can budget it out all together?

As far as my truck being autotrac, i'm not 100% sure yet. I will find out this weekend when i test drive it.

If i do need a new drive shaft for my lift, where's a good place to get one?

 

[bowtiefreak]

If you need a new front shaft a coupe of the suspension lift companies sell them, plan on about $500 or so for that.
The Rough Country lift is $1000
Gears for front and rear with install kits are at least $600 plus a traction aid such as a trutrac
A little exhaust work is needed to reroute the cross over pipe around the front shaft that will now be in the way. That is not a huge issue, just a pain in the ass.

So you need to factor labor in there too. That varies a lot around the country and GA should be on the cheaper side of that. All in all I would budget around $4000 or so for all that. Who knows if ball joints and other parts are still in good shape. The little things add up fast

 

[SunlitComet]

look at your 4wd selector switch, does it have the words auto and neutral on it? if so you have a nv246 t-case autotrac system that can engage 4hi automatically if needed. it also allows complete disconnection f/r axle. the switch that does not have those words do not carry those features. then there is of course the floor shifter. all features but not automatic.

 

[Juicifer]

ok good info guys, thanks! now if i could just find a good shop near me.

question tho... would i be better off finding a '96 or '97 instead? would i save enough on the lift to make it worth searching some more for another year?

 

[bowtiefreak]

All those years are the same, find a truck you like and work from there. 99 was autotrac I think

 

[SunlitComet]

97 will still give you the evo steering but you will lose the auto and neutral functions on the t-case. 96 will lose the evo steering. and passenger airbag.
1999-2000 had the auto 4wd option to pick.

 

[bowtiefreak]

I knew we kept you around for a reason buddy!

 

[Juicifer]

10-4, thanks guys!