I am super confused about a lift.

[NY_TB]

Im thinking about getting the Markmc lift (2.5") . So after i get it what exactly do i need to get for my truck? know i need to get new struts but do i need to get new springs?
If someone would be kind enough to tell me EXACTLY what i need iqouls extemely happy.
Ive done my research and i just cant put everything together.

[Trail X]

It all depends on what you want to do.

Mark's lift will work as a stand alone. If you want more lift, you can do that by using various springs.

We do generally reccommend upgrading the front shocks when you do a lift, since you'll have the strut apart anyways.

[TangoBravo]

No you do not need to get anything but it would be a good time to do anything you might do later at the same time this way you are only under there one time. Most people when doing a lift in the front will replace the old shocks with bilstiens and since they have it all apart and will replace the stock springs with stiffer ones. For only a 2.5 inch lift in the front you don't need to replace the shocks but it is highly recomended, if you do not need any more lift then you won't need to change out your springs in the front but keep in mind our stock springs are soft and a 2.5" lift does not mean it will produce 2.5" of lift as our stock spring sag. Firmer springs do not add lift by longer springs they just don't sag as much thus giving you a lift over stock but are stiffer and you will feel it some. In the rear again it is highly suggested to replace the rear shocks as the stock ones are not really up to the task and most on here are replacing the rears with BDS 5500 series both model shocks are longer and work better with any lift. Our stock shocks were designed for a stock truck and in my opinion it is a better idea to change shocks with any lift. So in the end the choice is yours and yours alone everyone runs there own type of setup and what works for me or any of us may not work for you, but keep in ming we have some guys on here that are doing major things to there trucks and use there trucks off road alot. I am big on learning from others and these guys have payed the way, to me it would be wise to follow suit as they have put in the time and money to find out what works and I think you will be hard pressed to find a person on here with a lift who has stock shocks and if they do have stock shocks are most likely looking to change to better ones soon after. So springs in my opinion are not required but shocks are, springs only produce more lift so if you want more then change your springs but shocks are a good idea I don't know about you but I would rather spend the money and be safe then go out on the trail and blow a shock out because I over extended it or something to that effect. If you have anymore questions feel free to PM me.

[The Roadie]

Without defining your mission, nobody can recommend what your final kit should look like. What can you tell us about your experience, budget, and intentions?

[NY_TB]

i was planning on getting Bilsteins all around and i heard springs should be changed every 60,000 miles and i have about 74,000 miles so i need them anyway. But im just looking for a mellow lift to do some trails but not hardcore ones, i just want enough ground clearence to get through some trails an ordinary car cant go through.

No you do not need to get anything but it would be a good time to do anything you might do later at the same time this way you are only under there one time. Most people when doing a lift in the front will replace the old shocks with bilstiens and since they have it all apart and will replace the stock springs with stiffer ones. For only a 2.5 inch lift in the front you don't need to replace the shocks but it is highly recomended, if you do not need any more lift then you won't need to change out your springs in the front but keep in mind our stock springs are soft and a 2.5" lift does not mean it will produce 2.5" of lift as our stock spring sag. Firmer springs do not add lift by longer springs they just don't sag as much thus giving you a lift over stock but are stiffer and you will feel it some. In the rear again it is highly suggested to replace the rear shocks as the stock ones are not really up to the task and most on here are replacing the rears with BDS 5500 series both model shocks are longer and work better with any lift. Our stock shocks were designed for a stock truck and in my opinion it is a better idea to change shocks with any lift. So in the end the choice is yours and yours alone everyone runs there own type of setup and what works for me or any of us may not work for you, but keep in ming we have some guys on here that are doing major things to there trucks and use there trucks off road alot. I am big on learning from others and these guys have payed the way, to me it would be wise to follow suit as they have put in the time and money to find out what works and I think you will be hard pressed to find a person on here with a lift who has stock shocks and if they do have stock shocks are most likely looking to change to better ones soon after. So springs in my opinion are not required but shocks are, springs only produce more lift so if you want more then change your springs but shocks are a good idea I don't know about you but I would rather spend the money and be safe then go out on the trail and blow a shock out because I over extended it or something to that effect. If you have anymore questions feel free to PM me.

[NY_TB]

My mission is to go on trails but not serious hardcore ones...i have about $1300 (i know its not alot im a high school senior and i have a job) but not all of it is going towards the lift. i can get all 4 bilstein struts for about $220 and the lift for $155 and i dont know what else i need but i know i have left over money. And my intentions are just for casual trail riding, mud, water, you know the easy to medium level trails.

Without defining your mission, nobody can recommend what your final kit should look like. What can you tell us about your experience, budget, and intentions?

[Gordinho80]

Don't waste your money on Bilsteins for the rear, especially if you're going to get the Z71 springs back there. Get the BDS 55619s, you'll be MUCH happier with them.

[Trail X]

High school. Ah. Here's three honest pieces of advice then.

A, save up enough money so that repairs don't put you in the red. Costly repairs are always possible when you take your truck on a trail.

B, make sure you're covered with some necessary recovery equipment first. You don't want to get stuck and require an expensive extraction.

C, get Dad's permission before planning too far. We've had a few members that planned their entire lift out, then dropped off the map because their parents said no.

[fishsticks]

With all those ducks in a row, $1300 can get up into a lift and tires pretty easily... possibly with money left over.

[Philberto]

$1300 is a very reasonable expectation for cost assuming you do the work yourself.

[NY_TB]

well i have a family friend that does alot of work on trucks and stuff so he has extra parts laying around and does the labor for free. but should expect a nice pay check soon and im not quite sure when im going to get the lift so i have time to make some more money. and my parents are pretty against it but my dad not so much because we spend alot of time in the country so he knows the deal. but im working on covincing them to let me go all out..sorta...but if all else fails i'll just have a lift and alot of headlights, then go to the local mud puddle and have my "off road" fun there.

High school. Ah. Here's three honest pieces of advice then.

A, save up enough money so that repairs don't put you in the red. Costly repairs are always possible when you take your truck on a trail.

B, make sure you're covered with some necessary recovery equipment first. You don't want to get stuck and require an expensive extraction.

C, get Dad's permission before planning too far. We've had a few members that planned their entire lift out, then dropped off the map because their parents said no.

[NY_TB]

i take that back...i only have $1000...i forgot about gas money but my family friend would do all the labor for free because he owns his own garage and what not.

:Iagree: $1300 is a very reasonable expectation for cost assuming you do the work yourself.

[TangoBravo]

I agree BDS shocks in rear, I have 120,000 miles on my springs and they are fine. They are stock and don't give me any lift but other then that they are fine. Has anyone else been told that springs should be changed at 60,000 miles or is someone pullin this kids leg?

[fishsticks]

I agree BDS shocks in rear, I have 120,000 miles on my springs and they are fine. They are stock and don't give me any lift but other then that they are fine. Has anyone else been told that springs should be changed at 60,000 miles or is someone pullin this kids leg?

Depends entirely on the stress you put on your springs. I would imagine at 120K your springs have sagged a little. Someone who bounces around off road and/or carries a lot of weight will fatigue their springs more/faster.

[TangoBravo]

Ok so it sounds as if I have gotten use to springs that need to be replaced, now both of us have been properly educated. When I replace my springs it will be with stiffer ones, but that is just what im doing as I need to be able to clear stuff.

[fishsticks]

Ok so it sounds as if I have gotten use to springs that need to be replaced, now both of us have been properly educated. When I replace my springs it will be with stiffer ones, but that is just what im doing as I need to be able to clear stuff.

Think of it the same way as shocks. You may not realize how bad they were until you replace them with new ones....then you're like .

[TangoBravo]

Yeah now that I see it from that angle it makes sense, I don't know why I have never thought of that before and I also wounder why I have never heard this before. I grew up working on cars, I have family that are mechanics and I have never hear that your springs go bad. That is kind of scarry, but on the same note I guess the only real way to tell they are bad is to know what they are supposed to feel like then drive the truck. Mine don't make any kind of noise or anything so I assume you wouldn't know otherwise, I just have never had anyone say wow you have xxxxx miles on your truck it's time to think about changing springs. But it's great I know now and can address this issue. See sometimes an old guy can learn something from a young buck

[fishsticks]

Keep in mind the amount your springs may have sagged could be negligible too. .5" or so over 120K miles of typical use may not warrant replacement.

On the other hand if you've towed a lot with the vehicle and it now sits level without a load...

[TangoBravo]

Yep mine need replacing for sure then. I was going to do it anyhow when I do my lift so i wasn't too worried, more concerned if it HAD to be done. Thanks for the help.