About to put it together

[s3customs]

In the past couple weeks i have been buying parts and almost have everything and had a question. i Got a three inch body lift and marks new 3 inch lift z71 rear springs New bilstein hd struts for the front and z71 tahoe rear shocks. 18 in rockstars and nitto 34.3 x 11.5 trail grapplers. I had to order the 86s for the front because of the back order on 87 and 88. My question is do i need to shim or spacer also like i have seen some people do? Also going to do the uca flip while im in there. Bring on the flame but this will never be off roaded hard if at all if that matters as far as the lift goes.

[The Roadie]

1) Tahoe rear shocks may be undersized if you carry a lot of stuff in the rear. Groceries, perhaps?

2) A shim on top of the front strut is part of Mark's biggest lift, I think. May be risky depending on if you have Cardone or OEM front CV shafts. Only way to tell is to put the strut in with the top 1/2" spacer, if it's part of the lift, and see if the inner CV joint binds as you rotate the hub with the suspension at full extension. If it does, remove the shim.

3) Alignment will be necessary after it's all in.

[s3customs]

Thank you. There is alot of weight in the truck now probably around 500 pounds. it sits almost level now instead of raised in the rear like it did before the weight. thinking about adding them in the spring bags on the lift components thread.

[v7guy]

When I installed the 3" suspension lift there was no spacer other than the piece that replaces the OEM upper mount. I got the impression guys were using the washers to get a bit more lift out of marks original design.

[fishsticks]

When I installed the 3" suspension lift there was no spacer other than the piece that replaces the OEM upper mount. I got the impression guys were using the washers to get a bit more lift out of marks original design.

Not lift, extension... and it only works with the BDS style lifts. Mark's new lift is too thick in the middle and his old one used reused the stock upper mount (no room).

[fishsticks]

After a quick huddle, the mod staff decided it would be best to prune this thread down to relevant information.

[janesy86]

I'll agree with whats been said.

With Mark's new lift, no need for another spacer, not even sure if that doable. Other than that your list looks pretty good, I'd just suggest not using the Z71 shocks that come with the springs. May last you longer since you wont be wheeling to the extent as some of us but mine blew out fairly quickly. BDS is a good option for us lifted folks and can use other brands like a few have, just have to use spacers for the lower mount.

[HARDTRAILZ]

2) A shim on top of the front strut is part of Mark's biggest lift, I think.

One solid piece is the newer big lift.

[v7guy]

2) A shim on top of the front strut is part of Mark's biggest lift, I think.

One solid piece is the newer big lift.

I was reviewing my lift install and it had a washer under the nut on the shock but it's just there to distribute the load from the shock to the spacer. While tightening the nut on the shock I suppose you could put another washer in there but we're talking that you'd get 1/16"-1/8" tops. More than that and I wouldn't feel comfortable with the thread engagement on the nut/shock shaft.

[Trail X]

Like this?



It's worth it with the heavier springs.

[fishsticks]

I think the center section of Mark's lift is thicker than the BDS lift though... it would need to be IMO since it's aluminum. Probably no room for him to do that.

[s3customs]

thanks guys.

With Mark's new lift, no need for another spacer, not even sure if that doable. Other than that your list looks pretty good, I'd just suggest not using the Z71 shocks that come with the springs. May last you longer since you wont be wheeling to the extent as some of us but mine blew out fairly quickly. BDS is a good option for us lifted folks and can use other brands like a few have, just have to use spacers for the lower mount.[/quote]

Not sure what you mean shocks that come with the springs. i got bilsteins but for a tahoe. Still thinking about getting the 1000 air lift springs i have seen some of you guys talk good about. THink i might need it for some extra lift because of the weight i have in there now in stock trim it sits level instead of the normal rake tb s have.

[janesy86]

thanks guys.

Not sure what you mean shocks that come with the springs. i got bilsteins but for a tahoe. Still thinking about getting the 1000 air lift springs i have seen some of you guys talk good about. THink i might need it for some extra lift because of the weight i have in there now in stock trim it sits level instead of the normal rake tb s have.

Most of the Z71 springs purchased of ebay come with the stock set of shocks from the Tahoe. They suck. Thats all.

Wasn't sure what you meant by Tahoe shocks, but sounds like your on the right track with the Tahoe Bilsteins.

[fishsticks]

thanks guys.

Not sure what you mean shocks that come with the springs. i got bilsteins but for a tahoe. Still thinking about getting the 1000 air lift springs i have seen some of you guys talk good about. THink i might need it for some extra lift because of the weight i have in there now in stock trim it sits level instead of the normal rake tb s have.

Most of the Z71 springs purchased of ebay come with the stock set of shocks from the Tahoe. They suck. Thats all.

Wasn't sure what you meant by Tahoe shocks, but sounds like your on the right track with the Tahoe Bilsteins.

Tahoe Bilsteins are the same length as Z71 shocks... which is half the problem.

[janesy86]

Ya, didn't think that, I assumed he was meaning for a lifted Tahoe.. although prob isn't.

[s3customs]

Wanted to thank the people that helped with all the great advice. i was well prepared and installed the body lift flipped the upper a arms and installed all new shocks struts and springs and marks kit today in just five hours. just have to raise the bumpers when i get the time. i was suprised how big the truck looks now. had to take off the cross bars on the roof rack in the rain to get it in my garage at home. needless to say im a happy guy...

[janesy86]

Nice dude! But as you know...

[v7guy]

[s3customs]

Agreed. i will try and get some pics up tomorrow night. Not sure if it has been discused but i think we need to find a front strut that has a longer shaft. it seams like there is zero up travel with the stock style strut and it is compressing the springs way more than is needed. Hope that makes sence. what i mean is i got the 86 springs and the strut is limiting the spring. example if i used the 89 springs it wouldnt sit higher even though it is a higher spring rate because the strut is topped out.

[Rob93]

Incase you want a pic of what your setup will be
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=1323