4" or less lift kits - Help (NorCalNick)

[Hunter]

Sorry in advance for the length of this. I tend to do that. Just trying to get all pertinent info out to avoid any obvious follow-up questions by anyone.

I am from the off roading world moreso than towing, etc. I do a LOT of hunting all around my state in some crazy situations.

I have always done a leveling kit on my truck. There are lots of situations that have required just a tad more clearance. I don't want more than 4" in front with either a level stance or slightly raked again for towing (if that's better etc.) and no larger than 33" tires. This vehicle does get abused in snow and mud and I don't need 4000 rpms going to 35" tires with the kind of CV and drive shaft angles induced by a 6" or larger lift. Besides, I have to drive UNDER stuff as much as over it for what I do. It sees some scary side grades too (I layed her on her left side last summer with stock suspension).

A buddy from an offroad forum I belong to pointed me over here awhile back...specifically mentioning the NorCal guys and these nice Cognito kits. The research has been underway ever since. Now I need some help/advice. I almost e-mailed and/or PM'd you (Nick) personally, when I realized, I haven't found much here in DTR about that Cognito 4" kit (or many others). A majority of work done by the offroad guys I talk to is either leveling or 6" or more...not this middle ground so much. You've done some amazing posts on here about the Cognito leveling stuff. Any way (and no need to put in all that work) you can offer a little advice on the 4" kit(s)?? Figured others might like to read it. If it's already here, I couldn't find it. Sorry.

I notice you deal in other 4" kits too. Here are my questions (for anybody)....

Which 4" kit do you recommend over the others, Cognito, Rancho, Tuff Country, others? (For all my questions, you can assume I'm a form-follows-function guy. I want tough and reliable...a smooth ride would be a close 2nd priority. If higher $$ would get me the best of all worlds, I want to do that. A couple examples, I would want a kit that doesn't drop the T-bars and also doesn't induce drastic driveline angles. A solid sub-frame with lots of skid plate-type protection is big for me, too.)

What additional options would you highly recommend getting and installing at the same time as the kit (steering upgrades, shock options, sway bars, traction bars)? Which ones can wait until I win the lottery?

What would be the best option for lifting the rear of the truck...blocks, add-a-leaf, others and why? Also, how high...level or rake it again and why? What would be the best way to help eliminate that ever-present axle hop you get when 300 horses instantly go to that light a$$ rear end?

What would be the advantage of single versus dual front shock setups? Which shocks are better?

That's about it. I'm very serious about trying to order this within the next month. I'll install it myself and be sure to post pics.

Thanks a ton everyone...and sorry again for the 3 chapters here.:mad2::tapedshut:

 

[Nor-Cal Nick]

First let me say, YES I have not gone to far into the suspension post as I do on other sites. Really the answer is that we are working on a brand new NorCalTruck.com site that is going to focus on even more in depth write ups to help people see what there hard earned money is going.

Here is the thing, everyone wants to spend there money wise but we all have needs of what we use our truck for. So mod's make us like our truck more than they come from the factory. Mod's cost money!!! We can all talk about mod's and use each other as reference in what it did and was it worth it. I like to show people how things work and tell them that is why it is worth the money. So the new site has many ways we are going to do that:thumbsup:.

Now for your personal question.......drop all the extra questions and focus on the main point of lift size and tire and wheel combo. I build trucks 2 ways, pick a lift and purchase the best tire and wheel combo to fit it OR pick your tire and wheel and purchase the lift that best suites that. Start here, all other questions and concerns will all fall in place after that. Also don't be that guy that says well what if I pick this and what if I pick that, focus on 1 of 2 and it will make everything make sense. The little difference's in either flip/flop can charge the complete lift package and direction and make it even more confusing.

What do you what most?
- a certain tire and wheel (backspace and width matters)
- a certain lift size

 

[Hunter]

Sounds smart to me. As I said, I tend to ramble on and on. My bad. Thanks for getting me straightened out and focused here.

Well, I already have a set of cheaper 33" mudders (Maxxis Bighorn series) on the stock 17" wheels. I have a new set of 17"X9" KMC XD122 Black Enduro wheels on the way which will remain on the truck from that point on (I never found a published backspacing myself but heard somewhere it was an equal split at 4.5"). The truck currently only has the bars cranked up to level stance (temporarily hopefully). The tires used to rub loudly on the stupid plastic liners on the front until I trimmed them (plus some extra to make room for tire chains). Now they only rub on the sway bar at full turn, and I just take it easy offroad, especially with chains on the fronts.

So, in a way, I have decided on a tire size and backspacing to begin with. Now I need to build from there. I guess my question really is:

What is the MINIMUM lift I need to add to this truck to run 33" tires and those KMC wheels with the possibility of all 4 being chained up at times without rubbing and/or causing major damage?

Thanks again for your patience and help!!!!

 

[Nor-Cal Nick]

OK so when you say 33" are we talking 285's or 33x12.50x17 ?

I want to say that wheel is 17x9 & 4.5" bs.


I myself say hope they are 33x12.50x17's and do a true 4" lift. If you are talking 285's you could get them under a Cognito leveling package BUT you will need to trim and you said you want the suspension to work correctly witch I would lean on the 4" lift rather run the leveling. Just my suggestion.


If you are thinking that you feel good with the 285's and leveling I would look into the Stg.4 UCA (Platinum) Package
I offer. It has all the nice upgraded steering options.

As for the 4" lift I again would look at the Cognito 4" Stg.3 (Platinum)

 

[Hunter]

Cool...thanks a ton, Nick!! That was very helpful.

Good question. I don't have the truck sitting right outside this moment as my dad is driving it, but I seem to remember these being 285-70R17's. Doesn't matter, though cause sometimes I will get 33's.

That really answered my main question. I won't bore everyone else by keeping this thread going. I've decided on the Cognito 4" non-torsion bar drop (FSLK100401). I guess I'll just e-mail you (Nick) soon through your company website, and ask a few more questions to get me on my way. I'm pretty dead set on ordering from NorCal within the very near future. I'll post pics for everyone too.

Thanks again!!!

 

[Nor-Cal Nick]

You better... or we send out goblins to steel your truck...































Just kidding...let me know when you are ready to move forward and I am ready to ship product:thumbsup:

 

[RedneckBuckeye]

Nick, don't want to highjak this thread but what does the cognito 4' lift widen the front?

 

[Hunter]

Good question. I'm curious too. Love your Avatar BTW.

The goblins are already in my truck, Nick. Pretty sure they only let me think I'm driving it.):h

Another decent question for this thread....

What rear lift option would you now recommend to go along with this kit, assuming only using the 4 inches of lift (not utilizing the adjustment option(s) up to 6")?

Thanks!!!!!

 

[Nor-Cal Nick]

Nick, don't want to highjak this thread but what does the cognito 4' lift widen the front?

Cognito 4-6 kit Pros:
- Spindle kit for strength, with only a 1/2" wider stance on either side
- Non-Torsion bar drop, for great looks & off-road clearance
- $216.00 Idler & Pitman Arm brace kit INCLUDED
- Set @ 4" keep factory CV angles
- Accommodates 33" tires standard, & 35" tires with available upgrades that will not compromise your ride.
- Front diff skid plate
- Low-profile front drop cross member
- Capable of achieving factory alignment specs
- Will accept factory length front shocks if desired
- Will fit 2001-2007 2WD & 4WD 8-Lug GM vehicles
- Will accept up to a 5" backspaced wheel
- Install can be completed within 6-8 hours ​

Good question. I'm curious too. Love your Avatar BTW.

The goblins are already in my truck, Nick. Pretty sure they only let me think I'm driving it.):h

Another decent question for this thread....

What rear lift option would you now recommend to go along with this kit, assuming only using the 4 inches of lift (not utilizing the adjustment option(s) up to 6")?

Thanks!!!!!

What we have done on this truck is really the best bang for the buck and works really well. He has 2.5" rear blocks.

Truck used for install:
Diesel Place Member
”Copter “ Jeff M.
2006 LBZ 2500HD crew cab shoot bed 4x4
- Cognito 4-6 Kit set @ 4" w/2.5" rear block
- Bil5100 front and rear
- Cognito Idler pivot
- 33x12.50x18 Toyo Mud Terrain
- 18x9" 5”b.s KMC black Diesels

Height Specs:
Roof - 83”
Front Fender- 43”
Rear Fender- 44”
Front Body Line- 38 ½”
Rear Body Line- 39 ¾”
Head Light- 48 ½
Bed Rail- 58”
Bed & Tailgate- 39”
Top of Hitch- 22 ½”

 

[Hunter]

Apologies for kicking this back to the top folks....

Nick, you 'round and about anywhere? I e-mailed and PM'd you since we had this whole discussion. Don't mean to be a bother. Just a couple more minor questions to help me decide on a whole package so that I may get my order in soon. It won't be until the end of next week before I'm ready to commit anyway, so no huge hurry. Get in touch when you find some free time.

I would like to take advantage of your little Bilstein shock sale before it ends. I know you mentioned it's not a true "4th one Free" due to the custom nature of the shocks. Any other deals or discounts available at this time?

I'll be "out of pocket" so to speak from tomorrow until Monday anyway. Time to go downriver with some friends, set up our huge outfitters tent, drink dangerous amounts of bourbon, play poker, let my boy drown some worms, and try and shotgun some tail feathers off some big birds. Y'all might know this annual ritual as "turkey hunting."

Thanks a ton!!!

 

[Nor-Cal Nick]

Sorry I was out sick all day yesterday and wed. just was not all there.

What all are you needing to know?

 

[Hunter]

Cool...hope you're better.

I guess I just basically need to know what else you would recommend. I want the 4" NON-Torsion bar drop front kit, the 2.5" rear blocks, and the Bilstein's so far. Any other suspension pieces you would highly recommend putting on immediately while doing this kit? i.e. I noticed the Cogntio Idler/Pivot on the project above. Also, any other pieces you would highly recommend, but that can wait until later? Lastly, a price...is the price I find on your website for all that accurate, or will there still be a special deal on those Bilsteins? Any other specials running right now?

Thanks as always!!

 

[Nor-Cal Nick]

If you ask me and budget can handle it I would do our Platinum package, on my site it has the torsion drop kit but we can upgrade it to the Non T-bar drop for a extra $300.00:


Stage 3 (Platinum) Package
This Package is a great combination of product. The Cognito lift is great but failures of GM 8-lug trucks tend to be in the OEM steering parts. This package adds the STRONG Cognito steering upgrades great for daily drivers and avid off road enthusiasts. Ride control will still be great with the Bilstein (Zinc) plated 5100 shocks and driving down the highway with your steering feeling nice and ridged will have you happy. Other Cognito product is available to add or upgrade at a later date.

Stage 3 Package Includes:

Cognito Motorsports #FSLK100403 - 4" Lift front box kit
Cognito Motorsports #PISK2008 - Steering braces
Cognito Motorsports #TRK100045 - HD Tie Rods
Cognito Motorsports #IPAWG8 - Idler pivot w/weld in gusset
Front Bilstein (Zinc) Plated 5100 shocks
Rear Bilstein (Zinc) Plated 5100 shocks
2.5" Rear block & U-bolt kit



If you want to take it 1 more step then also add the Sulastic shackles and this package will make you VERY happy !!:thumbsup:

 

[Hunter]

Thanks! I PM'd you to get some final ideas.

 

[treegump]

I know I'm dragging up an old thread, but I want to say a big THANKS! for what is here already.

I just bought my 05 2500hd and am noticing that I'll be needing to replace some steering parts in the near future. I knew when I got the truck that I'd be interested in leveling the truck at the very least, but have also played with the thought of getting a 4" lift (at max), only if I can still use the truck to its full potential. It sounds like this platinum kit (that you offered in 2009) had upgraded steering components? Your links don't work anymore, so do you still sell this platinum kit, or something comparable that might work? I bought the truck so that I could be prepared for whatever/wherever/whenever. If/when I get larger tires, I think I'd rather stick with tall and skinny vs wide. I don't know if that would make any difference. Though, I also don't want to be spending an arm & a leg on tires, so I might end up sticking with 285/75R16 (or something equivalent), since there's more of a selection of this size tire on treadwright (they've been good to me).

Oh, but the point of asking about the lift & steering is this. I don't want to upgrade to heavy duty steering components, and then replace everything again if I get the lift. And I'm not sold out on the leveling kits that I've seen that have replacement keys because then I don't have equal travel in the a-arms. So...if you can tell me that I run heavy duty steering in the truck and then buy the kit later, I'll do that. If not, than I'll buy the kit with my sold truck money (instead of an edge instant & predator), and get the steering & lift & tires first...if I can afford it.

Also, on a scale from 1-10, how difficult is it to install these kits by ourself? I've installed a south bend clutch in a nv4500 by myself, with no help and 2 jacks (I'm 6'3", 155 lbs, and NOT a weight lifter)... Is it any more difficult than that, haha.

Thanks for any additional direction/advice that you can give me!

 

[BoostN]

I know I'm dragging up an old thread, but I want to say a big THANKS! for what is here already.

I just bought my 05 2500hd and am noticing that I'll be needing to replace some steering parts in the near future. I knew when I got the truck that I'd be interested in leveling the truck at the very least, but have also played with the thought of getting a 4" lift (at max), only if I can still use the truck to its full potential. It sounds like this platinum kit (that you offered in 2009) had upgraded steering components? Your links don't work anymore, so do you still sell this platinum kit, or something comparable that might work? I bought the truck so that I could be prepared for whatever/wherever/whenever. If/when I get larger tires, I think I'd rather stick with tall and skinny vs wide. I don't know if that would make any difference. Though, I also don't want to be spending an arm & a leg on tires, so I might end up sticking with 285/75R16 (or something equivalent), since there's more of a selection of this size tire on treadwright (they've been good to me).

Oh, but the point of asking about the lift & steering is this. I don't want to upgrade to heavy duty steering components, and then replace everything again if I get the lift. And I'm not sold out on the leveling kits that I've seen that have replacement keys because then I don't have equal travel in the a-arms. So...if you can tell me that I run heavy duty steering in the truck and then buy the kit later, I'll do that. If not, than I'll buy the kit with my sold truck money (instead of an edge instant & predator), and get the steering & lift & tires first...if I can afford it.

Also, on a scale from 1-10, how difficult is it to install these kits by ourself? I've installed a south bend clutch in a nv4500 by myself, with no help and 2 jacks (I'm 6'3", 155 lbs, and NOT a weight lifter)... Is it any more difficult than that, haha.

Thanks for any additional direction/advice that you can give me!

Forest, NorCal isn't a vendor here anymore. I've researched a lot of these kits and I would personally look at a Tuff Country 4" Lift, it's probably the most cost efficient lift you can buy for your model. The Platinum kit from NorCal will cost you just as much as the lift kit (or really close).

Cognito makes nice products, but you have to pay for them. And personally, when something else works just as good I would go with the proven, yet cheaper option.

 

[treegump]

I noticed that NorCal hasn't posted here for quite some time, and I've been away myself, so I don't know the back story. Thought I'd give it a try nonetheless.

So I'll still be able to use my truck for towing/hauling/whatever with the Tuff Country? (The only reason I question this is because out here where the money is flowing and there are trucks everywhere (oil boom), I've seen quite a few trucks that have huge lifts and with a load their front end is sticking up in the air.)

So this looks like its best? http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/14986.html And 285's should fit? Wouldn't 285's fit on a 2500hd with a leveling kit? I'm tempted on a 6" lift, but lifting the truck too high and your limiting yourself by branches and other debris from above.

And stick with Cognito for steering parts? Or Moog? Just by doing some searches, it seems like there are heavy duty steering/front end parts out there - recommend any?

 

[BoostN]

I noticed that NorCal hasn't posted here for quite some time, and I've been away myself, so I don't know the back story. Thought I'd give it a try nonetheless.

So I'll still be able to use my truck for towing/hauling/whatever with the Tuff Country? (The only reason I question this is because out here where the money is flowing and there are trucks everywhere (oil boom), I've seen quite a few trucks that have huge lifts and with a load their front end is sticking up in the air.)

So this looks like its best? http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/14986.html And 285's should fit? Wouldn't 285's fit on a 2500hd with a leveling kit? I'm tempted on a 6" lift, but lifting the truck too high and your limiting yourself by branches and other debris from above.

And stick with Cognito for steering parts? Or Moog? Just by doing some searches, it seems like there are heavy duty steering/front end parts out there - recommend any?

Many people use the Tuff Country for everything... I wouldn't be worried no matter what you do with your truck. It's a true 4" kit and with flat CV angles as posted by many. If I had a older body style that would be the kit I bought.

As far as steering parts, I'm not up to date on that.. I wouldn't be able to help you. Sorry.

Also, the BDS 4.5" kit looks nice also.. It would be a toss up I guess? I'm sure the tuff country is cheaper than the BDS though.

 

[Grendahl]

I have 295/75/16 BFGs on PYO wheels on my truck with just a couple cranks on the factory torsion bar keys and some trimming of the inner fender. I do have a buckstop front bumber though, so a stock bumper might need trimming as well. Aftermarket front wheel might also cause an issue as well. The stock PYOs have a lot of backspace.

 

[BoostN]

285's will fit on a stock ride height truck..