I'm am very new to the 4x4 community and my Colorado is actually my first vehicle Ive owned. That being said please forgive me for knowing so little. I have many questions regarding a body lift for my 2012 Z71 rado. The first being does this void warranty? I'm looking towards a 3" lift assuming that this is the biggest available without affecting crucial components. Does anyone know of any easy to install kits for a 2012? Also what size tires would you reckon I could fit without rubbing? If anyone could break this down barney style for me it would be much appreciated, Thanks - Dillon
Body Lift for 2012 Z71
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Yes this will void your warranty. But it's worth it. I had mine professionally installed. I can fit 34's on mine, though I'm running 33's. I put a 4 in Skyjacker lift with a 3 in PA body lift. If you run just a 3 in suspension lift you could get away with 32's with very, very minor trimming. Honestly though, if you gonna lift it, might as well go with the 4 in. Your always gonna want to go higher. Just my opinion.
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I'd look at suspension lifts first. You can put shackles and a torsion crank and lift a couple inches. But you sound like you want your truck up high so go for the 4 inch suspension and them maybe look at a body lift after that. I personally am not a big fan of body lifts. They usually look like crap IMO. The space between the frame and body looks wrong... but to each his own.
As for the warranty...I think I'd hold off but that's me. You paid good money for the truck and part of that is the warranty. Why void it for a look?... again that is my thoughts. I bought a 2007 with no warranty I can lift all I want with no worries...LOL
As for the warranty...I think I'd hold off but that's me. You paid good money for the truck and part of that is the warranty. Why void it for a look?... again that is my thoughts. I bought a 2007 with no warranty I can lift all I want with no worries...LOL
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What is the purpose of lifting the truck? Are you going just for look or do you want greater capability? Will the truck (realistically) stay on a road system--paved or gravel?
I would be lying If I said I wasn't into the look but I am also looking for capability as well. This truck is a daily dirt road driver and I've put into a tight spot more than once. Im looking for a practical size lift (suspension or body) Still debating on whether to void the warranty or not. Im more than likely not going extreme 4x4 like rock crawling anytime soon.
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If you think you need extra capability, start with a suspension lift. Try it a few months before deciding on the body lift (I'm not a personal fan of body lifts).
Alright thanks gents, Ill take your word for it...what brand do you recommend and is this a job I can do myself with the right tools? ( I have a solid understanding of mechanics, welding, etc.)
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Rancho and Skyjacker both make 4" lifts. The Rancho one uses only shackles in the rear while Skyjacker has both a shackle rear lift and a new spring pack rear lift versions. At least that is my understanding of the bigger lifts.
For a couple inches you can do a torsion bar crank with either an Add A Leaf or a shackle lift. You'll have to change shocks etc too. This is the route I am going for now. Long way down the road I may go for more lift but I daily drive mine and need the mileage.
For a couple inches you can do a torsion bar crank with either an Add A Leaf or a shackle lift. You'll have to change shocks etc too. This is the route I am going for now. Long way down the road I may go for more lift but I daily drive mine and need the mileage.
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One of the two--Rancho or Skyjacker--covers up one of the power steering rack bolts with the new crossmember. Make sure you go have an access hole/indentation cut & boxed in. Someone here should be able to tell you which lift it is.
I've decided to go for a Tbar Crank and Shackle lift, its seems simple and cheap to do, hopefully it gives me the clearance Im looking for, if not I can always get the Rancho 4" in the future...thanks everyone for the input and help
LOL
My truck sure looks awesome sitting behind the fence at the dealer/shop-I sure wish I could afford to pick it up though.
do the 1" hockey-puck body lift, you wont spend more than $50 and a couple beers on a saturday afternoon to install it, makes alot of difference for extra clearance on the front fenders for bigger tires.
also, get a smaxx front diff-drop kit while you are at it that way you wont prematurely wear out your CV boots after you do the TB-crank.
All in all you wont spend more than $200 on all these mods, you could throw in some skyjacker or rancho shocks (for lifted colorados) for $100 bucks and it will ride ALOT better too. stock shocks on these trucks are a Joke.
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If you can't afford shop work then don't take it. I like my work under some sort of warranty. Plus being in the military I don't have a lot of time to take my daily driver and put it on blocks for two weeks.:dead:
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