I totally love the look of the SD with a big lift. However, I totally love the ride of my stocker 250 the way it is. Driving windy roads I can leave most cars in the dust.

If I were to install a lift... say a 4"

1. How would the ride change? (Stability / Cornering)
2. How does it effect the towing capabilities?
3. What components need to be reconfigured/changed?
4. Does any of these mods effect the factory warranty?

Thanks,
Mike

 

1. IF you were to install a Edge 4.5" the ride improves since you retain the stock springs but upgrade to Bilstein 5100 shocks that are valved specific for the SD. Handling improves do to the better shocks.
Other 4" lifts that involve new front springs will change the ride.....how much depends on how good the spring packs are that are used in the lift. For Example the Edge 4" front springs will ride a lot nicer than the Pro Comp 4" springs.

If you do mainly street driving and some mild off road the 4.5" Edge is real nice.....if you really want to work it off road the 4" Edge is a better option.


2. All weight capacity on the 4.5" Edge is the same....since it keeps the stock springs. On the other replacement springs depends on the springs.

3. In the case of the 4.5" Edge it's a new hanger, shackle, trac bracket, pitman arm, shocks, block, and all the associated hardware. Other 4" lifts involve swapping out the springs in the front instead of the hanger and shackle and either a block in the rear or a spring pack depending on what you buy.

4. Varies by dealer. Some will try to blame things on the lift and bigger tires while other install lifts and sell them.
Basically if the lift or tires did cause the damage you will have to pay most likely.


Hope this helps.

 

right on DC... If you really like the ride of your stock truck, don't change out the springs. Many companies offer hanger lifts for the front, and blocks for the back. This setup in many cases is also cheaper than a 4" lift system with all new springs.. good luck

 

DC and SS...

Hey, thanks for the great tips and advice you guys. I'll go with the Edge 4.5 setup. If you don't mind, a couple more questions for you though.

What's the difference between the Bilsteins that are valved for a SD and the 9 way adjuster on the Rancho RS9000x?

Where is THE place to buy this kit?

Thanks again,
Mike

 

Give Marty (AKA OverKill) a ring. He'll give u some great service. But being your out of Redding there's plenty in CA.

 

ummm..... before you jump into that, you might want to do some price shopping with the other brands.... i think you will find you cna save BIG time with some of the alternitives (fabtech, superlift, skyjacker, etc)

 

Mike,

The Bilsteins are valved with low compression valving and high rebound.........If I remember correctly.

ON the Rancho 9000 (I have the old 5 setting ones) it adjusts the compression and the rebound at the same time. Some when I get the compression to where I like it, I don't like the rebound. And when I get the rebound to where I like it, I don't like the compression. If you could adjust the rebound and compression separately I think they would ride better.


The place that I can recommend from the great customer service I have recieved is Truck Toyz out of McAllen, TX (1-956-664-2621)......talk to Marty Garza.

If you are out of CA than there are quite a few Edge dealers out there as well....you can get names and numbers off of Donahoe Racing's site.



abendx is right about the Edge 4.5" being more than others.....

Main difference you'll find between the lifts is the ride quality and build of the Edge being better in my opinion.
And for a 4"-4.5" lift Edge is the only quality company that makes a complete 4.5" hanger and shackle kit that I know off (I know Truckin' makes some stuff too but I wouldn't put that on my truck if you paid me.)
I think Al's Performance makes a 4" hanger but I'm not sure if they offer a complete kit or not.
And Fabtech makes a 3.5" Hanger with a shakle relocation bracket

If you have the oppurtunity to ride in some different lifts it may help you to make your decision.

Just FYI: If you do opt for the Edge 4.5" there is a replacement blocker bar available.

Hope this helps.

 

Great posts DC, they have been very helpful. I'll call your bud Marty but I'll also check out our local shop, Redding Four Wheel Drive, they may carry this too.

Unfortunately, I don't know anyone (personally) in town that has a lift. I know that there are a bunch of'em around though. In fact, I was walking into Home Depot last night and saw two great looking F-series trucks with lifts. I was hoping that they'd still be there when I returned so I could talk with them but both were gone.

Thanks again,
Mike

 

I know there's an edge dealer up in Grants Pass. Just north of Medford. I can't think of the name of the shop since I've never been there but Kreg (Donahoe) gave me their number. If I can find it I'll post it.

 

Oh yeah another benefit. If you come up here to Oregon you won't have to pay sales tax! LOL

 

Thanks rrMike n Overkill!

I did some more internet research this morning and found some great articles about them. I am sold on the Edge system and can't wait to get it. However, I also realized that it costs a bit more then I was expecting. So, I have to start saving the big $$$ in order to buy the kit and some good tires!

Thanks again for your help!

Mike