So I have decided on the Backcountry lift for 2 reason.

1. Primary purpose of the lift is improving ride so shocks on backcountry are tuned to use the full deavers in the rear.
2. Not going to go with the Pintop as I do zero offroad, and don't think its worth the extra cash as Carli says you will notice zero difference between the Fox and Kings onroad.

Now onto the real question, 2.5 vs. 4.5...

I think 2.5" lift looks like how the trucks should look from the factory, at a quick glance with 37" tires it just looks like a nicely appointed truck with a good stance. 4.5" with the same 37" tires starts to look like yeah you put a lift on there, but still isn't too insane like 6-8" lift. Yeah in general there isn't a HUGE difference in height on the 2.5 vs 4.5, but back to back you can tell a difference.

Carli posted prices for the 4.5" system at a 25% discount for one lucky customer to help them document the install, so with some dividing by 0.75 it looks like retail of the 4.5" system is as follows:

4.5" Commuter, Front Sway Bar Kit, Add-a-Pack: $3,560.00
4.5" Backcountry, Front Sway Bar Kit, Add-a-Pack: $4,130.00
4.5" Backcountry, Front Sway Bar Kit, Full Spring: $4,910.06
4.5" Pintop, Front Sway Bar Kit, Add-a-Pack: $5,475.00
4.5" Pintop, Front Sway Bar Kit, Full Spring: $6,170.00

The 2.5" Backcountry, Front Sway Bar Kit, Full Spring: $3,795.00

Or a difference of ~$1,100.00 which is squat in the grand scheme of things.

-So the price difference isn't huge
-The 4.5" system will be setup for long travel bags which is super nice
-The 4.5" system will have progressive rate front coils also...

All this says to get the 4.5" system over the 2.5" system, or am I missing something????

Josh

 

If you're trying to talk yourself into it, just go with whatever you feel like you want now...because down the line that want will only get stronger if you dont do it.

I will say though, if you aren't doing any offroading...why the reservoirs and why the 4.5" lift? Just cause? That's cool...but you aren't getting any increased performance if you aren't offroading. I'll also say that a 4.5" lift on a 2017 is more like a 6.5" lift on a 2011-16. Its a big truck.

Reservoirs are awesome if you are beating on your suspension at all. But if its going to be a pavement queen, and you want to save some money, skip the resis and just get the 2.0s.

Now if you just want resis and 4.5 because it looks bad ***...I get that...go for it.

 

What do you use your truck for? Do u tow heavy? Do u do any off-roading at all? Just wondering if the larger tires and increased ride height are going to benefit or hurt you.

Ive seen the Carli truck 4.5” and 37’s in person. And yes it’s a noticeable difference from the 2.5” kit.

 

Truck will primarily be my around town truck, and to tow an 8000lb Airstream. No offroading unless you call backing into a camping spot offroading I want the bigger tires because I think it fits the wheel wells better, and I want the rubber sidewalls on 20" wheels for ride. I could go 18" wheels with 35's but it just doesn't fit the wheelwells in either the 2.5 or the 4.5 IMO. Again primary purpose for the kit is for ride, I am coming from a half ton, so I am trying to get a decent ride for the majority of the use of the truck. I might throw the long travel bags on so if the Airstream and full deavers make it squat I can level it back out without using the pain in the A$$ weight distribution hitches. I want the resis because Carli suggests only getting the full deavers with the resi shocks, and not just the 2.0's. Finally I think the truck sits and looks nice with either lift.

I am really leaning towards the 4.5 as I have found zero negatives, I am just looking to see if someone is thinking I am overlooking something.

And I have already planned to not care about fuel mileage as its going to suck, so if the 4.5" is worse than the 2.5 from being higher its ok. (not sure thats a thing though) And the loss in punch from the 37's I am ok with as I don't race around and my trailer is only 8000lbs.

 

8000 pound trailer no problem at all. I tow a 7500 pound boat and it's a breeze.

When I had my cummins, the 37's were a noticeable difference in acceleration and braking. But the cummins comes stock with 3.42 rear end. When I put the 38's on, it was unbearable. I had to re-gear the truck after that.

And I do agree with you that 37's fit these trucks very well.

 

Do both. install the 4.5" and realize how BAMF it is, sell the 2.5" kit to me at half off.

 

are those 35’s or 37’s

 

Did you ever make the swap to carli coiks? Or has any one else actually compared the ride of stock w/spacers vs carli coils with all other variables (shocks, track bar, steering stabilizer etc.) being the same? I currently have a 2"spacer with fox tuned 2.0s and a carli adj. Track bar and was looking for a smoother ride. If you did make the swap, did it make the truck any smoother?

 

They are unfortunately sitting in my garage, just waiting for a custom spring pack from deaver and a freaking free weekend to install them.

 

If by any chance you get a chance to drive it after you do the coils and before you do the rear, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on the difference.

 

Depending on deaver and my travel schedule, that might just happen. I'll let you know either way. I have the, I think 5200lb springs up front, they are pretty plush. The rear rides like a super duty though.

 

I know it’s not exactly what ur looking for......but I can tell you thrs a noticeable difference in ride characteristics between the regular coils and carli’s.

The Carli springs are NOT more “plush” if that’s what you’re after. They’re a tad stiffer than the regular duty springs that I had on my truck. But the overall ride is improved. The Carli springs are more “sporty” and inspire confidence when driving over bumps and around corners. It’s like comparing a bmw to a Cadillac. The Cadillac is smoother and the bmw is sporty, not stiff and harsh like a Porsche.

 

You are likely feeling the difference in the shock valving. The Carli Coils are reduced rate from the factory so they allow more movement of the axle.

 

35's

Probably do 37's next go round

 

No.....cuz I rode with with stock shocks and Carli coils for about 3 months waiting for my shocks to arrive.