To Lift or Not to Lift - Please help!

[NewHummerGuy]

Originally Posted by AZ-GLBLWMR

I'm at the point that I'm losing sleep over this one.

I'm getting close to needing some new tires. Well, I want a more stout look, but at the same time, I don't want it to look gigantic. I was considering the 6" Fabtech, and then maybe 38" Toyos. That will make it considerably higher. I don't really wheel the H2 that much, although I'de like to do it more often. I have a dedicated rock crawler (but it has NO creature comforts and isn't family friendly).

Since it's close to getting new tires (and I now have a nail in one of them - that is enough to justify it to the wifey) and wondering what to do. Seems like after reading the forums here, those that have lifted haven't had much trail experience to say whether it helps or not. Sounds like the 37" Toyos will fit stock. I would like a more level look, so is it worth getting the leveler, or do what you guys say and just crank the torsion bar?

Sorry for all the questions, but I think the more I read here, the more questions I have in my head.... Oh and yes, the 6" Fabtech lift would also help with the asthetics I know... I've got a friend that has a shop and will install it for $3000. Sounds reasonable to me.

Oh yah, I also tow a boat (about 6,000 lbs loaded and gassed up) and don't want to lose my towability...

PLEASE HELP!

Seems like after reading the forums here, those that have lifted haven't had much trail experience to say whether it helps or not.


Go to *******club.com and look at videos of PhilD. That will show you what the lift will do


I've got a friend that has a shop and will install it for $3000.

3K for just installing?????? Thats HIGH.

[AZ-GLBLWMR]

No... $3k, for the product and installation.

[Captain of the Titanic]

I am pondering the same thing.

It is more involved that simply the $3K. All that gets you is altitute. Once you put on those 38s, All kinds of hell cuts loose. You'll find that the performance of the truck is blown to hell. It will make your Hummer sluggish, and decrease your highway gas mileage, because you will no longer be running in the "sweet spot".

To correct this, you will have to regear the beast. Since you're regearing, you should put in some serious gears and if you are like me, regearing will not be enough, you will want to put in some serious lockers. They are worth their weight in gold, off road.

Once that is all done, you have to get your speedo reset for the new tire size, gear ratio. Even then, the GM computer modules sometimes still don't like it. ABS and TC may get shut down at inoppurtune times

Suddenly your $3K is looking more like $10.

If it sounds like I've done this before, I have. I ended up putting about $15K in upgrades to my previous ride, a 99 Tahoe. When I was finished, I basically had a stock H2. (Maybe a little more bullet-proof)

So far I have avoided these mods, though I don't know how long I can stand to be stock!!

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

[Shawn High]

I had an H2 w/ 6in lift and 38" tires and will never do that again. I loved the way it looks and tons of attention but it wasn't worth the loss of acceleration and braking problems. This time around I went with 18in wheels and 35in tires and love it.

pics

[tomp]

I am more conservative, but like to do things right. Currently, I have 35 13.50 tires on 10" wheels. However if I were to lift it, I would do the 4" Rancho and 37 tires and change the gears to 4.56-4.88

[AZ-GLBLWMR]

The more i think about it the more I'm considering the 4" lift as well. I originally wanted a little bigger cuz I'm sick of pickup trucks with a boring 3" lift looking down on me... I think the 4" would give me just that and then I could still stick with the 37" tires instead of going 38"....

I think with only going 4" and keeping the 37's on the I'de be better off with the performance aspect of it too..

I've looked a bit for experiences with the 4" Rancho lift and didn't see much, but I'll search again. If anyone has anything else to add, feel free.


Phil, the writeup you have over on *******Club is VERY good and informative. The truck looks absolutely amzing and think that would be the setup I went with if I go 6"...

Thanks for everyones help...

[Shawn High]

I would still expect to do some kind of performance add-on. The rig is going to be veerrryy slow with a 4in lift and 37in tires.