What's the diff between a truck lift and bigger tires?

Question

I have a new 2006 Chevy Silverado and I want it higher. I don't know the diff between a lift and just getting bigger tires to raise it.
Can anyone help a girl out?

Answer 1

There are two types of lifts, suspension and body.
A suspension lift increases the height of the suspension, and the entire truck. This is the ideal way to go if you are going to be off road. It also gives more room for bigger tires.
A body lift increases the height of the body off of the frame. This is a good way to make room for larger tires, so they don't rub in the fenderwells.
With either type of lift, it is possible to run bigger tires.
Now, if you get bigger tires, your speedometer and odometer will no longer give correct readings. But they can be reprogrammed to read correctly.

Answer 2

there are three basic way you can lift a truck, 1) is a body lift where there are bushings added between the body and frame. with this method give clearance for bigger tires that usually won't fit in stock wheel well 2) suspension lift this is the most popular lift can range any where from a couple hundred dollars to a around 5000.00 if you go this route I would suggest doing research and ask around for what you lifting needs are. and 3) removing your stock 16" wheels and adding 20" depending on choice of tires will give your truck a nice stance and raise it 2-6 inches depending on tires if you go with a 45series tire on 20 inch rim you'll get a much better ride than if you do a 35series.

Answer 3

You can only install tires small enough to turn with out being obstructed by the body , 285 75 r 16 will fit no problem I think you can squeeze 305s if you turn the torsion bars If too large of a tire is installed it could rub . suspension lift kit s raise the frame of the vehicle off the ground creating higher ground clearance Body lift kits are also used to get the body higher off the ground with the chassis staying at the same height . Talk to the pros before you order parts . Lifting and altering tire size could effect the handling safety and geometry of the truck

Answer 4

you can only get a little bigger with tires, not much though. If you put bigger tires on it whithout knowing about sizes, when you turn the tires will hit the body of the truck or other suspension components and rub on the new tires which could cause problems. A lift kit allows you more ground clearence under you truck as well with being able to put bigger tires on so they will clear and not hit things. Is there any more info you need ?

Answer 5

A lift kit changes the ride height of your truck by replacing the stock suspension parts with ones that raises the truck.Bigger tires do the same thing by the fact that the tire is bigger than the stock tire.NOW FOR A COUPLE OF CAVEATS #1. DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE THE LAW MAY SPECIFY A MAXIMUM BUMPER HEIGHT THAT ONCE YOU RAISE THE TRUCK YOU COULD EXCEED IT AND NOT BE ABLE TO GET A INSPECTION STICKER FOR YOUR TRUCK.#2. LIFT KITS AND OVERSIZE TIRES PLACE EXTRA STRESS ON THE REST OF YOUR TRUCK AND GOOD LUCK GETTING WARRANTY SERVICE ON A MODIFIED TRUCK.#3. LIFT KITS AND OVERSIZE TIRES WILL MAKE YOUR TRUCK RIDE HARDER AND BE MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND HANDLE IN A PANIC SITUATION.#4. OVERSIZE TIRES WILL CAUSE YOUR SPEEDOMETER TO READ INACCURATELY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE MATCHED WITH THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION. i am not trying to make your mind up for you but rather offer a experienced insight.My advice is to check with a garage that does inspection stickers as to the bumper height regulations and go for a ride in a few trucks that have lift kits or over sized tires and decide then.

Answer 6

Bigger tires are good for an inch or two's worth of lift but you need to be sure your truck has room for them if it doesn't they'll rub allover the place when you turn so then you'll need to get the truck lifted up.

Lifting on the other hand along with bigger tires is usually good for more ground clearance.

Answer 7

a truck lift raises the whole vehicle,and is mainly done with raising the suspension system on it,,and just getting bigger tires raises it up some ,but may not work due to clearance issues with the tires on it,,you can add a little bigger tire,,but to get it really high,you need to lift the body or the suspension system up on it,,that's pretty much the difference in the two.good luck i hope this help,s.

Answer 8

Girl there is three ways larger tires slight raise. Suspension lift a little higher to clear the larger tires you just put on. And body lift. Do research and talk to the off road suspension people and get the whole package tires body lift and suspension modification and multi shockasorbers to handle even the roughest off road with ease. Not going of road? just do a body lift.

Answer 9

Bigger tires will probably not give you the lift you are looking for. You will probably want to go with a suspension lift, they range anywhere from 2-8 inches of lift, check out 4wdriveparts.com. After you put a lift under your truck you will probably want to get larger tires and either taller or wider rims.

Answer 10

you can use larger tires to raise your truck up to the point that the tire wont fit in the wheel well. at that point you need a lift kit that raises the body off of the frame.