After having quite a few 99-current Chevys including an 01 one with a 9 inch and 37s, I personally would not put a lift on it. As mentioned above the Chevy half ton IFS does not cope well with the added stresses of a lift and heavier tires. The torsion key design is really just poor for trying to do anything aftermarket. I currently have an 03 Z71 Avalanche and it is a very capable truck in stock form with a nice A/T tire. If you want your truck to last and not be constantly replacing front end parts.... I would leave it be.
You guys sure are making me second guess this. Maybe I should just save my bucks and call it good I guess. Spend that money on guns and ammo instead.
Probably a wise decision. Since it is a hunting truck why not get rid of it and get a "real" hunting rig. Why such a nice truck with all the bells and whistles for hunting? I don't know your reasoning for the Avalanche to fill the role but when think hunting truck I think mid 70's to mid 80's chevy 3/4 ton. Plenty of power, 3/4 ton running gear, lifts are cheap and easy to install Amd you don't care if you bang or scratch it.
I've got an 05 z71 tahoe with a torsion key 'lift' an 1-1/2" spacers in the back and have 305/55/20's. basically 33x12.50. The ride is a little stiffer but not bad. You will need new shocks for this. It's certainly helped having the extra clearance but more aggressive tires is what really helps get out of sticky situations.
Check out z71tahoe-suburban.com. Lots of info.
Check out z71tahoe-suburban.com. Lots of info.
As someone who offroads for fun, I like to share this tidbit of info with folks. Lifts, larger tires and winches let you go farther than you could before, but you'll be stuck farther from help as well. Lower tire pressure on a stock rig is fine. Spend your money on an on board air setup or a power tank and a winch. You'll be much better suited for anything that would happen.
