Im the new proud owner of a 1996 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab Short bed 2wd and was wondering about a little lift and some tire options. Now lets say i decide not to lift if I was wondering if 31's are the biggest tire size i could go? Also, with this being a 2wd truck lifting 2wd trucks are a hit or miss on looking good depending who it is.... I would like to grab a set of 15 or 16 inch rims and put 33 or 35 X 10.5's on the truck, and thinking about a 3-6 inch lift maybe do both body and suspension lift. Was wondering what peoples thoughts, comments, likes or dislikes are about going that route.

 

Strickly my opinion here.
Body lifts only for off-roading and as little as possible to help with maintenance. I liked 1" just to get a little more clearance around the bellhousing on Jeeps.

To get 6" out of a 2wd you'll need to look for pre-runner kits. And even then I'm not sure it exists, never looked for one.

What is your state laws on oversized tires?
I've heard some NE states are very strict on lift laws and even oversized tires.

 

Chevyboy if your willing to put the cost out there for the look of the tires, then for a low cost Id do a 4" body lift and that would do for some 33s without the cost of changing suspension. On the other 35s, you will probly need a 4-2 change. 4" suspension with 2" body and if you want more tire then increase the the body lift. More change on the suspension means changing drive shaft and steering components.

 

Welcome to Truck Forums

 

Still recommend checking local laws. In some states 3" body lift is the max allowed, no more than a single 4" block in the rear and no blocks for the front axle(SFA).

 

If its two wheel drive, you will want a front end leveler to make it look good. And as for laws, eh. Ive only had a cop pull me over once for anything like that, and he just let me go.

 

thanks guys, ive been looking around and i can do a 3' body lift for around 200 bucks. Im just not sure how im gonna feel about lifting a 2wd truck. i def want it lifted but i also want it to look good as well.

 

Diesel Dan not sure about the laws here but my ex has a 89 1500 4x4 that we did a 2' body lift and i put a set of 35's on it and never had any problems with the cops. my whole concern or the reason i wanted to get some advice is ive never lifted a 2wd truck before and was wondering if its possible to get a 2wd truck to look as good as a 4x4 truck lifted?

 

Yes it is and they are refered to as "pre-runner" kits. It is more common in the southwest but they are around. They also offer replacement fiberglass front fenders and bedsides with larger flared wheel openings.

Here is a link for a upto a 6" suspension lift for your 2wd.
Chevy GMC 2WD C1500, C1500HD pickup suspension lift kits, spindles

 

How did your ex end up with the 4X4 and you have the 2wd ? ?
2wd need to be dropped, tubbed, slammed in the dust and 4x4 need to be jacked, cranked, lifted