I recently bought my 97 K1500 reg cab long bed w/o the z71 package. I wanted to know what is the best way to lift this truck a couple of inches to fit 33's? I was thinking of going with torsion lift keys for 2" in the front and a 2" block in the rear. Not looking to lift it sky high just enough to safely clear the tires and give it a little tougher look.

I bought some 08 avalanche wheels 18x8's with 31mm off set to put on as well.

thanks

 

On that year model truck, just crank the stock keys. They allow for 3" of crank by themselves. Do that and them 33s you want will fit easily

 

Your cheapest way would be to just adjust your stock torsion bars. Country is right, they should give you an extra 2 almost 3 inches comfortably. Then a set of 3inch lift blocks for the rear. Its easy to do those changes. The next option would be a 3 inch body lift. That will burn you about $400 amd change though. I put one in my silverado, I can tell you it will take the better part of a day to install. Plus if your body mount bolts don't come out you will have to drill down through the floor. Either option will fit your tires easy. The 3 inch lift allowed me to just fit a set of 35's. Good luck!!!

 

The tortion bar's are adjusted in my truck (same year, shortbead extended cab). It caused the front end to 'go out' and my steering wheel has extensive play.

 

Do you know specifically what failed? U/L Ball joints, Tie rod ends, etc.

 

Since I didn't have the truck before the lift, i'm not sure what condition any of this was in and don't know if ALL of the parts are out because of the lift, or just some, but the idler arm, pitman arm, inner and outer tie rod ends, and upper and lower ball joints all need to be replaced. I have excessive play, and my co-worker (A master tech.) diagnosed the cause as my torsion lift.