Confusion in purchasing a lift kit for trailblazer.

[builtlikearock]

Hello everybody. Im a new member but have been looking around the sight for a while. I was looking into a suspension lift for my 2002 trailblazer (4x4, 5.3L). I seem to be a little confused. I know there is alot of threads about lifts but I just dont get what parts you buy to lift it. I noticed that all the lifts (that dont break the bank) are right around 3 inches so id also put a body lift on top of that. So in other words, what parts do i purchase with the lift brackets and what is the best brand. Thank you, your information is greatly appreciated. I understand the basic idea on how lifts work and parts needed.
I also have a 1995 chevy s10 ext cab, 4x4, 31's and a 3 inch torsion bar lift but Really like the chevy trailblazer and think they make mean offroad rigs and would love to build one! thanks

[rjpoog1989]

This may help you out...

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=20&start=0

[builtlikearock]

thank you, that greatly helps. Do you think a 2.5 inch suspension with a 2 inch body is a good platform?

[Trail X]

It's a fine place to start.

However, only you can determine what is best for your situation.

Often there is a trade-off cost, vs. quality. Determine what you want, and go for it. There isn't really any "best" option.

[fishsticks]

A 2002 with a 5.3L? You best look under that hood again.

[builtlikearock]

Well actually the truck is currently out in iowa with my dad. He said its a 2001 but...the didnt even have trailblazers that im aware of then. But im positive it has a 5.3L.

[builtlikearock]

the offroading I will be doing is mostly in the badlands offroad park and the cliffs. I just take the s10 in mud holes right now. But me and 2 buddies are planning a trip to Alaska in 1 year 10 months.

[fishsticks]

Well actually the truck is currently out in iowa with my dad. He said its a 2001 but...the didnt even have trailblazers that im aware of then. But im positive it has a 5.3L.

Long wheel base TBs didn't get a 5.3L until 2004 IIRC. Short wheelbase TBs didn't see it until 2006. 2002 definitely didn't have them at all.

Whether or not it's a LWB/the actual year of the truck may affect your mission/parts choices.

You're sure it's not a Tahoe, right?

[HARDTRAILZ]

2001 would be an S-series w the 4.3L

[HARDTRAILZ]

the offroading I will be doing is mostly in the badlands offroad park and the cliffs. I just take the s10 in mud holes right now. But me and 2 buddies are planning a trip to Alaska in 1 year 10 months.

Badlands is fun and from the guys I know the Cliffs is not all that great. Let me know when you go. I almost always know someone going to be at the Badlands. I want to get back there soon. Also we go right around New Years every year so keep an eye out.

[builtlikearock]

I am positive it is not a tahoe. The engine must be a replacement then? I can get back to you guys tonight on that. Ill have to call my dad. I will be getting it friday when he comes home. And thats perfectly fine with me if it has the inline6. I use to have a 2003 TB stock, and i loved it to death.

[DJones]

Long wheel base TBs didn't get a 5.3L until 2004 IIRC. Short wheelbase TBs didn't see it until 2006. 2002 definitely didn't have them at all.

I looked in the dealer brochure and the 5.3 was available in 2003 with "Interim Availability". I don't have one for 2002.

[fishsticks]

I am positive it is not a tahoe. The engine must be a replacement then? I can get back to you guys tonight on that. Ill have to call my dad. I will be getting it friday when he comes home. And thats perfectly fine with me if it has the inline6. I use to have a 2003 TB stock, and i loved it to death.

The 4.2L is quite capable. I have the "weak" early 4.2L but mine will scratch 35s on pavement from a dead stop (I do have gears though).

[builtlikearock]

Ok, its a 2003. And it has a v8 but my dad dosent know alot about cars. he said its setup different than my truck, it has 4 in a block on one side 4 in a block on the other....

Now for the lift. I understand the whole body lift and ill purchase markmc's 3 inch. But im still confused on what i need with markmc's suspension lift. as in shocks and hardware?

I really appreciate all the help so far.

[v7guy]

no real hardware needs bought.
shocks are generally bilstein HDs up front with your choice out back. There's lots of threads here about em.

If your fitting tires in the 32" range or bigger you need some wheel spacers to clear the ball joint... Mark sells those as well. A search will give you all the proper info.

A lot of this has been discussed extensively.

[builtlikearock]

alright thanks. I will be running the 31's off my truck, but i might get spacers anyways just because it seems like a good idea. Thanks guys

[Trail X]

Spacers are needed for 30.5"+.

Time to read your heart out Robert. Learn everything you can from this site. Read articles and stickies, and that will get you moving in the right direction.

[navigator]

Robert, this lift chart will give you a quick guide and links to folks builds who are running what you are looking for.

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2290

your front stock front shocks are the only shocks we have available, if they have any age on them since you have to compress the springs anyway it is a good time to replace them.
The rear shocks can be upgraded and should if you are lifting the rear. I am running the Z71 springs in the rear right now with my stock shocks but most of my off roading is beach sand and forest roads. I plan to upgrade soon and add my rear spacer then.

BDS has two sets of shocks for our lifted platform, the 5500 and their new Fox Racing shocks.
Skyjacker also has the H7030 and H8030 but you have to use washers as spacers on the lower mount.

[builtlikearock]

Oh thats clears up alot. I just didnt realize that there wasnt shocks needed in the front. So ill buy that 3 inch body lift, then the 2.5 inch suspension. Then some new back shocks such as the 2 different ones listed. Its not as difficult as i though earlier. Now...on to differentials...lots of reading coming my way!

Thanks guys!

[The Roadie]

Oh thats clears up alot. I just didnt realize that there wasnt shocks needed in the front.

To be precise, there aren't a choice of different LENGTH shocks for the front, but the black OEM Bilsteins are not as high performance as yellow aftermarket Bilsteins most of us upgrade to. Because you don't want to be compressing your springs twice - one for the spacers and perhaps new upper mounts, and again to replace dying OEM shocks. Spend an extra $100-120 and upgrade the front shocks when you're in there for the spacer.