In case you're looking to toughen the truck, finding the right 99 gmc sierra 1500 lift kit is the quickest way to switch a dated-looking workhorse into something which really turns heads. The 1999 model year was a huge one for GMC—it was that changeover period where the particular GMT800 platform actually took over, offering us that traditional rounded body style we still discover everywhere today. Yet let's be sincere, stock height upon these trucks seems a little "grandpa's farm hand" simply by modern standards. Regardless of whether you're trying in order to fit bigger auto tires or you just want to stop scraping your own air dam on every curb, the lift is the way to go.
Why Even Bother Lifting a '99?
Look, these vehicles are legends regarding a reason. They will run forever, the parts are inexpensive, and they're simple to work upon. However, the manufacturer stance on the '99 Sierra 1500 usually has that "rake" where the top sits significantly decrease than the back. It's practical with regard to hauling heavy tons, however it doesn't look great once the bed is empty.
By installing a lift kit, you're not just running after a look. You're gaining ground clearance for those weekend journeys towards the lake or the deer lease. Plus, let's end up being real: sitting the few inches increased just feels much better on the freeway. You get the better view associated with traffic, and the particular truck suddenly has a lot more presence.
Suspension Lift vs. Body Lift: Which One?
This particular is usually the first fork in the road for most owners. If you've been browsing for a 99 gmc sierra 1500 lift kit , you've most likely seen both options, as well as the price distinction can be pretty outrageous.
The Entire body Lift
The body lift will be the budget-friendly way to get some elevation. It basically uses spacers to lift your body of the truck from the body. The pros? It's cheap, and this doesn't mess along with your suspension geometry at all, therefore the truck rides just like it did prior to. The cons? You'll see a distance between frame plus the body, which usually some people think looks a little bit "cheap. " A person also don't obtain any extra floor clearance under the particular frame itself.
The Suspension Lift
This is usually where the actual magic happens. A suspension lift in fact modifies the elements underneath. For any '99 Sierra 1500, this usually involves fresh knuckles, drop brackets, and sometimes fresh leaf springs or even blocks for that rear. It's more costly and a lot more work to set up, but it's the right way to do it if a person actually plan on going off-road or want that really aggressive stance.
Figuring Out the correct Height
Exactly how high do you genuinely wish to go? This particular is where people usually get trapped. You don't wish to go too small and regret it, but you also don't want in order to go so large that you can't fit into the garage or your own dog can't leap into the cab anymore.
The particular 2-Inch Leveling Kit
Technically, this isn't a full "lift, " yet for many 99 Sierra owners, it's exactly what they require. If you possess a 4WD design, you can often just swap out your factory torsion tips for "leveling tips. " This provides the front end up to fit the particular rear. It's refined, it's affordable, and it also lets you run 33-inch tires along with minimal rubbing.
The 4-Inch Lovely Spot
The 4-inch lift is definitely often considered the perfect middle surface. It gives the particular truck a specific "lifted" look with out making it think that a monster pickup truck. You can easily run 33s or even some 35s with a bit of clipping. It's high good enough to look custom made but low more than enough that it's still a practical everyday driver.
The 6-Inch Bold Appear
If a person want individuals to notice you from 3 blocks away, the 6-inch 99 gmc sierra 1500 lift kit is the answer. This is where you get in to serious territory. You'll definitely be working 35-inch tires, plus the truck can feel massive. You need to be prepared: your gas mileage will take a hit, so you may find yourself searching for side steps therefore you don't have in order to parkour your way into the driver's seat.
The fact of Installation
I'm going in order to be straight along with you: installing a lift on a truck that's over 20 years old is an adventure. If you live in a place where they salt the roads, these factory bolts are usually probably one using the frame by now.
Prior to you even touch a wrench, purchase a few cups of PB Blaster or your preferred penetrating oil. Soak every bolt a person plan on coming in contact with for three days straight. Trust myself, your future self will certainly thank you once you aren't snapping bolt heads off with 11: 00 PM on a Sunday.
If you're carrying out a full suspension system lift, you're heading to need a few heavy-duty tools. A great floor jack, durable jack stands (don't cheap out right here! ), and possibly a big breaker bar. If the particular kit involves torsion bars, be careful—those things are below a lot of tension and may be dangerous if you don't make use of a proper torsion pub unloading tool.
Don't Forget the particular Extras
Whenever you buy a 99 gmc sierra 1500 lift kit , the box usually contains the big parts, yet there are the few "while you're in there" products you should think about.
- Shock: Many cheap kits come with basic white-body shocks that ride like a packet. If you possibly can afford this, upgrade to something like Bilstein or Fox. It makes a world of difference in how the particular truck handles potholes.
- Brake pedal Lines: If you're going 6 inches or even higher, your share rubber brake ranges might be way too short when the suspension system is fully extended. Find out if your kit includes extensions; in case not, you'll want to buy all of them.
- Positioning: This particular isn't optional. As soon as a person finish the install, drive (slowly) to the nearest position shop. Lifting a truck throws your toe and camber all out associated with whack, and you'll ruin a brand-new set of tires within a month in the event that you don't get it straightened out.
How It Changes the Drive
You have in order to manage your anticipations a bit. The lifted '99 Sierra isn't going to handle like a sports car. It's going to possess a higher middle of gravity, which usually means more entire body roll in the corners. You'll also notice the wind even more on the road.
Yet there's a trade-off. There's a certain satisfaction in the method a lifted pickup truck rolls down the road. It feels more mechanical, even more "truck-like. " Plus if you select good shocks, you might actually discover it soaks up bumps better when compared to the way the worn-out stock suspension did.
Final Thoughts upon Choosing Your Kit
When you're shopping for a 99 gmc sierra 1500 lift kit , don't go for the absolute cheapest thing on eBay. Think about exactly what you make use of the vehicle for. If it's a pavement queen that just demands to look great, a basic spacer lift or the body lift is fine. But in the event that you're actually planning on hitting paths or you need the truck in order to last another a hundred, 000 miles, purchase a reputable brand with good bushings plus solid hardware.
Lifting these GMT800 trucks is a single of the most rewarding projects you can do. It takes a classic design plus gives it a modern, aggressive edge. Just take your time with the install, watch plenty of Facebook videos, and probably possess a buddy upon standby to assist you manhandle those heavy leaf springs. Once you notice it sitting on a fresh set of wheels and auto tires at that brand-new height, all of the bruised knuckles and rustic bolts can feel completely worth it.