Have you ever looked at a GMC 3500 Dually and thought, “It could be even more impressive”? Many truck owners dream of giving their heavy-duty beast a more commanding stance and enhanced capability. But when it comes to lifting a truck as robust as a dually, the choices can feel overwhelming. You want to improve its look and function, but where do you even begin? The sheer number of lift kits, brands, and specifications can leave you scratching your head, wondering which one is truly the best fit for your rig.
Choosing the right lift kit for your GMC 3500 Dually isn’t just about style; it’s about performance, durability, and ensuring your truck handles exactly how you need it to. You might be dealing with concerns about tire clearance for bigger off-road tires, wanting a more aggressive look, or even aiming to improve towing stability. The wrong kit could lead to headaches down the road, from improper fit to reduced handling. This guide is here to cut through the confusion and give you the clear answers you need.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the key factors that go into selecting the perfect lift kit for your GMC 3500 Dually. We’ll break down the different types of kits, what to look for in terms of quality and brand, and how to match a lift to your specific needs and budget. Get ready to transform your dually into the truck of your dreams. Let’s dive in and explore the world of GMC 3500 Dually lift kits.
Our Top 5 Lift Kit For Gmc 3500 Dually Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Lift Kit For Gmc 3500 Dually Detailed Reviews
1. Rough Country 3.5″ Lift Kit for 2011-2019 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500 2WD/4WD- 95920
Rating: 8.9/10
Ready to give your 2011-2019 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra 2500/3500 a serious upgrade? The Rough Country 3.5″ Lift Kit (95920) delivers the perfect mix of looks, toughness, and capability. This kit is designed to help your truck tackle more terrain while looking great doing it. You’ll get more space under your truck for bigger tires, improving both its off-road ability and its aggressive stance.
What We Like:
- It gives you awesome ground clearance.
- The premium N3 Shock Absorbers are great for driving anywhere, on roads or off.
- It includes super strong forged aluminum control arms.
- These control arms keep your truck’s alignment close to factory settings.
- They have Clevite rubber bushings for a smooth ride.
- Rough Country backs it with a Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the aluminum control arms are strong, some users might prefer a different aesthetic.
- Installation can be a bit involved, so having some mechanical know-how or help is recommended.
This Rough Country lift kit is a solid choice for anyone wanting to enhance their truck’s performance and appearance. It’s built to last and offers a significant improvement for your off-road adventures.
2. Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit for 2020-2024 Chevy/GMC 3500HD
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to give your 2020-2024 Chevy or GMC 3500HD Dually truck a serious upgrade? The Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit (part number 95630) is here to help. This kit gives your Silverado or Sierra the perfect mix of better performance, extra protection, and a sharp new look. You’ll get more ground clearance to tackle rougher paths and enjoy a smoother ride, both on and off the pavement. Rough Country builds this kit tough, so you can trust it to handle whatever you throw at it.
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What We Like:
- It gives your truck unmatched ground clearance, so you can go places you couldn’t before.
- The premium N3 Shock Absorbers provide excellent performance for all kinds of driving.
- The upper control arms are designed to keep your truck’s steering geometry working right. They also use strong Clevite rubber bushings.
- The forged torsion bar keys are incredibly strong and won’t put extra stress on your truck’s original parts.
- Rough Country backs this kit with a Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, giving you peace of mind.
- The installation process might require some mechanical knowledge or tools, so it’s not a simple bolt-on for everyone.
- While it adds clearance, it’s a 3-inch lift, so for extreme off-roading, a taller kit might be desired.
What Could Be Improved:
This Rough Country lift kit is a solid choice for truck owners looking to improve their vehicle’s capability and appearance. It’s built to last and backed by a great warranty.
3. TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear Lift Leveling Kit For 2001-2010 Chevy GMC Sierra Silverado 2500HD 2500 3500 w/Tool
Rating: 8.7/10
Ready to give your 2001-2010 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra 2500HD/2500/3500 a tougher stance? The TORCH 3″ Front 2″ Rear Lift Leveling Kit is here to help. This kit is designed specifically for models with torsion bar suspension and offers a noticeable lift to clear bigger tires and improve your truck’s look. It comes with everything you need, including a handy tool to make installation easier.
What We Like:
- Gives your truck a leveled, aggressive look with a 3-inch front lift and 2-inch rear lift.
- Includes adjustable torsion keys for the front and tapered lift blocks for the rear.
- Comes with shock extenders and extended U-bolts for a complete setup.
- A torsion key unloading tool is included, making the installation process much simpler.
- The kit is a bolt-on design, so most DIYers can install it themselves.
- It’s backed by a lifetime warranty and dedicated customer service for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- This kit is only for 8-lug models with torsion bar suspension.
- Dually models will need longer U-bolts, which are not included and require contacting the seller.
This TORCH lift kit is a solid option for upgrading your truck’s appearance and capability. With its straightforward installation and strong warranty, it’s a smart investment for your Silverado or Sierra.
4. Rough Country 3.5″ Lift Kit for 2011-2019 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500 2WD/4WD- 95920RED
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to give your 2011-2019 Chevy or GMC 2500/3500 truck a serious upgrade? The Rough Country 3.5″ Lift Kit (95920RED) delivers a fantastic mix of toughness, good looks, and better performance. This kit helps your truck handle more, look cooler, and ride smoother, whether you’re on the highway or hitting the trails.
What We Like:
- It gives your truck way more space under the chassis, letting you tackle rougher roads and obstacles with confidence.
- The N3 Shock Absorbers are top-notch. They work great on and off the pavement, giving you a smooth and controlled ride.
- The control arms are made from strong, solid aluminum. This means they won’t bend or break, even under tough conditions.
- They use the same kind of rubber bushings as factory parts. This keeps your truck’s steering feeling right and lets the suspension move freely.
- Rough Country backs this kit with a lifetime warranty. This means they stand behind their product.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the aluminum control arms are strong, some users might prefer the look of steel.
- The installation process can be a bit challenging for beginners. Having a friend or professional help might be a good idea.
This Rough Country lift kit is a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their truck’s capabilities and style. You get a great blend of durability and performance for your money.
5. Rough Country 5″ Lift Kit for 2011-2019 Chevy/GMC 2500HD/3500 HD – 26030
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to transform your 2011-2019 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500 HD with the Rough Country 5″ Lift Kit (26030). This kit is designed to give your truck a killer look and serious off-road capability. It’s the perfect way to add performance, protection, and style. You’ll love how it handles both on paved roads and rugged trails.
What We Like:
- This kit provides a high ground clearance thanks to its strong crossmember.
- You get premium N3 Shock Absorbers that deliver excellent performance on and off the road.
- The fabricated rear blocks are built to last longer and are stronger than cast blocks.
- Your torsion bars stay in their original, factory position for a smooth ride.
- Specially designed anti-axle wrap rear blocks prevent common lifting issues and keep your ride quality like stock.
- It comes with Rough Country’s dependable Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, giving you peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation can be complex and might require some mechanical experience or professional help.
- While the N3 shocks are good, some users might prefer even more advanced shock options for extreme off-roading.
This Rough Country lift kit is a fantastic upgrade for your heavy-duty Chevy or GMC. It offers a great balance of performance and style, making your truck ready for adventure.
Level Up Your GMC 3500 Dually: The Ultimate Lift Kit Buying Guide
Ready to give your GMC 3500 Dually a tougher stance and more capability? A lift kit can do just that! Whether you want to clear bigger tires for off-roading or just achieve that aggressive look, choosing the right lift kit is important. This guide will help you find the perfect one.
Why Lift Your Dually?
Lifting your GMC 3500 Dually does more than just change its appearance. It can:
- Allow for larger tires: Bigger tires offer better traction and can help you tackle rougher terrain.
- Increase ground clearance: This is crucial for off-roading, preventing your truck from scraping on rocks or uneven surfaces.
- Improve towing and hauling: Some lift kits can adjust suspension for better performance when carrying heavy loads.
- Give your truck an imposing look: Many truck owners love the aggressive, lifted aesthetic.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a lift kit, keep these important features in mind:
- Lift Height: This is the most obvious feature. Kits range from 1-inch to 6-inch lifts or even more. Decide how much extra height you need. A 4-inch lift is popular for a good balance of looks and practicality.
- Suspension Type: Kits can be designed for front or rear lifts, or both. Most kits will lift both ends to keep your truck level.
- Components Included: A good kit will come with everything you need for installation. This often includes new suspension components, brackets, hardware, and sometimes shocks or struts.
- Durability and Strength: Look for kits built to last. Heavy-duty materials mean your lift will handle rough use.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands. These companies usually stand behind their products and have good customer support.
Important Materials
The materials used in a lift kit directly affect its strength and longevity.
- Steel: Most lift kits use high-strength steel for their components. This includes forged steel for control arms and fabricated steel for brackets. Look for powder-coated steel to prevent rust.
- Aluminum: Some high-end kits might use aluminum for certain parts to reduce weight, but steel is more common for its strength.
- Urethane or Rubber Bushings: These are used in suspension components to absorb shock and vibration. Good quality bushings will provide a smoother ride and last longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a lift kit great or not so great.
- Design and Engineering: A well-designed kit will integrate seamlessly with your truck’s existing suspension. Poorly designed kits can cause alignment issues or premature wear on other parts.
- Manufacturing Precision: Precise manufacturing ensures that all parts fit together correctly. Sloppy manufacturing can lead to squeaks, rattles, and alignment problems.
- Included Hardware: High-quality bolts, nuts, and washers are essential. Cheap hardware can rust, strip, or break.
- Shock Absorbers: If the kit includes shocks or struts, their quality matters. Good shocks improve ride comfort and handling.
- Ease of Installation: While most lift kits require professional installation, some are designed to be more straightforward than others. Kits with clear instructions and all necessary parts are better.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your lifted dually.
- Daily Driving: If your truck is your daily driver, you’ll want a kit that doesn’t make the ride too harsh. A mild lift (2-4 inches) with quality shocks is usually best.
- Off-Roading: For serious off-road adventures, you’ll need a taller lift (4-6 inches or more) and components designed to handle abuse. Wider tires and improved suspension travel are key here.
- Towing and Hauling: If you frequently tow heavy trailers or haul large loads, some lift kits can be beneficial. They can help maintain a level stance and improve suspension performance under load.
- Show Trucks: For a striking visual upgrade, a taller lift and aggressive tire setup will turn heads.
Frequently Asked Questions: Lift Kits for GMC 3500 Dually
Q: What is the most common lift height for a GMC 3500 Dually?
A: The most common lift heights are typically between 3 and 6 inches. This range offers a good balance of aggressive looks and practicality for most owners.
Q: Do I need to change my tires and wheels after installing a lift kit?
A: Yes, you usually need to upgrade to larger tires and potentially new wheels to take full advantage of the added lift. The kit’s instructions will often recommend tire sizes.
Q: Will a lift kit affect my truck’s fuel economy?
A: Yes, lifting your truck and adding larger, wider tires can decrease fuel economy. This is because of increased aerodynamic drag and the added weight of the larger tires.
Q: Can I install a lift kit myself?
A: While some basic kits might be installable by experienced DIY mechanics, installing a lift kit on a heavy-duty truck like a dually is complex. It often requires specialized tools and knowledge. Professional installation is highly recommended.
Q: How long does a lift kit typically last?
A: A good quality lift kit, made from durable materials and properly installed, can last for many years and tens of thousands of miles. Regular maintenance and checking for wear will help prolong its life.
Q: What is the difference between a body lift and a suspension lift?
A: A suspension lift modifies the truck’s actual suspension components to raise the body. A body lift adds spacers between the truck’s frame and body, giving the appearance of lift but not changing suspension geometry.
Q: Will a lift kit void my GMC warranty?
A: Modifying your truck with a lift kit can potentially void certain parts of your warranty, especially those related to the suspension and drivetrain. It’s best to check your warranty details or consult with your dealership.
Q: How does a lift kit affect my truck’s handling?
A: A lift kit can change your truck’s handling. Some kits are designed to maintain or improve ride quality, while others, especially taller ones, might make the ride firmer and affect cornering stability.
Q: What are the benefits of a lift kit for towing?
A: Some lift kits can help your dually maintain a level stance when towing a heavy trailer. This can improve handling and stability, making towing a safer experience.
Q: Where can I buy a lift kit for my GMC 3500 Dually?
A: You can find lift kits for your GMC 3500 Dually at specialized truck accessory stores, online automotive parts retailers, and directly from lift kit manufacturers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.