The Chevy 2500HD is a great truck. It's available with a big-block V-8 gas- or diesel-powered engine and is built tough as nails in multiple cab and bed configurations. Heck, you can even buy one from your dealership with a navigation system and TVs built into the interior. Along with that refined interior and tough build come two small drawbacks - a tough-as-nails ride quality and nose-down stance. Wouldn't it be great if you could lift your HD so that it had a level stance and improved ride characteristics at the same time? You can, and the folks at Full-Traction Suspension can prove it. The guys gave us a call and we toured their Bakersfield, California, facility, checking out the cool new products. One of those new products was a 6-inch suspension lift system that actually improved the ride quality of GM's 2500HD pickup. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, check out the photos of the quality parts used throughout the lift kit and our driving impression, and you'll see why we're so impressed by this kit.
Driving ImpressionsThe unloaded 2500HD will kick your butt all over the cab when you drive the long-wheelbase heavy-hauler across a rough section of road. This truck is built to carry a heavy load, and when it's unloaded, the stock spring package and shocks are too stiff for the daily commute. We found that the Bilstein shocks had just the right amount of rebound and minimal compression valving, which gave this HD a smooth, comfortable ride. The lift kit didn't seem to alter the steering feel, and there were no audible squeaks or rattles from the suspension. In a nutshell, the truck drove and handled slightly better than stock, but with a more plush ride. The wheel and tire package was attractive, and we were impressed by how quiet the tires were. The tread pattern also didn't keep the truck from tracking straight down the road and didn't want to grab any groove or rut in the pavement. Since the tire diameter was slightly less than 35 inches, which is a 3.5 inch increase over stock you might want to consider regearing the truck to keep the speedometer reading correctly. We certainly didn't notice any adverse affects from the heavier-than-stock rolling stock, and the truck's acceleration was still up to par. If you do choose to regear the rearend, a 4.56 ring-and-pinion will bring things back in line.
The front suspension kit is available with optional equipment such as this triple shock kit. The third shock mounts into the factory upper shock tower mount, while the other two shocks find a home in the tubular hoop. | 
The front suspension kit is available with optional equipment such as this triple shock kit. The third shock mounts into the factory upper shock tower mount, while the other two shocks find a home in the tubular hoop. | 
The front suspension kit is available with optional equipment such as this triple shock kit. The third shock mounts into the factory upper shock tower mount, while the other two shocks find a home in the tubular hoop. |
This kit relies on a complete drop-down system of brackets to relocate the control arms instead of a new knuckle or lift spindle. The lower brackets for the lower control arms also serve as the new mounting location for the factory bumpstops and front differential. The factory bumpstops are extremely soft and provide an excellent ride when retained with a new lift kit. | 
This kit relies on a complete drop-down system of brackets to relocate the control arms instead of a new knuckle or lift spindle. The lower brackets for the lower control arms also serve as the new mounting location for the factory bumpstops and front differential. The factory bumpstops are extremely soft and provide an excellent ride when retained with a new lift kit. | 
To strengthen the system of brackets, this pair of lateral impact struts is employed. The struts bolt from the transmission crossmember to the brackets and will help absorb the load created by impact to the front wheels or suspension. |