We love diesel trucks, and the Duramax-equipped Chevy and GMC 2500 4x4s are truly beasts when it comes to towing and hauling. But, they are lacking in one area, and we're sure you'll agree: their stances aren't up to snuff. We contacted Rough Country suspension to see what they could do about giving our '09 Chevy Silverado the look and capability that comes along with a 6-inch lift and a set of 35-inch tires. Speaking of tires, we went with BF Goodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2s because of their reputation for durability and trail toughness, and as a benefit, they look great too.
| Before
To beef up the Duramax, we went with two easy methods: a stainless steel filter-back exhaust from MBRP and an easily-installed performance module from TS Performance. We went to nearby GO-EZ Customs for the install, where shop owners Dave and Art got a helping hand from Jorge and Greg. GO-EZ is known for air and hydraulic suspension systems on lowered cars and trucks, but their shop is also adept at lift kits and roll cages, so they can practically do it all. Check out how this '09 Silverado HD got a two-day makeover into a more capable, better-looking beast of a work truck.
| After
FROM THE DRIVER SEAT
We had an idea of what an MBRP exhaust would sound like on our Duramax, we've used them before and they have an aggressive tone that sounds great on V-8s, however, even without a muffler, the Duramax wasn't considerably louder. Since the turbo quiets the exhaust and the catalyst and Diesel Particulate Filter were still in place, the exhaust was still quite civilized, in fact, the turbo spooling up was the most noticeable sound, and that wasn't coming from the tailpipe. The Rough Country lift contained everything we needed and had a good set of directions. The 35-inch tires look like they belong on the HD from the factory, especially with a 4x4 Crew Cab. We haven't seen any numbers yet to see how the lift, programmer, and exhaust have effected mileage, but we'll try to keep you updated.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Time Spent Working: 2 Days
Degree Of Difficulty: Intermediate
Tools Needed:
Assorted wrenches and sockets, Sawzall, torque wrench, grinder, 35mm socket, and some specialized tools are needed when working with torsion bars
Parts Used:
BF Goodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 35x12.50R18 tires
$341 (each)
Diamo DI 8 Karat 20x9-inch wheels
$250 (each)
MBRP Stainless steel filter-back exhaust
$392.29
Rough Country 2500 HD 6-inch suspension lift
$1,295.95
Rough Country tie-rod sleeve upgrade
$35.95
Rough Country Kicker Braces
$89.95
TS Performance Power Play MP8 for LLM Duramax
$445
Total: $4,623.14
(not including tax and labor)
