2020+ GM 2500 6.5" Lift Kit | How To Install

Follow along with Cody as he shows you how to install our 6.5" Suspension system on this 2021 GMC 2500 AT4. This System features
Get your suspension system here: bds-suspension...
Based around the tried and true high clearance technology that has made BDS the go to for GM suspension lifts, these systems have been designed from the ground up for the 2020 HDs to get the more out of these trucks with the most ground clearance on the market. This new 6.5" lift systems are the first of many new BDS options to come available for the new trucks bringing you on road comfort, off-road capability and clearance for 37-38" tires. While some companies build "kits" to fit larger tires, BDS Suspension prides itself in engineering complete suspension systems designed to take your vehicle's performance to the next level while retaining OE-level functionality.
At the heart of this new 6.5" systems BDS utilizes a pair of 1/4" thick laser cut high clearance crossmembers to maximize clearance and provide a solid mounting point for the OE lower control arms. These paired with the heavy duty front skid plate create a rigid subframe while adding protection for vital steering and driveline components. In place of the factory steering knuckles are a pair of specially designed ductile iron replacement steering knuckles are supplied to maintain proper steering geometry for ESC system compatibility. The front differential is repositioned with BDS's multipoint relocation bracket system to secure the front differential to keep CV axle angles at a minimum. To help maximaze clearance a pair of torsion bar relocations brackets are supplied to mount to the lower control arms to retain the factory high clearance frame mounted crossmember. A pair of BDS-branded sway bar drop brackets used to correct the operating angle of the factory sway bar along with extended length braided stainless steel brake lines. Rounding out the front of this kit are FOX 2.0 performance series IFP shocks.
In the rear of this 6.5" lift system 5" lift blocks and longer u-bolts to lift and level the stance. Also included, BDS supplies brake line and ABS line relocation brackets allow the use of factory brake lines. Lastly a matching set of FOX 2.0 performance series IFP shocks are supplied to compliment the front setup. All kits come finished in a durable textured black powdercoat and sent with all hardware packs to complete the install along with step-by-step installation instructions. All BDS kits include Factory Protection Plus for the ultimate extended warranty to include BDS's No Fine Print Warranty, ESC system compatibility and a 5year-100mile drivetrain warranty to match the dealer. Improve the look and capability of your 2020 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500HD truck with this new 6.5" lift system from BDS Suspension.
Tire & Wheel Combinations
37x12.50 w/17x9 and 4.5" - 4.625" back spacing
37x12.50 w/18x9 and 4.5" - 4.625" back spacing
38x13.50 w/20x9 or 22x9 and 5.5" - 6.18" back spacing
Trimming may be required

[@wipatriot510]

The inherent problem in lifting is that IF you put on bigger tires, you need to do a gear change as well, things go hand in hand, and without the gear change, the bigger tires you put on, the worse the vehicle drives... Having said that, I had my 2002 GMC 2500HD(Duramax) lifted with a 4.5" BDS coilover kit, up to and including brand new 5" leafsprings and dual steering stabilizers...with 35's, the gearing was set to 4.28's with a Detroit locker in the rear, and a Detroit TruTrac in the front...

[@lawman8877]

You don't need a different gear with thus truck it make almost 1k torque

[@wipatriot510]

@@lawman8877 I can see that you're absolutely clueless... The REASON you do a gear change, especially on a diesel is to keep the engine in prime rpm operating range...has NOTHING to do with "torque" or "horsepower"...

[@lawman8877]

@wipatriot510 oh I'm not clueless at all going from a 34 inch to a 37 inch tire in the new 10 speed trucks literally drops you less then 100rpm at 60.

[@carlitos5876]

Who else watched the entire video just cuz you plan on someday owning a 2500 Sierra and installing the lift kit yourself? 😂

[@684boibeast6]

BDS is Hardcore heavy duty Metals 🤙🏼🤙🏼❤️ Great video

[@Stirohkah]

Nice work. This man is a suspension god.

[@benlangley2910]

Mate you are a good fitter and explain the job really well

[@greg21332133]

Damm that’s a good video. I’d let this guy work on my truck anytime

[@Zukster87]

Like all the Videos and content would like a Side by Side of Before and After Each build

[@RandomStuff-zt6qf]

I really want this but I need to still be able to tow our fifth wheel RV

[@MrChevySrh]

2 questions for ya. Any reason you don't just remove the caliper completely since you're replacing brake lines anyway? Then, is there a reason you don't just remove the spindle completely before removing the wheel bearing? Starting mine in the morning and just curious.

[@bret9741]

Man… I wish I had a two or 4 post lift.

[@eddier9921]

Can you do an install video for a 16-18 Silverado 4x4???

[@jamesnolan1673]

Me still looking for my 36mm socket

[@olivares32688]

I did lift added 37” tires but when I hit crack or dips steering wheels shakes or kicks to one side should I add stabilizer shock or adjust gear box?

[@catoctinvalleyinsurancemik1281]

Can the torsion bars be adjusted a bit after installation to get the desired height? PS- my truck rides amazing with the 6.5" lift and Fox resi shocks

[@bdssuspension]

It can, the torsion bar keys can be loaded/unloaded a bit to dial in ride height. The kit components are designed to correct steering-suspension-driveline geometry at 5-6.5" of lift.

[@Jc-bo1uu]

There is one thing I don’t see you guys doing. You guys do not talk about the pinion angle on the front and rear differential.

[@Hawkin54]

Looks like the bump stop is going to ride on or at least not much distance for drop. How does this affect ride quality.

[@justinlogue7776]

How important is the inner seal on the knuckle? I noticed they were still my stick knuckles when cleaning up the garage. I’ve driven about 1k miles since I picked the truck after the install.

[@joseramos7476]

Good work

[@rosaguzman8004]

buen trabajo

[@jimbrazier7085]

Cody Im think of doing this on a 06 GMC 2500hd Sierra. Big backup in Georgia where the Coil over and shocks come from right now. Do you see any problems for the 06 install?

[@justinlogue7776]

Not sure I’m comment is showing up. How important is the inner seal on the knuckle? I noticed that my stock knuckles both had the inner seal still in them. I was picking up the garage and happen to notice it. I have put about 1k miles on the truck since the lift was installed. Contacted the shop to see if they used different seals or what they would say but they definitely did not swap over the inner seals. Also, is the bracket only on the passenger side for the abs lines or is on both driver and passenger?

[@bdssuspension]

Hey Justin, Contact our customer service/tech support team for assistance. You can reach them at [phone] or

[@matthewkirkland6497]

First I need a bigger garage without Christmas decorations and a lift 😂 or no wife and no rugrats

[@mikehopkins6981]

You guys gota be kidding me lol

[@juanfonseca9294]

Minute 33:21 of the video where can I get those torsion key brackets ? TIA

[@bdssuspension]

They're included in our kits, contact our sales team for more info [phone]

[@markevans3710]

Q: does the front knuckle push out front wheel track wider than the rear?

[@bdssuspension]

nope, zero track width change when lifting the 11-19 HD and 20+ HD trucks.

[@setaocb]

Where is this shop located? Is it open to the public for BDS installs?

[@bdssuspension]

This is part of our R&D facility and is not open to the public. However, if you visit our website we have a section called vehicles wanted, where we recruit customer rigs for testing new model lift systems here!

[@elonmust7470]

you have to cut? Unacceptable.

[@bdssuspension]

Due to the design of the factory suspension/driveline geometry if you intend to use the driveshaft the rear crossmember must be cut (removed) and is replaced with a drop crossmember designed to allow sufficient driveshaft clearance. This is the case with all lift kits over 3" for these trucks. If you don't want to cut a 2-3" lift kit is your best option. He have this option available bds-suspension.com/product?kid=760FS