Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
As I posted earlier, I bit the bullet and purchased a BDS 6" lift. It was installed a couple of days ago and I thought I'd share my first impressions and a few pics.
I can't comment about the ease of installation because I had it done professionally by Eastern Truck Accessories in Norfolk, VA -- nice folks out there. These guys have you come back a week after install to recheck torques and fit and make final tweeks as needed - no additional charge. They also have you come out for an annual "check up" - also free of charge.
The "look" turned out to be exactly what I was trying to accomplish with only two minor exceptions. I think the side bars take away from the look a bit and i am considering replacing them with those Amp automatic steps. I also wish that I had done a bit more research on the wheels - I love the way the XD diesels look, but they stick out a bit further than I expected and I have a feeling that my side paint is going to pay the price if I don't install fender flares.
Driving impressions -- wow -- sits alot of higher than I expected - cool factor a definite "10". No pulling or strange vibrations whatsoever. Ride quality is "good" - no unusual bumpsteer. Wife said she couldn't tell the difference as a passenger. Absorbs road bumps much better than stock. Haven't taken the truck off road, but I don't do anything hardcore -- beach trips/sand, light trails is all this truck will ever see off road. The steering is much more sensitive than I expected -- I figured with such large tires, the steering would be "stiffer" - wrong! I would not describe the sensitive steering as something bad, instead it's just something that i'm having to get used to.
Toyo 37" M/T's -- I am SHOCKED at how quiet these large aggressive tires are -- Big thumbs up on that!
Here's a few pics to share:
STOCK
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Wheel/Tire comparison:
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I can't comment about the ease of installation because I had it done professionally by Eastern Truck Accessories in Norfolk, VA -- nice folks out there. These guys have you come back a week after install to recheck torques and fit and make final tweeks as needed - no additional charge. They also have you come out for an annual "check up" - also free of charge.
The "look" turned out to be exactly what I was trying to accomplish with only two minor exceptions. I think the side bars take away from the look a bit and i am considering replacing them with those Amp automatic steps. I also wish that I had done a bit more research on the wheels - I love the way the XD diesels look, but they stick out a bit further than I expected and I have a feeling that my side paint is going to pay the price if I don't install fender flares.
Driving impressions -- wow -- sits alot of higher than I expected - cool factor a definite "10". No pulling or strange vibrations whatsoever. Ride quality is "good" - no unusual bumpsteer. Wife said she couldn't tell the difference as a passenger. Absorbs road bumps much better than stock. Haven't taken the truck off road, but I don't do anything hardcore -- beach trips/sand, light trails is all this truck will ever see off road. The steering is much more sensitive than I expected -- I figured with such large tires, the steering would be "stiffer" - wrong! I would not describe the sensitive steering as something bad, instead it's just something that i'm having to get used to.
Toyo 37" M/T's -- I am SHOCKED at how quiet these large aggressive tires are -- Big thumbs up on that!
Here's a few pics to share:
STOCK
#adWheel/Tire comparison:
#ad#ad#ad
