Leveling Kit w/ gas mileage expectations

[Bloomtarheel]

Hi everyone. I am new to the forum. I have a 2014 Silverado 4x4 4.3 V6. I want to install a 2.5 inch RC leveling kit. I plan to go with a 285/65/18 or 275/70/18 mud terrain tire. Can anyone with this similiar set up give me advice on the gas mileage expectations and what they are currently getting? I am averaging around 18 city/ 21 highway now. Thanks for your help.

[newdude]

I think the tires will hurt more than the level. I just leveled my 12, no lower air dam, I seem to have lost about .5mpg.

[Bloomtarheel]

I think the tires will hurt more than the level. I just leveled my 12, no lower air dam, I seem to have lost about .5mpg.

I can live with that. What I cannot live with is losing 3-5 mpg.

[white1500]

You're willingly throwing away thousands of dollars in "mods" but dont want to take a 2-3mpg hit? Honestly I don't know whether to laugh or feel bad.

[20Denali22]

I can live with that. What I cannot live with is losing 3-5 mpg.

I lost 3 mpg putting 275-70-18's on my truck without a level alone. There Nitto Terra grapplers

[14sierra4x4]

Your tires are going to cause most of the decrease. I Put 275/70/18 cooper st maxx and moto metal wheels with 2.5 level. Averaging about 13.8 mostly city the past 900 miles since wheel/tire setup was put on. Before this I think I was at 15.5 mostly city all stock at about 3500 miles. Mine is a V8 4x4 CCSB.

[Spurshot]

Hi everyone. I am new to the forum. I have a 2014 Silverado 4x4 4.3 V6. I want to install a 2.5 inch RC leveling kit. I plan to go with a 285/65/18 or 275/70/18 mud terrain tire. Can anyone with this similiar set up give me advice on the gas mileage expectations and what they are currently getting? I am averaging around 18 city/ 21 highway now. Thanks for your help.

 

Your engine size will struggle with a 33-34" tire. The truck will be a dog and likely burn gas like a '69 396 Impala.

[Bloomtarheel]

I appreciate all the information. I am just trying to decide whether the look is rewarding enough to lose significant mpg's. I am trying to gauge what other members are getting with a similiar setup. My drive to and from Fort Knox is a straight forward highway so I probably won't lose much.

[VMaxtastic]

My mileage didn't change much with a 2.5 level and 33's. Also removed the air dam. It's been consistently not very good.

[BlueWrapper]

 

Your engine size will struggle with a 33-34" tire. The truck will be a dog and likely burn gas like a '69 396 Impala.

 

That's what I was thinking. Bigger tires on a V6 is probably gonna be bigger hit on MPG than a V8.

 

Especially mudterrains.

[white1500]

I just noticed that you have a V6 so I would definitely just leave the truck alone, that engine is for cruising around in stock mode IMO. If you have bigger dreams get a bigger engine with proper gearing.

[nando87]

I lost about 3mph with a 2" level and removal of the air dam, that's with a 5.3 and 275/65/18" Mud tires.

[Bloomtarheel]

I just noticed that you have a V6 so I would definitely just leave the truck alone, that engine is for cruising around in stock mode IMO. If you have bigger dreams get a bigger engine with proper gearing.

Did not want the 5.3 because I do alot of highway traveling back and forth from Ft Knox to Ft Bragg. The 4.3 is adequately powered IMO.

[surebuttercringe]

Did not want the 5.3 because I do alot of highway traveling back and forth from Ft Knox to Ft Bragg. The 4.3 is adequately powered IMO.

 

Adequately powered until you level it and put mud terrains on. If you want the best of both worlds, I would suggest the level, a light all terrain tire like the BF Goodrich Rugged Terrain (in 275 form, less contact patch) and keep the front valance. That way you at least get some of the looks, but don't take near as a big of hit in the mpg.

[Spurshot]

Increased tire diameter is a big killer of mileage. Of course wider tires increase rolling resistance as well. Keep the diameter stock or less than an inch increase and you'll preserve your mileage. It all adds up.