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Looks good Mike, simple n clean !

No worries, I spent a lot of time deciding on what to do and found Int hard to decipher 77 pages of opinions. my rears looked like shit as well after one winter and 30k KMs.. I opted for a rear 1" block along with the front level because I tow from time to time and I hate the nose high look with 500# in the pan. Still looks "levelled" and has its function as a truck IMO

Great job with the installs and write ups guys. I've been thinking about this myself for quite some time. Does anyone have any other lighting that would also work for this application, or is rigid the way to go?

It's not suggested to run anything above the stock ride height(lowest setting) on the 5100s with a leveling block installed. 5100s for our truck are adjustable, just not on the fly. They have to be set prior to/during install. You have 3 options; - keep your 2" level and install the 5100s at stock height (no preload) this will be the lowest setting on the shocks, and most likely to give you the best ride quality. - remove the 2" level and install the bilsteins at the highest settings (1.85"), this will be the firmest ride and only net you a small front loss - nothing noticeable. - disregard bilsteins and other forum members advice, and create a combo for the height you're after (please don't do this) Alignment is suggested on either option. Here is a common avenue and forum dealer link - http://www.mrtmotorsports.net/bilstein-shock-sets/bilstein-5100-complete-set/g-82675.aspx You can also search other places for them, based on these part #'s; Front : 24-238304 Rear : 33-238319

I've had similar scenarios. Except bullet number 2 - do you mean it only happens when the engine is at standard operating temp?

Did you consider a rear block guys? For the amount of times I tow, the extra 1" was enough and doesn't kill the look.

The pedal flex fix is very noticeable - hardly "snake oil" when it literally costs $0 . Some trucks are worse than others, adjustable pedals have an impact on it as well. I found with my adjustable pedals in the '14 sierra, the response was 100x better with the pedal all the way extended (putting the most tension and strain on the bracket against the firewall). I'm in a '16 LTZ71 now and have standard pedals so I did the paint stick trick and its comparable to how the sierra was regarding before and after.

That's a little steep for install, I paid $250 ($150 labour, $100 alignment). Shop around next time!

How many more cases are like this? I feel you're onto something that the rest of our dealers don't want to deal with

You mentioned 285 doesn't look wide enough, it's relative to the trucks setup. My trucks about 3.5" higher than stock, more noticeable in person. I agree these trucks are way too low in stock form, that's why I did the mods.

It's all relative to height and offset IMO this is a 285/70/17, Bilstein 5100 all around, 17x9 +6 wheel...no front on shot unfortunately.

I'm in the same boat and I just ordered the rear blocks. The truck sits perfectly level but I need take for towing and hauling. A 2" rear block will give you an extra 1" of lift as the stock block is 1" tall(tapered) Keep this in mind.

I have the softer plastic mudflaps that sit closer to the wheel, so initially they did. I have them pinned to the wheel well carpet and no rubbing, even @ full lock in reverse now. No where close to touching anything else

Recently installed Bilsteins all around set at the top setting, netted ~2" in the front. Sitting near perfectly level but I may opt for the 1" lift in the rear for towing and hauling purposes. Wheel/tire combo is 285/70/17 Cooper MTP's on 17x9+6 Pro-Comp 83 Series/Vapor Very happy with the ride/stance/response and look. The truck feels very stable in all conditions but still a little bouncy in the front (attributed mostly to the tires and PSI)

The difference is night and day. I slipped a small wood shim behind and between the left side and bottom bolts, took it for a drive without even thinking... backed out of the drive way and nearly chirped the tires with the standard amount of throttle to get going. thanks to the OP!

~2" lift. I think I'm going to do the 1" rear lift as well, any weight and she tends to look like a pig with her nose up

ahhhh! makes sense now. I knew I was missing something ahah

'16 CC SB LT Z71, Bilstein 5100's all around, top setting in the front, 285/70/17 cooper discoverer MTP's on 17x9 +6 pro comp wheels

Beautiful truck and setup. I have a fairly similar setup you said -12 on 17x9? Looks a little less than that to me. I almost think mine pokes a little more and im 17x9 +6 with 285's. I guess the 0.5" makes the difference. I'll post a pic