Donstar

I like a bit of a rake as well for functionality and looks. I also like a bit of height in the front of a 4x4. A little lift (1.5 - 2") of the front end won't reduce your load carrying ability or necessarily cause your truck to squat. If you want to maximize the lift from a level kit (2.5" - 3") and maintain load carrying integrity then rear blocks will be a solution.

You are right that this is "interesting". It is a matter of personal preference and the positioning of your vehicle. Unless you can afford some "trial and error" installs then I recommend more investigation. My wife doesn't always share my "priorities" so I want to get it right the first time! I would go with a 2.5" level if I was adding a 2" block to the rear. (I believe stock block is 1.25"). I would only go this high if I was going to go to 33" tires. I was set (until yesterday) on a 1.5" level with and a slightly over stock tire size. My dealer currently has a truck in the showroom with a 2" bottom of strut spacer and upgraded stock size tires. To me, this is a perfect look! It looks great without my neighbours thinking I'm going through a late mid-life crises!

There is a lot of information and opinions on this forum regarding your question. I believe that if you level your truck so that the top of the front and rear wheel wells are equal distance to the ground your truck will look nose high.

Sometimes the little modifications make a difference. Today I installed a gm tailgate mat to save me from lifting objects over the gate onto the mat. It was inexpensive and an easy install.

I believe you are correct in your understanding of 2" and lower levels, "for it to matter as far as premature wear is concerned". A member responded, "That isn't true" which is another perspective. My understanding (opinion) is that the lower levels of one to two inches have your suspension components working at adjusted angles but are within the safe operating limits of the suspension components. Ball joints will wear eventually in a completely stock truck just as they will with a small spacer kit or levelling shock. We usually don't own our trucks long enough to see this. My understanding of the 2.5 and higher lifts is that you are reaching the maximum flexibility of your suspension components and anything other than smooth road surfaces will cause parts to exceed their maximum designed tolerances. In my inquiries on this topic I have come across people in the business who will discourage any type of lift or level and are often equipped with some good horror stories. In shops where they do levels and lifts I have consistently been assured that I won't experience abnormal stress on stock components with a level under 2 inches. After reading and asking about this modification for the past several months I am going with a 1.5 level and am confident my suspension will remain as durable as stock.

When you are comparing identical brand tires the 275 will be wider than the 265. I have noticed variations between tire brands and styles in looks and actual measurements. You might create a wider look on the 265 with a smaller aspect (height) but it is still 10 mm narrower than a 275.

This is a great picture. I was under the impression that a level up to 2.5 inches was safe. Your picture shows a very unnatural angle from your UCLA to your knuckle. This is what you would expect it to look like while your wheel is falling into a deep pothole! I would like to see before and after pictures of various level/lift modifications. Would a 1.5 inch look "more natural" and a 3 inch look worse?

This is an ideal combination of lift and tire size in my opinion! Nice truck!

These tires would probably fit without a level.

Thanks! I was looking at pictures of early 1960's GM pickups and they have larger and more colourful V6 emblems on the front fenders. I was tempted to find and refinish a pair, but the new body style wont accommodate a similar placement.

Champagne taste on a beer budget but still proud of what I have!

Bilstein's also offer up to 2.75" but this depends on application (brand of truck). On our trucks they are good to 1.85". I think you will find the Summit's claim also depends on application.

If you go to the next lower setting on the Bilstein, would that make a difference?

I have wondered about re-sale. My trade-ins usually get top dollar because they are in well maintained original condition. I know additions like push bars or headache racks generally don't enhance value to the seller or buyer but I can see where alterations to the suspension could hurt a potential sale. I think if I was looking for a used truck, I would pass on those with spacers and modifications to the front suspension. However, I might be inclined to look closely at a truck with upgraded shocks. I understand that levelling shocks put no less of a strain on your suspension than a 2" spacer kit but appear more as a maintenance item than a modification. (IMO)

The lift will not affect your speedo. If you put on larger diameter tires as a result of the lift, then your speedo will be affected.

No, it was simply a statement that this is the way that they do a level. He sounded quite authoritative and confident. I assume there must be a reason other than a cash grab. He readily gave a price to level with spacers and had the Bilsteins in stock if I wanted them as well.

PM sent. I was visiting the Houston area last week and called a local 4Wheel store to inquire about Bilstein levelling shocks. The person I spoke to said they recommend using spacers with Bilsteins set at the bottom (stock) setting. This really struck me as "overkill" but I assumed he knew what he was talking about. All I want at this time is a 1.5" or 1.85" front lift with no negative impact on my suspension. Ideally, I would like this to be an improvement in function as well as looks!

The price you have quoted for a set of four shocks is close to the price quoted for one front 5100 from my dealership!! Has anyone reading tried ordering from British Columbia? If so, what was the final cost?

This is the kit that my gm dealer sells and recommends. I don't want to go this high but the fact that my Dealer stocks them tells me that they are a safe buy! I do like the two piece aspect.

Thanks for your response. I am beginning to realize that if the only benefit to levelling shocks is improving an already great ride then the extra cost of the shocks could be put to better uses! The manner in which these shocks actually lift your vehicle is no apparent improvement over spacers.

Great pictures and great looking truck in both! I appreciate the pictures being in the same setting for an accurate comparison! I do like the looks of a 1.5 " to 2" level and will hopefully be doing the same in a short time. My dilemma is choosing between leveling spacers or levelling shocks and am wondering what factors most influenced your choice.

I appreciate all of the great information being provided. I want to check my understanding further. When comparing a 1.5" lift by Bilstein to a 1.5" spacer lift, there should be no difference in potential for extra wear on joints or damage from overextended stock components. As I understand, they both extend the coil over shock assembly creating similar new angles and changes to the stock components. Bilstein's design addresses potential issues with up and down travel and is a better quality shock absorber.

Well stated response. I have read this article several times and am aware that there is potential for bias in favour of the product being sold. However, it does make sense and if it wasn't for comments in this (and similar threads) bashing ride quality at the higher settings, it would be a no brainer for me too!

I do understand the merits of an improvement in dampening but my stock black shocks provide an excellent ride for my purposes. Bilsteins may be a viable option if I was looking to replace worn shock absorbers and level at the same time but the varying opinions on the impact of preload is still a concern.

I am trying to justify purchasing Bilstein or Pro Runner SS levelling shocks when I visit the Houston area at the end of the month (much less expensive than where I live). However, I am not finding compelling arguments that support levelling shocks over bottom of the strut spacers. Another forum member (GMC-AT) has expressed his preference for 1.5" bottom strut spacers on different threads. I would prefer a level that improved function as well as appearance but can't afford to experiment!