Hello All,
First off, I want to say thank you to everyone on this forum, for all your research, information and pictures. It made my effort on the modification on my truck much easier. I have taken many pictures and tried to get as much details about before/after in ride height and fuel mileage for everyone. I hope this helps everyone who is looking at doing the same. My truck had an almost 4” rake before the level, which drove me nuts and the low ground clearance in front, were the main reasons I added the level and larger tires. Absolutely love the way the truck came out, would do it again in a heartbeat.
2014 GMC Sierra Crew Cab SLT All Terrain 5.3L Short Bed
Level Kit - Pro Comp 2.25” level
Tires - 275/60/20 BFG A/T KO2s
RIDE HEIGHT
Before (measured from the ground through the center of the tire to the wheel well):
Front - 36”
Rear - 39 ¾”
After (same measurement technique):
Front - 38 ¾”
Rear - 39 ¾”
Pro Comp 2.25” Level Front end only (nothing done to the rear). I went with this kit instead of the RC 2.5” because it seems to be of a slightly higher quality material and I didn’t know if that additional .25” would make it look too tall with 275/60s.
I measured multiple times before to ensure accuracy, as well as multiple times after. Yes, I thought was a little odd that the rear didn’t come up since the new tires were just over a full inch taller, but seems this isn’t the only case. Front came up exactly 2.25” + 0.5”. I adjusted the headlights slightly after because they ran a little high, easy adjustment.
RIDE QUALITY
Before the level kit and tires, this truck rides great, especially for this large of a truck. It was incredible quiet and surprisingly soft. After the level kit and tires, there is a very noticeable stiffness in the front end now. By no means is it too stiff, but coming from how soft the stock truck is, its a much firmer ride. (I have gotten use to it since the initial drive from the shop). I am sure this is a combo of the level kit and tires. Being a firmer ride, I would argue that the truck actually handles turns better now with the firmer setup.
Sound - The level kit I wouldn’t imagine would have any difference in road noise, maybe wind noise as it sits higher, but with the new KO2s, you can hear a little bit of a buzz on the highway over stock (stock tires are incredibly quiet). Most people would not even notice, especially if the music is on.
Acceleration - These new tires (BFG A/T KO2s 275/60/20) are much heavier than the stock Goodyear Wrangler SR-A (275/55/20), and you notice it immediately. Again, nothing you won’t get use to with time, but right after they were put on, accelerating off the line it is noticeable that these tires are in the range of +16lbs per tire. This plays into MPG below.
MPG
Before I was in the range of 17 CIty and 22 Hwy. After the level and tires, I am in the 15 City and 21 Hwy. When I am going just around town in traffic, it can easily be in the 14 mpg range. On the highway, I haven’t noticed that big of a difference each drive is a little different and it’s in the 0-2mpg range. (Don’t have many really flat hwys where I am)
TIRES
Had the stock Goodyear Wrangler SR-A (275/55/20) previously and they are great highway tire, but terrible off road and in bad weather. I wanted to go with a good all terrain tire that I can take off road, use in the snow and still be on an everyday truck. I was originally going to go with the 275/65/20 KO2s but were out of stock and it would take 3 months to arrive, and I was getting a super deal, so I went with what they had in stock, 275/60/20. The shop I went to said there is a small chance the 65s would rub a little with the Pro Comp 2.25” level, so I decided to play it safe, and cheaper with the 60s. (Plus the 65s would be even heavier and higher load rating) They fit VERY easily, not even close to rubbing anywhere. I will probably go with the 65 series when these wear out for a little extra height and the look. So far I have had them on city, hwy, snow and light off road, and they have been great.