Mark Scannura

I did research this and that's why I was asking for opinions here. Since then, I've decided no spacers for the reasons you mention and others. I've got new wheels on the way.

I need to either get all new wheels or use a 1 inch spacer. I'm adding a level kit that requires this because of the new UCAs. Its a 2022 GMC 1500 4x4 crew cab with the GM 2inch factory lift that has the 20x9 275/60/20 OE set up. I want to stick to the 20x9 and same rubber size. For the level kit I need to get to 5.75 back spacing. Any thoughts on spacers? I've never used them.

I have a 2022 SLT 4x4 crew cab short bed with the X31. I test drove one without the X31 and I thought the ride was mushy and not in a good way at all. Mushy not to be confused with plush. I also had the dealer install the 2-inch GM factory lift so it's the same as the AT4/TB. I like the ride even better. The on road experience is great. Its smooth, controlled and quiet. I kept the OE 275/60/20 wheels and Dueler ATs (barley at AT) P rated tires. This is a very road compliant set up. You can hear a pin drop inside this truck at 70. Of course, off road this set up has its limits but it's just okay for what I do. I am looking to upgrade the struts and shocks to address the off-road short comings of the OE dampers but I will keep the OE wheels and tire size. Wheels/tires have a huge impact on ride quality.

This is worth a view concerning clunking noises with the Bilstein 5100s on the GM 1500. This guy found the problem and a solution for what he was experiencing. I agree with Gangly, a 1 inch lift on a stock 1500 does not need new/mod UCAs. I also can't see a need for the CVs used on the AT4/TB. 1 inch should be well within those design limits. I think the issue is mostly likely with loose hardware mounts, bolts, etc some place up front since it seems to appear while in a turn. Check this out.

How has this worked out so far? I'm curious on the new UCAs. Since you only went up 2.5 on the front, do you think the new UCA was a requirement? We know the stock UCA can take a 2 inch lift no issue and I think that can be stretched to 2.5 and still be inside the original design margin. Was caster an issue for alignment with the new UCA?

Best to follow the advice of new UCAs when front leveling up an AT4/TB even if it's only adding .5 over the factory 2. As I believe has already been said here, the AT4/TB use the same UCA as the non-AT4/TB so GM is using those inside the design margin, but with that extra lift its always better to play it safe. Too many guys are experiencing UCA ball joint failures after leveling up the AT4/TB when keeping the stock UCAs. Those new after-market UCAs for the AT4/TB exist for a really good reason. Not to mention the new UCA will also address the caster alignment issues that may plague an AT4/TB after leveling up.

Quote from ReadyLift in writing: "We don't suggest 4wd auto to be used " This was in reference to a list of questions I wrote them on the 1.75 AT4/Trail Boss level kit. That kit includes new UCAs. Congnito and BDS both told me same about their level kits.

Did you ever get that kit?

Did you ever go with that Cognito 1 inch Performance level kit?

Do you run the Nexen ATX on your truck and if so what truck?

Yes. 2 inch blocks on the rear for the AT4 and Trail Boss as well same with the dealer kit.

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4x4 3.0 with the factory 2 inch lift installed by the dealer. The parts used to lift are exactly the same as the AT4 and Trail Boss. Even with that lift its very easy to get in and out of because of the running boards.

Looking for some input on this. I have a 2022 Sierra 1500 limited SLT 4x4 crew with the 3.0. I'm looking at either a BDS 3.5 lift/level kit or the Cognito 3.0 lift/level. The BDS kit (772FDSC) is 2.5 block lift rear and 3.5 coil over front using Fox 2.5 PE up front and Fox 2.0 on the rear. The Cognito kit (210-P1137) uses Elka 2.0 front coil over & rear shock. Both kits come with mod UCAs. The BDS kit cost about $1k more than the BDS and that cost dif is driven by the more expensive 2.5 Fox coil over upfront vs Cognito at a 2.0. Both manufacturers say I can stick with my EO wheels and tire size. BDS was not convincing on the phone, more like a strong "you should" be able. Cognito was more of an absolute YES you can. The stock setup is a 275-60-20 (33x10.8). That said, one local dealer/installer said I cannot use those stock wheel/tires with the BDS another tells me I can. So here are the questions: 1. Any experience with either of these kits on a 2019-2022 GM? How's the street ride compared to stock and what did you do with wheels/tires? 2. Any other kits you would suggest in the net 3 or 3.5 lift range? 3. Anything else you think I should consider on the subject of lifting/leveling this truck? Thanks!

AT4 with the Carbon Pro package.

The truck looks great.

There's a correct way and all sorts of 1/2 azz other ways to lift/level a truck. You touch one thing on these suspensions, it changes geometry, and if that change has not been proof test-designed, you are asking for trouble. As an example, we read all day long about guys sticking spacers in the front struts, torsion keys, etc to level up the nose and nearly as many writing about the catastrophic front-end failures from doing that. Some of the makers of these spacers write in the instructions not to use the AWD mode. Like... WTH does that tell you?? But guys will justify doing it because the AWD mode is a just a **** mode anyway.

To properly lift/level up the 2019+ 1500 Are you looking to just level the front up or are you looking to lift & level the truck up (back & front) say 2 or 2.5 inches from stock?

I have a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited SLT 3.0 Crew Cab 4x4 and the dealer installed that GM factory 2 inch lift kit. Its 100% same components that give the AT4 & Trail Boss lift. In my opinion now, I would not go that route. Spend $2.5k and go with the Cognito 3 inch kit or $3.5k for the BDS 3.5 inch kit. Both kits are 100% complete with everything needed to lift & level front to back. It cost more but I'm now looking at taking off the cheap GM/Ranchos for either the Cognito/Elkas or the BDS/Fox set up. Its the best way to lift and level this truck (without going taller) and comes with new UCAs and high-quality shocks on all 4. Pro install for these kits runs about $900 including alignment. Food for thought. The truck as is has a great street ride but off road its...well... lacking proper damping and front travel. The nose down rake I hate and both kits I noted will eliminate the rake as well according to both Cognito and BDS, I can run the EO stock wheel/tires 275-60-20. I've spent months reserahcing this, Youtube, online rags and talking to both authorized distributors/installers and the manufacture Techline. Hope this helps.