Leveling The 2010 Sierra All Terrain

jerryk · October 5, 2010

I'm researching leveling my 2010 All Terrain and I'm stumped. Looking at the different kits I see some kits have horseshoe shaped spacers that go under the shocks, ala RC, some have circular shaped spacers that go over the shocks and some kits have both. What are the differences? Is one style easier to install than the other? Does either affect ride, handling, etc. less than the other? Does either style create excessive wear on the original components? Is either style more favorable for the All Terrain? What would be the best size for the All Terrain? What is the max tire after leveling, without further mods?

Whew, that's a lot of questions!

Thanks much

Jerry

stlavsa · October 5, 2010

Dont take this the wrong way I asked the same questions a few years ago, but the questions you just asked are without a doubt the most common questions found in this suspension modifcations forum.

There is a vast amount of knowledge, how-tos, reviews, and much more. Just type leveling kit into the search feature and you will find everything you need to know. You might even be able to find a used kit for sale on here for $25-30 bucks... My point being the search feature is your friend.

Real quick, general consensus on here will say get the RC.. i used to have it, its fine. Neither style wear more than the other, its the amount of level that increases the wear, stick with 2". Biggest tire to clear completely is 285/65/18 or equivalent in 17 or 20".

Sometimes people worry too much about their leveling kits, but in reality they are all just leveling kits if you stick to 2" you have nothing to worry about. Just order it, put it on, and be happy.

stlavsa · October 5, 2010

Maybe if we had a sticky made of a topic for this topic, and the "whats the best lift kit" posts people would benefit and wouldnt even have to do a search.

Stevens03 · October 5, 2010

Your 2010 has front struts, so the easiest way to lift the front end is with a spacer. For about $49 bucks or less, you can put a 2" RC leveling kit on the front for a near level look. It does NOT change the ride quality because you care just "extending" the strut to be taller. Installation is done in about 45 minutes.

There are several types that lift, but this is by far the easiest.

jerryk · October 5, 2010

Dont take this the wrong way I asked the same questions a few years ago, but the questions you just asked are without a doubt the most common questions found in this suspension modifcations forum.

There is a vast amount of knowledge, how-tos, reviews, and much more. Just type leveling kit into the search feature and you will find everything you need to know. You might even be able to find a used kit for sale on here for $25-30 bucks... My point being the search feature is your friend.

Real quick, general consensus on here will say get the RC.. i used to have it, its fine. Neither style wear more than the other, its the amount of level that increases the wear, stick with 2". Biggest tire to clear completely is 285/65/18 or equivalent in 17 or 20".

Sometimes people worry too much about their leveling kits, but in reality they are all just leveling kits if you stick to 2" you have nothing to worry about. Just order it, put it on, and be happy.

Steve,

I have done some searching and came to the conclusion that the RC is the most popular. What I haven't seen is anyone debating the over the strut vs. the under the strut. Seems the over the strut is quite a bit more expensive also.

Stevens03 · October 5, 2010

Actually it has been debated. Over is harder, under is easier.

stlavsa · October 5, 2010

Actually it has been debated. Over is harder, under is easier.

I agree with him on this too. Either way; over or under is essentially the same thing, just adding a spacer to the strut. Its just easier to install the under strut kit.

zcs626 · October 6, 2010

2" RC kit is like $69 off their website + shipping.

mxdirtrider56 · October 6, 2010

Maybe if we had a sticky made of a topic for this topic, and the "whats the best lift kit" posts people would benefit and wouldnt even have to do a search.

Agreed there should be a stick. Although, I doubt it will do much goods because most noobs won't read it and will continue to post these types of questions all over the forums in places like engine modifications. This post wasn't directed at the OP by the way.

stlavsa · October 6, 2010

Maybe if we had a sticky made of a topic for this topic, and the "whats the best lift kit" posts people would benefit and wouldnt even have to do a search.

Agreed there should be a stick. Although, I doubt it will do much goods because most noobs won't read it and will continue to post these types of questions all over the forums in places like engine modifications. This post wasn't directed at the OP by the way.

Yes this is definately true, but instead of telling people to search, they can be told to refer to the sticky!

I guess my real point is we have that dumb pimp your pride thread postd at the top thats been there for atleast 3 years and its only got 3 total pages. The sticky for Lift Kit and the sticky for Leveling kit would be much more effective than that!! I mean really.. a sticky about lowered trucks? Thats about as useless as a snooze button on a smoke alarm.

mxdirtrider56 · October 7, 2010

Maybe if we had a sticky made of a topic for this topic, and the "whats the best lift kit" posts people would benefit and wouldnt even have to do a search.

+1

Agreed there should be a stick. Although, I doubt it will do much goods because most noobs won't read it and will continue to post these types of questions all over the forums in places like engine modifications. This post wasn't directed at the OP by the way.

Yes this is definately true, but instead of telling people to search, they can be told to refer to the sticky!

I guess my real point is we have that dumb pimp your pride thread postd at the top thats been there for atleast 3 years and its only got 3 total pages. The sticky for Lift Kit and the sticky for Leveling kit would be much more effective than that!! I mean really.. a sticky about lowered trucks? Thats about as useless as a snooze button on a smoke alarm.

ATXSerria · October 8, 2010

I guess my real point is we have that dumb pimp your pride thread postd at the top thats been there for atleast 3 years and its only got 3 total pages. The sticky for Lift Kit and the sticky for Leveling kit would be much more effective than that!! I mean really.. a sticky about lowered trucks? Thats about as useless as a snooze button on a smoke alarm.

x 100,000,000

stlavsa · October 8, 2010

I guess my real point is we have that dumb pimp your pride thread postd at the top thats been there for atleast 3 years and its only got 3 total pages. The sticky for Lift Kit and the sticky for Leveling kit would be much more effective than that!! I mean really.. a sticky about lowered trucks? Thats about as useless as a snooze button on a smoke alarm.

x 100,000,000

not lookin good for a sticky

AThomas7782 · October 8, 2010

To get a sticky, someone is going to have to put in the time and effort to put together a well-written, thought out thread with the various levels and lifts with pros, cons, and descriptions of how they're installed. Now, we just have to find someone to do it.

Wingnut · October 12, 2010

To get a sticky, someone is going to have to put in the time and effort to put together a well-written, thought out thread with the various levels and lifts with pros, cons, and descriptions of how they're installed. Now, we just have to find someone to do it.

Came in here to say this.

If somebody were to write up a sticky-worthy thread, I'd be happy to sticky the sucker.

I see no significant advantages or disadvantages for either, other than price maybe. If somebody would like to ship me an under-the-strut 2" kit for free, I might be persuaded to make it myself...As I just bought the 2" over-the-strut kit. I could install both of them and take pics.