2002 Sierra On 33" Tires And Leveling Kit

[the.new.captain]

Hey guys, first time sierra owner, its a z71 ext cab. I have a few classic mustangs and this is my new daily, but i want to do a few things as all car guys do. I searched and searched for pictures of a RC leveling kit with 33" tires, with no luck. does anyone here have this set up that wouldnt mind sharing some pics? I plan on ordering the kit within the next week or two, along with a bunch of other stuff for the truck as it is BONE stock right now.

 

 

PS - i know im a new guy and i KNOW your gonna tell me search harder... so im ready to get flamed

[dirtfan21]

Well... first off welcome! The typical RC 2" kit you read about on here will not work with your '02 silvy. The new 1500 trucks are coil over front suspension and use a spacer at the bottom of the strut to level.

 

Your truck can be leveled by cranking the Torsion bars or installing "keys" which does escentially the same thing. I had a 2000 silverado and needed a 3" body lift and all the cranking the T-bars had to clear 33x12.50's. Now if you just want a 33" tall tire you could most likely get away with a 285/xx/xx by just cranking the bars a bit.

 

If you crank them at all, get an alignment afterwards. Also, the more cranking the more stress on parts.

[mxdirtrider56]

Look at my truck in my signature. I have the Rough Country 1.5-2" kit. The kit is torsion keys, it is the same kit you would install on your 2002 Sierra Z71. I have 285/70/17 BF Goodrich all-terrains, which is a 33" tire. No rubbing, plenty of room for the tires. I installed the Rough Country nitro 9000 series shocks in the front for 2" of lift and have been very happy.

[mxdirtrider56]

Here are a few other pics. I'd be happy to take some more pics if it will help you with your decision.

 

 

[2003tahoe_5.3]

I have 33s and all did was crank the torsion bars. Gave me all the clearance i needed to run the bigger tires in the front. My Tahoe was bigger stock than most other trucks anyways. It never made sense to me, but hey it is what it is. Good luck

[Georgebaumann]

i have a 2002 gmc sierra 4x4 with a 3in bl and a 2in suspension lift sitting on 35s or 315 80 16 if this helps any and heres my dads truck with a 3in bl sitting on 33s or 285 75 16

[the.new.captain]

awesome guys, thanks for the responses and pics! it is much appreciated!! the more i read the more i lean towards either getting a leveling kit and BL... or saving for a 4 or 6 inch kit... i know if i go with a 35" tire, i will have to regear correct?? honestly, the 2000 cherokee with 6 inches of lift and 33" tires i used to drive made the tires look bigger, i may be happier with 35" tires on this truck... i just want to lift the truck ONCE and have it done right the first time instead of buying 33" tires and not being happy with them, and having to replace them...

 

Oh, and nice trucks BTW guys... ill get some pics up of my truck tomorrow for a starting point of what it looks like now, I have only had it for three days and i cant stop reading and looking at aftermarket for it!! my summer cars have new competition in the garage haha

[Georgebaumann]

hahaha good luck with your truck im trying to get a 6in suspension lift for mine w/ my 3in to fit like a 37 or 38in tire

[the.new.captain]

have you re-geared??? shits addicting i know, im supposed to be buying the last parts to finish my fully restored 67 mustang so it can get paint... and then start my fox body drag car which is DONE, but not the way i want it... and now im gonna be blowing dough on the truck!! haha

 

oh well, no harm in having a nice truck to pull the toys around!!

[Blue_Z71]

What gears does your '02 have, Captain? My '06 Z had 4.10's stock, so when I went up to 35's, I didn't need to swap gears. I have a 2" level, 3" body lift, and 35x12.50x17 BFG KM2's.

 

Before:

 

After:

[mxdirtrider56]

I gotta say I usually don't like the look of trucks with body lifts, but Nate I think your truck looks really good.

[Blue_Z71]

Thank ya sir!! I went the cheap route this time around. I recently took the valance off, and it looks a million times better.

 

[the.new.captain]

Nate, to be honest, im not sure!!! haha embarassing... like i said its my first full size GM... any easy way to check?? and BTW... your truck looks AWESOME!

 

PS - thanks for not flaming me on such a widely abused topic thats never searched... i swear i searched haha!

[KMGZ400]

Nate, to be honest, im not sure!!! haha embarassing... like i said its my first full size GM... any easy way to check?? and BTW... your truck looks AWESOME!

 

PS - thanks for not flaming me on such a widely abused topic thats never searched... i swear i searched haha!

 

 

go use the GM vin decoder at www.compnine.com

[Blue_Z71]

Thanks, it needed a lift for sure. If you look in the glovebox, there should be a small square with a bunch of 3 character codes (ie. G80, L33, Z82). If you go to RPO Codes, you can see what options your truck has.