2011 Silverado Leveling Kit

[JHanchera]

First off let me say I'm new to the forum. I've lurked for a couple of days reading and trying to learn as much as I can. With that said, I just got my hands on a new 2011 Silverado Crew Cab Z71 and am very interested in leveling it. I have couple questions I hope y'all can answer for me. My biggest concern with getting a leveling kit put on is the loss of the factory ride of the truck. The main reason I upgraded to something new was due to the incredibly poor ride of my previous vehicle. So if I get either a RC 2" or a 2" from Fat Bob's Garage, will I notice it when I drive the truck? Will I need new shocks or anything like that to maintain that ride, and will this cause any kind of problems down the road for the suspension? Thank you very much for the time, I appreciate it.

[Silverado4x4]

Front leveling kits do not affect the ride and you dont need longer shocks as it is just a spacer also you will need to adjust your head light aim down and get a front end alignment.

 

Some people reported early ball joint failure from this but some had not.

[Stevens03]

I've had the 2" RC kit on 2 trucks without issue As mentioned, the ride quality doesn't change either.

 

And welcome to the site.

[JHanchera]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Could you give me an estimate on what a fair price would be for an alignment and re-aiming the headlights (or could I re-aim them myself?), one shop quoted me $80 to realign me once it was installed.

[JHanchera]

If I was to go about installing the kit myself, is it required to follow the instructions? In another thread on this forum, someone said

"For the 2 inch RC kit all I did was

Jack the truck up

remove the wheels

unbolted the lower end of the strut

used a pry bar to pick the strut up

slipped the RC kit in

and bolted it down"

 

If I did it this way, would it be any different than if I installed it following the instructions? How difficult is it to follow the instructions? Thanks for the help guys.

 

Heres the link to that other thread- http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=116057

[Stevens03]

I didn't follow the instructions. A matter of fact, I used jack stands to raise the bottom of the strut and slid the blocks in without loosening the top of the strut or disconnecting the sway control either. Worked like a charm

[kdrchuck]

If I was to go about installing the kit myself, is it required to follow the instructions? In another thread on this forum, someone said

"For the 2 inch RC kit all I did was

Jack the truck up

remove the wheels

unbolted the lower end of the strut

used a pry bar to pick the strut up

slipped the RC kit in

and bolted it down"

 

If I did it this way, would it be any different than if I installed it following the instructions? How difficult is it to follow the instructions? Thanks for the help guys.

 

Heres the link to that other thread- http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=116057

 

 

This is my Installation:

 

[RyanbabZ71]

I paid $79.95 at the dealer for my alignment

[SparkySparks]

I just got an alignment at NTB they have several packages. I got the $110 package, one year unlimited mileage alignment so I can get it aligned as many times as I want in a year. I had the dealership do two alignments and the local 4wheel shop and none of them could fully get rid of the right hand pull I had. NTB was fast and for the first time since I bought the truck I can let go of the wheel on nearly every road and have no pull or wonder. They have a one time alignment for $80 I think and then they have a 2 and 3 year deal also. I decided on the 1 year to give them a try and since in the next year I hope to install a level kit I figured it was worth it.

[JHanchera]

Thanks Sparky, I'll definitely give that a try. Just ordered the kit guys. Thanks for the input. I'll get pictures up when I get it on.

[Ron_CA]

Thanks Sparky, I'll definitely give that a try. Just ordered the kit guys. Thanks for the input. I'll get pictures up when I get it on.

 

 

Congrats on the new truck.

 

In case you haven't figured it out yet, the headlight adjustment is super easy. Just a phillips screwdriver.

[ChevyTech77]

Just ordered my Zone leveling kit. Home state boys that have great customer service and build quality products, imo.

[Fireman Ed]

OK, for another Newb(to suspension) question, I have an Xfe model, it supposedly has "lowered suspension", but it still is nose-down in attitude. Is there a simple way to lower the rear to level it a bit rather than getting the nose up in the air more?

[ChevyTech77]

OK, for another Newb(to suspension) question, I have an Xfe model, it supposedly has "lowered suspension", but it still is nose-down in attitude. Is there a simple way to lower the rear to level it a bit rather than getting the nose up in the air more?

 

I believe the XFE's still had a block between the spring and axle, yes? If so, take it out.

 

What RPO code suspension does it show as having? So many RPO's available anymore that I just can't keep track of all of them, all the time.

[Fireman Ed]

OK, for another Newb(to suspension) question, I have an Xfe model, it supposedly has "lowered suspension", but it still is nose-down in attitude. Is there a simple way to lower the rear to level it a bit rather than getting the nose up in the air more?

 

I believe the XFE's still had a block between the spring and axle, yes? If so, take it out.

 

What RPO code suspension does it show as having? So many RPO's available anymore that I just can't keep track of all of them, all the time.

 

 

I'll have to go out and look when it quits storming.