2007 Classic Leveling

[BMUELKS]

Hey,

 

I'm new to the forum. I have recently upgraded my truck from a '97 Silverado z71 to a '07 Silverado (Classic) z71. I'm looking to raise up my front end to level out my trucks stance. I have found a lot of info about the new body styles, however not so much on the older ones. I would appreciate some clarification.

 

I have figured out i need to purchase leveling keys. Is Rough Country preferred?

If I use leveling keys do I need replace the front shocks?

It seems replacing the keys is a little more invasive than the nbs kits. Is there any side effects to changing out keys?

What kind of maintenance do I need to do after installation and alignment?

 

Thanks for the Help!

[blackout07]

Don't waste your money on leveling keys. Crank your stock ones and see if you can achieve the desired amount of lift (2" max). If you can't adjust your stock keys then you can look into leveling kits. Most of the time you can crank your stock keys but sometimes they won't allow for adjustment. You don't need to replace the front shocks unless they're worn. Get an alignment after any adjustment.

[okc666]

you can lower the back with drop shackles or lift the front with keys. alignment will be necessary and if you do the keys and your shocks are still good youll want to get shock extensions for the front. i just finished my 07 vmax classic. two new keys up front and i made some shock extensions for the front shocks only. it rode like poop till i did the shock extensions, now its like a factory ride. and im tuckin 33 trail grapplers on 20 inch wheels without any cutting or clearancing. i have the drawing i made for the extensions if you want to do it yourself. materials were 10 bucks at home depot. id rather do the keys instead of cranking but opinions vary.

[scottmoyer]

Did you add the shock extensions to the top or create a new lower mount? I found a website that was explaining the key cranking and they sold a small spacer that was put on the top side of the shock before you would put the lower bushing washer on. I was thinking about adding a homemade spacer, but I can guarantee that $10 would be way more than needed for the spacer. I was thinking of installing nuts that have an internal diameter slightly larger than the threaded rod of the shock.

[Silverado4x4]

You dont need new leveling keys, you dont need shock extensions just crank your stock keys 3-4 turns in for each side and jack the front wheels off the ground before you crank. As for the shock extensions the upper "A" arm will bottom out on the down travel before the shock does thats the way its designed. Your suspension down travel is not changing because your raising the front it will just be shorter then stock on the down travel because you cranked the bars.

[okc666]

scott, i made the shock extensions for the lower mounts. i have ride control so theres a plug on the top side of my shocks. it was my only option that i know of. once i leveled the front, the shocks extended out of their optimal operating range and drastically made the ride quality worse. the shock extensions lifted the lower shock mount up about 2" putting the shocks back in their designed operating range. trucks rides great as it ever did.

[97reddodge]

i have put on a few rough country leveling kits for those year models. mostly the full kit because you cant beat the price with shocks! also just there leveling key kit comes with shock extensions very pleased with both kit easy install!