Leveled It!

TheTrueMoron · August 10, 2011

Unfortunately, I don't have the tools or the manpower to level my truck myself so I had to take it to a family owned tire shop but it's done! I used the Rancho Quicklift Loaded leveling kit/shocks that I bought from these guys. After shipping, they were only $10 more per shock than the regular Quicklifts that don't come with the springs from the next cheapest online dealer. If you're paying someone else to install them, the labor might cost more than that $10 since the spring/shock combination has to be put together before installation so that's some food for thought. I've got an appointment tomorrow for an alignment, and it definitely needs it. I can see the top of my tires leaning out now. I'll post an update in a week or so about the ride quality but it seems pretty good so far with the shocks set on 5 (the Rancho factory setting). Anyway, here's the before and after fender measurements and some pics:

Before:

Front:

L: 37 1/4" R: 37 1/4"

Rear:

L: 39 1/8" R: 38 1/2"

After:

Front:

L: 39 1/4" R: 39 1/4"

Rear:

L: 39 1/8" R: 38 1/2"

These measurements were in the driveway, which may not be entirely level but they are a good general estimate.

txdox21 · August 10, 2011

Looks good. Please post back with a review on the ride quality.

TheTrueMoron · August 21, 2011

Well, I've been able to put some miles on it now and I have to say that it was worth the money! I've experimented and settled on keeping the shocks set on 4. The truck floats down the highway on this setting but when I go over speed bumps, the truck tends to have an extra bounce or two. On setting 5 and higher this extra bouncing goes away. The only issue with having it set smoother is that the difference in ride quality between the front and rear is really noticeable and may pose an issue if you need better handling. I would imagine that getting the RS9000XL shocks on the rear and changing the setting on those at the same time as the front would reduce this problem. With the factory 265's on there I can reach around and adjust the setting without having to turn or touch the tires, so it literally takes 10 seconds to change the setting.

Stevens03 · August 21, 2011

Looks good

sic lsx · August 21, 2011

what settings feel about like stock?

BlackZ71Silverado · August 21, 2011

Looks good....Do you plan on keeping your front sturts?

TheTrueMoron · August 21, 2011

Stock is around 6 IMO. Rancho says 1-3, though: http://www.gorancho.com/images/downloads/r...o_SellSheet.pdf

And for those wondering, I am going to keep my stock struts.

cparks555 · August 22, 2011

Looks great man! I keep mine on 5 up front and 4 in the rear, this seems to work best for me.

IdahoBOI · September 13, 2011

Okay, I don't get it. I've been researching these Rancho Quicklift shocks all day, and every site I've been to, including the My4by, says that the Quicklift shocks don't fit the Z71 (obviously, they must). Drumming, it looks like you have a Z71 and the shocks must have worked out okay -- your truck looks great. I also noticed another post from vortec2011 and he put on the same shocks on a Z71. So why do all of the websites, including the Rancho website, say that these shocks won't work on a Z71? Forgive me for my ignorance, this is actually my first post here, and I'm new to Chevy/GMC trucks (always owned Fords before -- can I say that here? :-). I own a 2011 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD Z71 off road package. Thanks guys.

jarettg · September 18, 2011

Okay, I don't get it. I've been researching these Rancho Quicklift shocks all day, and every site I've been to, including the My4by, says that the Quicklift shocks don't fit the Z71 (obviously, they must). Drumming, it looks like you have a Z71 and the shocks must have worked out okay -- your truck looks great. I also noticed another post from vortec2011 and he put on the same shocks on a Z71. So why do all of the websites, including the Rancho website, say that these shocks won't work on a Z71? Forgive me for my ignorance, this is actually my first post here, and I'm new to Chevy/GMC trucks (always owned Fords before -- can I say that here? :-). I own a 2011 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD Z71 off road package. Thanks guys.

i just sent an email to rancho today, im waiting for a response on monday about this problem

TheTrueMoron · September 19, 2011

Okay, I don't get it. I've been researching these Rancho Quicklift shocks all day, and every site I've been to, including the My4by, says that the Quicklift shocks don't fit the Z71 (obviously, they must). Drumming, it looks like you have a Z71 and the shocks must have worked out okay -- your truck looks great. I also noticed another post from vortec2011 and he put on the same shocks on a Z71. So why do all of the websites, including the Rancho website, say that these shocks won't work on a Z71? Forgive me for my ignorance, this is actually my first post here, and I'm new to Chevy/GMC trucks (always owned Fords before -- can I say that here? :-). I own a 2011 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD Z71 off road package. Thanks guys.

I had to do some research before I bought them, but I found out the issue. Here it is:

These leveling shocks will also fit on Suburbans and Tahoes, and this allows for larger tires. The problem is that when you install larger tires on those vehicles with only a leveling kit, there will be a lot of rubbing. With a Sierra/Silverado, there isn't any issue when you install up to 33" tires. When AllTerrain700 gets a reply email, it will probably say something to this effect.

*Disclaimer: This information is not from a primary source and I cannot verify that all of this information is correct.

blackout07 · September 19, 2011

I figured it's because some of the Z71 Tahoes/Burbans might have autoride, which would make these struts a no go.

IdahoBOI · September 24, 2011

Thanks for the replies. I received this email from Ranch with regard to the Z71 trucks.

"Thank you for your interest in Rancho products.

The quick lift for the GM will fit this truck, its just that the Z71 used a different shock / strut package on them from the factory, but yes, they do fit and function without issues.

For further questions or assistance, please contact technical assistance at 734-384-7804 M - F 8:30am - 5:30pm EST."

This info would be good to put on their website.

jarettg · September 24, 2011

yeah, i got a reply a few days ago...they asid its because the fenders on z71's are different.

i dont think they are different on sierra/silverado but may be on the tahoe....

you think rancho would have more knowledge on this subject as GM uses their shocks on their vehicles...being the rancho R5000

BlackZ71Silverado · September 25, 2011

yeah, i got a reply a few days ago...they asid its because the fenders on z71's are different.

i dont think they are different on sierra/silverado but may be on the tahoe....

you think rancho would have more knowledge on this subject as GM uses their shocks on their vehicles...being the rancho R5000

When you go to the Rancho website it says "excluding autoride and Z71". They should correct that and replace it with "Excluding autoride with Z71"....I know what they meant by that but it is a little confusing.