input on leveling kits for 2007-2011 gmc 1500 4x4

mordy2593 · December 2, 2011

I want to get a leveling kit for my 2008 GMC sierra 4x4 z71 ext cab short box. I have seen alot of people getting rough country 2" but theres also the zone offroad or the ready lift 2.25". What have you found to be the best??? Im also getting air bags for the rear but still need something in the front. I dont really think i would need any rear blocks. If you have pics of what you have in your truck that would be helpful too. Thanks!

ZmanZ71 · December 2, 2011

They all do the same thing. RC is the cheapest, so get that one unless you want a 2.5" then get a CCM or TGC

travishale84 · December 2, 2011

let me just throw this out there, knowing what i know now, and for the price of everything. back when i bought my truck i wish i had gone with a 2.5" leveling kit, with 2.5" rear blocks, and a zone 1.5" body lift to net 4" of lift for CHEAP money.

ERIE_ONE · December 2, 2011

I want to get a leveling kit for my 2008 GMC sierra 4x4 z71 ext cab short box. I have seen alot of people getting rough country 2" but theres also the zone offroad or the ready lift 2.25". What have you found to be the best??? Im also getting air bags for the rear but still need something in the front. I dont really think i would need any rear blocks. If you have pics of what you have in your truck that would be helpful too. Thanks!

I had the 2" RC up front and air Firestone air bags in the rear and really liked the look and feel of the truck. VERY easy to install in your driveway by yourself too, just make sure you get an alignment right away. I towed our enclosed a few times and would just pump up the rear to level and go. Worked out really well for us. I've since swapped the truck out for a Suburban so we could fit our growing family and the darn air bags wont fit the Burban suspension. PM me if you need a good deal on the air bags, 3 months old and only on the truck for 2 months. I see your in Michigan so I could probably meet you half way to save shipping if its not too far.

Big Whiskey · December 2, 2011

The RC kit seems to be the most popular one used on this site, and it's a good product. I decided to use the Zone Offroad kit because I wanted the rear blocks too, and they offered everything in one kit. The design of both kits is nearly identical. I'm very happy with mine. Personally, I think the Readylift is a waste of money. I think they are way over-priced....plus, with their 2.25 kit, you have to install 2 spacers...one above the strut and one below.

sab316 · December 2, 2011

RC is the cheapest. Its the kit I have. I still sit .25" lower in the front than the back. I think i'm at 40" back and 39.75" front. The most bang for the buck is the RC kit by far.

MB2008LTZ · December 3, 2011

+1 for the RC

Fallz · December 3, 2011

I went with a Daystar 2" . No problems at all . I went with them because I was familiar with Daystar from prev. trucks . My friends shop bought the kit at whole sale and installed it for $325.00 . He aligned it for free but it was barely off. After the lift was in I drove it about 1000 miles before alignment .

jdubub · December 3, 2011

RC

bluecollarpilot · December 3, 2011

I've got the Daystar 2" also, and have had no problems. I didn't know a lot about leveling kits at the time and I think the RC kit is an easier install, someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Afterwards, I put on 285/70/17's, Toyo AT's. No rub at all. However, being a little old school it looked like it sat too nose high, and definitely looked "unleveled" in the wrong direction, so I put 3" blocks in the rear which returned it to a factory rake, which I like. You can look in my gallery to see how it sits unloaded. If you're going with airbags, it shouldn't matter since you can air them up or down to suit you. Sorry for the long reply, but hope this helps.