GMC Sierra Height Difference

scott26 · May 1, 2012

I just got my new 2012 Sierra after having many issues with the CPO 2008 Sierra. I couldn't help but notice that my 2008 was taller than this new 2012 am I crazy or is there something to this? I know that the 2008 didn't have a lift or anything.

hodo78 · May 1, 2012

I have went from a 2007 NNBS to a 2010, and now to a 2012. All have been Sierra 1500 crew cab 4x4 models. And I haven't noticed any height difference in any of the three.

MikeNH · May 1, 2012

Lots of things could be different- suspension type, tire/wheel size, 2WD vs 4WD and so on. Is the new truck exactly the same option wise?

scott26 · May 1, 2012

Ya except the 2012 came with the convience package. The sales rep said the 08 were 2" taller and they lowered the trucks to cater to females.

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vkjohnson · May 1, 2012

I think most of the difference can be attributed to suspension package. There are a couple threads about the z71 to z60 difference. Recently compared my z60 to a friend's z71 and I am 1" lower. I have the convenience pkg and he didn't, but I attribute the difference to the shocks. If I'm not mistaken the rim size shouldn't matter as long is it is all OEM parts. The 20s and 18s are the same diameter when you take the rubber into account too.

BlackZ71Silverado · May 1, 2012

Ya except the 2012 came with the convience package. The sales rep said the 08 were 2" taller and they lowered the trucks to cater to females.

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According to the brochures for 2008- 2012, they show a slight overall height difference depending on suspension package and tire size ordered.

The max overall height for the 2008 model was 76.4"

Overall height for the 2012

-Extended Cab 73.6 - 73.9

-Crew 73.7" - 73.8"

So yes you are right, your 2008 may have been a little higher than your new 2012 depending on what package your previouis truck had.

Z45 · May 1, 2012

I attribute the difference to the shocks.

The shocks have nothing to do with the height of a vehicle. Tires and suspension does.

BlackZ71Silverado · May 1, 2012

I attribute the difference to the shocks.

The shocks have nothing to do with the height of a vehicle. Tires and suspension does.

Ummm, yeah..........Shocks are part of your suspension.

fixithud · May 2, 2012

I attribute the difference to the shocks.

The shocks have nothing to do with the height of a vehicle. Tires and suspension does.

Ummm, yeah..........Shocks are part of your suspension.

Unless you have coilovers that are managing both jobs, or airshocks and such, shocks do not affect the height of your vehicle. Springs carry the load, shocks control the rebound of the springs.

vkjohnson · May 2, 2012

I attribute the difference to the shocks.

The shocks have nothing to do with the height of a vehicle. Tires and suspension does.

Ummm, yeah..........Shocks are part of your suspension.

Unless you have coilovers that are managing both jobs, or airshocks and such, shocks do not affect the height of your vehicle. Springs carry the load, shocks control the rebound of the springs.

let me rephrase that then... I think most of it depends on your suspension package.

BlackZ71Silverado · May 2, 2012

Unless you have coilovers that are managing both jobs, or airshocks and such, shocks do not affect the height of your vehicle. Springs carry the load, shocks control the rebound of the springs.

Not sure if you are aware of it BUT these trucks do come with front coilovers.

Like I said in post #6, suspension package has a lot to do with the height of your off the lot OEM truck.

Would be interested to see a new 2012 side by side with an older model with same suspension package.

fixithud · May 2, 2012

Unless you have coilovers that are managing both jobs, or airshocks and such, shocks do not affect the height of your vehicle. Springs carry the load, shocks control the rebound of the springs.

Not sure if you are aware of it BUT these trucks do come with front coilovers.

Like I said in post #6, suspension package has a lot to do with the height of your off the lot OEM truck.

Would be interested to see a new 2012 side by side with an older model with same suspension package.

I suppose I would refer to the front suspension of the newer trucks as having 'struts'. You are right that the 'strut' package combines the shock and spring. However, if you remove the load dampening capability of the 'strut', I think the truck will still sit at the same height.

True coilovers tend to have the ability to have the spring rates and dampening capabilities adjusted/changed with readily available components by way of design.

Overall I just want to say that when folks look to what we know as a conventional shock to carry loads, as with air shocks and such, those mounting points, in most cases, were not designed to carry the forces that load bearing will put on them.

BlackZ71Silverado · May 2, 2012

Correct, we run TRUE coilovers on the front of our race cars and they are fully adjustable by turning the "slider". The "coilover" "strut" argument just came up here recently, seems to come up all the time..LOL

I am still interested as to why such a difference is listed in overall height difference between model years.Same suspension package and all, the 2012's have a lower overall height...Anyone know for sure what has been changed of what parts are different?

nickvrebel · May 3, 2012

is it possible the difference between a truck with iron vs. aluminum motors? I've found that my truck (2009 SLT Z71) with an aluminum 5.3L tends to be higher than other stock crew cabs.

BlackZ71Silverado · May 4, 2012

is it possible the difference between a truck with iron vs. aluminum motors? I've found that my truck (2009 SLT Z71) with an aluminum 5.3L tends to be higher than other stock crew cabs.

Interesting...........Are the bed rails the same height or is it just your front end that sits higher?