Stock suspension to a Z71 suspension

[SpartanLegend]

Hello,

 

I currently have a 2005 Silverado 5.3L with stock suspension. I am moving to a remote location in Montana. On our visit, I found out that my front suspension was too low. I would like to raise my front end (same level as the back end, or a little higher no more than 4 inches) using Silverado Z71 parts (or if better parts are out there let me know). What parts would I need to convert my front end, and possibly my back end suspension to a Silverado Z71 height? I believe my frame is a GMT-800.

 

Thank you all for your time and help!

 

SP

[00Silverado4x4]

I'll assume you're already a 4x4?

If yes then crank your torsion bars until front end level or order up a level kit with reindexed torsion keys (this is how I did mine, truxxx.com or fatbobsgarage.com)

Remove the 3" black plastic air deflector/dam thing under your bumper (I did, sooo much more clearance)

Replace shocks with heavy duty shocks, Bilsteins (5100s adjustable are pretty popular) or Monroe Reflex's (my choice) or Rancho's

Order/install a set of skid plates to install (dealer/aftermarket)

Order/install jounce bumpers (if doing serious off roading)

Order/install rear block for rear suspension (personally don't think you'll need).

 

Done!

Even though my truck came as a Z71 stock, my front end was waaaay too low so I feel your pain. You'll love it once it's all set up and done (if you don't like the factory rake like I do).

 

Almost forgot, as long as you don't go over 2" of lift front/rear you shouldn't need longer shocks but you should get an alignment regardless of amount of lift.

[MikeNH]

Z71 parts won't lift your truck any meaningful amount, if at all. You won't get 4" of lift just from cranking the t-bars either. I am against that anyhow, it'll make the truck ride like shit and it'll wear out front end components faster. A body lift would be cheap and fairly easy, they get you 3" but then you can run larger tires so there's another bit of clearance. Or go and get one of the small suspension lefts. Steer clear of ones that achieve lift in the back using blocks.

[SpartanLegend]

I do apologize, I was not specific on my description, I have a 2WD 2005 Silverado...I have used it for hauling stuff on highways and paved roads...

 

Again thank you for tour time and help!

 

Z71 parts won't lift your truck any meaningful amount, if at all. You won't get 4" of lift just from cranking the t-bars either. I am against that anyhow, it'll make the truck ride like shit and it'll wear out front end components faster. A body lift would be cheap and fairly easy, they get you 3" but then you can run larger tires so there's another bit of clearance. Or go and get one of the small suspension lefts. Steer clear of ones that achieve lift in the back using blocks.

 

 

 

why not blocks? what about spacers in front? would I need longer shocks for the front?

[Chris]

If you have coil spring front look into the truxxx 40485 leveling kit, 2.5 inch level up front and a 1 inch block in the rear. in my sig is how my truck sits with this set up. And that is with a boat attached. Here is the bumper clearance on my truck with this kit

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[kstruckcountry]

Bilstien 5100s would be my choice. Or 6 lift if you need more.

[MikeNH]

I do apologize, I was not specific on my description, I have a 2WD 2005 Silverado...I have used it for hauling stuff on highways and paved roads...

 

Again thank you for tour time and help!

 

Z71 parts won't lift your truck any meaningful amount, if at all. You won't get 4" of lift just from cranking the t-bars either. I am against that anyhow, it'll make the truck ride like shit and it'll wear out front end components faster. A body lift would be cheap and fairly easy, they get you 3" but then you can run larger tires so there's another bit of clearance. Or go and get one of the small suspension lefts. Steer clear of ones that achieve lift in the back using blocks.

 

 

 

why not blocks? what about spacers in front? would I need longer shocks for the front?

 

 

 

 

Ahh- 2WD makes things a bit easier.

 

 

I don't like lift blocks for the back because they increase the axle's leverage on the springs and can make axlewrap easier to occur, especially as you lose traction on a crappy road and try to throttle out of it.

 

 

I'm not sure I've ever seen spacer lifts for your era truck. The lifts I've seen use new knuckles with lower mounting points for the hub to generate lift. You'll need new shocks most likely and possibly extended brake lines.

[Chris]

Well i have posted pics of mine with a leveling spacer. Hope it helps out

[Chris]

Also I dont think 5100s level on 2wd for the GMT-800 or they don't make that application, because I wanted them

[SpartanLegend]

Thank you all for your help , this help me narrow my options!

 

Thanks!

[Chris]

You will be happy if you get the truxxx 40485 kit I have. I love it. And I run Bilstein heavy duty shocks. The truxxx kit is pretty reasonable in cost. It will sit damn near level. 13.5" of bumper clearance isn't something to laugh at. It has helped me out in the snow and fields

 

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