Can't find a "steel" level kit

[big_country33]

Man o Man I don't think I can trust the new poly or the new aluminum level kits. For some reason it's drilled into my head the steel is the best option. I have owned 2 "steel" kits in the past and they have held there own flawlessly. Can't beat em. I'm having trouble now locating one because they have all switched over to new lighter materials. Also the problem I'm facing is shipping to Canada eh ? Lol (I had too). If anyone can convince me other wise or shed any real life experiences here (pros/cons) of each kit. It would be great. Thanks

[patrick_tardif]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/2007-2013-Silverado-Sierra-1500-3-1-2-Front-3-Rear-MAX-Lift-Leveling-Kit-/271107391546?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f1f42803a&vxp=mtr&_uhb=1#ht_5040wt_1271

[Chris]

They big name ones have warranties whether they are poly or aluminum. I have steel, but I also have coil springs. I wouldnt be worried. A lot of people on here have had the Rough Country poly kit on their truck with no issues. Some since 07

[big_country33]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/2007-2013-Silverado-Sierra-1500-3-1-2-Front-3-Rear-MAX-Lift-Leveling-Kit-/271107391546?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f1f42803a&vxp=mtr&_uhb=1#ht_5040wt_1271

 

 

Forgot to mention a kit for under the front strut.

[big_country33]

They big name ones have warranties whether they are poly or aluminum. I have steel, but I also have coil springs. I wouldnt be worried. A lot of people on here have had the Rough Country poly kit on their truck with no issues. Some since 07

 

 

There have been a select few issues with the poly RC kit. Either crackin, or wearing in so the lift isn't a solid 2" anymore it might me 1 1/4" over time.

[Chris]

Check out top gun customz. I also believe the Truxxx kit is Steel. Mine is from them

[MikeNH]

There are dozens and dozens of folks here with the RC kit who have not had any issues. I'd be more worried about the metal ones because to compete price wise they will be made in China of garbage metal.

[Carder09]

You could contact the company to see if they are using 7000 series aluminum, i.e. 7068, Damn near the strongest available, used commercially in aero and in aluminum motors or 7075, very strong but not as strong as aforementioned. But steel will always be superb since it can handle stress a whole lot better than aluminum.

[TooTall1]

There have been a select few issues with the poly RC kit. Either crackin, or wearing in so the lift isn't a solid 2" anymore it might me 1 1/4" over time.

 

 

I don't understand how they'd wear, unless they weren't properly tightened and the block moved or shifted which might cause wear. Also I would imagine Rough Country and Zone Offroad put their poly blocks through alot more abuse in testing than the average consumer would in normal use.

[Big Whiskey]

I logged around 40k miles on my last truck with the Zone poly kit installed.....no problems at all.

[scz71864]

i had the RC on mine truck until i went another route. I had ZERO problems with mine.

[aflesch]

If you are dead-set on steel see this thread.

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=148715&hl=

 

Find a machine shop with a water jet or CNC plasma and have them cut you some.

[big_country33]

Thanks everyone ... I am not "dead-set" on steel I just thought they were the best. One of the aluminum kits I found. And they offer lifetime warranty is :

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121058003965?redirect=mobile

 

"" Precision CNC machined from aircraft grade solid billet 6061-T6 aluminum. Stronger and more durable then polyurethane, nylon or UHMW plactic. ""

 

What are your thoughts ?

 

[aflesch]

I had mine cut from 6061-T6 Aluminum and have had no problems with them. I wouldn't worry about it. The Tensile Yield Strength of 6061-T6 is 37,000psi. While the Tensile Yield Strength of A36 Structural Steel (the stuff I-beams, angles, C-Channels, etc are made of) is only 36,300psi (Lower than the 6061-T6). For all intents and purposes they have the same strength. The difference is the Modulus of Elasticity (10,000ksi for 6061-T6 & 29,000ksi for A36).

 

So...what does all that mean?

 

Both the 6061-T6 and the A36 Steel will fail under almost exactly the same amount of load.

 

But... the 6061-T6 will undergo more elastic(non-permanent) deformation prior to plastic(permanent) deformation.

 

In summary...The aluminum Leveling kit will work just fine.

[big_country33]

I had mine cut from 6061-T6 Aluminum and have had no problems with them. I wouldn't worry about it. The Tensile Yield Strength of 6061-T6 is 37,000psi. While the Tensile Yield Strength of A36 Structural Steel (the stuff I-beams, angles, C-Channels, etc are made of) is only 36,300psi (Lower than the 6061-T6). For all intents and purposes they have the same strength. The difference is the Modulus of Elasticity (10,000ksi for 6061-T6 & 29,000ksi for A36).

 

So...what does all that mean?

 

Both the 6061-T6 and the A36 Steel will fail under almost exactly the same amount of load.

 

But... the 6061-T6 will undergo more elastic(non-permanent) deformation prior to plastic(permanent) deformation.

 

In summary...The aluminum Leveling kit will work just fine.

 

 

Wow thank you very much boss. I really appreciate the info. I will probably go with aluminum now. Looks nicer and won't rust. Thanks again