2014+ Leveling Kits

Tungsten14 · April 4, 2016

I finally got the leveling kit, wheels and tires on my truck over the last week. specs are below:

RC 2.5" leveling kit, front only

wheels :fuel boost 18x9, -12 offset

tires: toyo MT 33x12.50r18

height before leveling and on stock 265/65/18

front: 36 1/8

rear: 38 7/8

after leveling, and with 33x12.50r18:

front: 39 3/8"

rear : 39 1/2"

as far as the install of the RC kit, i did it at home by myself, with just basic wrenches and sockets, and it took less than two hours to install. real simple, and gave me no problems. anyone who has any basic mechanical knowledge and a basic tool set should be able to perform this install in their driveway or garage with no issue.

love the way the truck sits now. as far as rubbing, i have a little bit at full lock in reverse against the felt inner fenderwell, which i'll probably just zip tie back. it's pretty minor rubbing. very very little rubbing going forward at full lock, i'll have to get some help to determine where it's coming from, or search for rub marks. no noticeable ride harshness noted, but definitely lost some mpg. guess thats what happens when you go from a sissy 5 ply p rated tire, to a 10 ply mud tire thats taller and wider

anyway, here are the pics. tried to get identical before/after shots.

Edited April 4, 2016 by Tungsten14

zback · April 4, 2016

What is the ride quality like in these trucks with the rough country 2.5" lift? Is it noticeable compared to factory?

bcbz71 · April 4, 2016

RC 2.5" leveling kit, front only

wheels :fuel boost 18x9, -12 offset

tires: toyo MT 33x12.50r18

love the way the truck sits now. as far as rubbing, i have a little bit at full lock in reverse against the felt inner fenderwell, which i'll probably just zip tie back. it's pretty minor rubbing. very very little rubbing going forward at full lock, i'll have to get some help to determine where it's coming from, or search for rub marks. no noticeable ride harshness noted, but definitely lost some mpg.

That's a good looking setup....way to resist the 'black rim" bandwagon. Flotation tires are heavier than the metric sizes which didn't help with your fuel mileage hit. What mpg are you getting now?

-12 is some aggressive offset. What's your sheet metal clearance as you go through the whole range of right to left turning?

Tungsten14 · April 5, 2016

What is the ride quality like in these trucks with the rough country 2.5" lift? Is it noticeable compared to factory?

very little difference if you ask me, if anything i would attribute any ride change in mine due to going with a stiffer tire from what i i had.

Tungsten14 · April 5, 2016

That's a good looking setup....way to resist the 'black rim" bandwagon. Flotation tires are heavier than the metric sizes which didn't help with your fuel mileage hit. What mpg are you getting now?

-12 is some aggressive offset. What's your sheet metal clearance as you go through the whole range of right to left turning?

thank you, appreciate it. black rims aren't for me, and im happy i didnt go that route. i was getting about 19 combined mpg, probably around 16.5 now maybe a tick higher if i compensate for the tire diameter change.

the -12 to me is about where i'd like it, i didnt want the tires and wheels to be inboard like the stock setup was. i havent thoroughly checked sheetmetal clearance, but besides rubbing in reverse at full lock on the felt liner, and a tiny hair at full lock in forward, i think i have pretty good clearance. ill try and check, and report back with an actual number.

zback · April 5, 2016

What is the difference with the 2.5" top gun lift vs the RC 2.5" lift? Looks the the TG does not have a rear block in the kit? Is this necessary, do most use the block?

kylercochran361 · April 5, 2016

So I haven't leveled my truck yet. But if you look at the ones that don't have the block you look nose high. Which is just a like or dislike with people. All the block in the back does is give you rake which makes it actually look more leveled even though the back would be higher. It's from the height of the hood.

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jrob56 · April 5, 2016

So I haven't leveled my truck yet. But if you look at the ones that don't have the block you look nose high. Which is just a like or dislike with people. All the block in the back does is give you rake which makes it actually look more leveled even though the back would be higher. It's from the height of the hood.

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With the 2.5 maybe, but my Motofab 2 inch looks dead level.

Before

After

kylercochran361 · April 5, 2016

Might be because of the half inch difference? Not to sure though.

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bcbz71 · April 5, 2016

With the 2.5 maybe, but my Motofab 2 inch looks dead level.

After

Put a cup of water in the bed and see how level it looks then.

Edited April 5, 2016 by bcbz71

kylercochran361 · April 5, 2016

Put a cup of water in the bed and see how level it looks then.

The hood is just taller than the back if level. So for the physical yes but not if you are looking at it.

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jrob56 · April 6, 2016

Put a cup of water in the bed and see how level it looks then.

Its level, I actually did that with a level out of curiosity more than anything. When measuring fenders it was within an 1/8 front to back. Rear being slight higher.

bcbz71 · April 6, 2016

The hood is just taller than the back if level. So for the physical yes but not if you are looking at it.

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I was talking about the fact that it don't take much for the butt to sag on these rigs. Any weight in the bed, and the headlights are pointing to the sky. IMO they look better with some rake to them, but they come from the factory so low to the ground. 2.5 front, 1" rear --- lifts the front more than the back to get it close to level and lets you use it like a truck.

MOhunter92 · April 6, 2016

Hey guys, I have read this entire post and it is awesome. I have a 15 Sierra All terrain SLT, I am leaning towards a fuel maverick wheel, 20x9 +14 offset, toyo at2 295/55R20s, and a zone 2 inch level. A local shop quoted me $3500 for this set up which I laughed at and found that I can get the wheels and tires mounted and balanced and the kit for about $2300, I would just have to get an alignment. This shop claimed I would need to do some trimming to clear the 295/55R20s but I have seen a lot of guys run this set up and even larger with claims of no rubbing or trimming. Can anybody tell me if I should go with a smaller tire even though these are barely bigger than my factory ones? Would I need a RC 2.5 to clear them? I would rather keep it at 2 up front for ball joints and also so I know it wont be nose high.

kylercochran361 · April 6, 2016

RC 2.5 comes with 2" block for back so it won't be nose high. And I had a previous 2010 gmc and ran a 2" lift and had little rubbing on 33/12.5r20 so you should be fine. Can't personally show you pictures cause I am letting my tires wear out before I blow money on new ones.

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