2014+ Leveling Kits

MOhunter92 · September 7, 2016

OK so to the untrained eye not much difference in appearance. But for myself it still looks great but I can tell the difference. Besides the rubbing, going to the BFG from the Toyo open country extreme, not near the highway road noise with the BFG's. Also have better steering response and less tire sway. It might have been possible to stay in that 295/55 size, but would have to have multiple tire combination to see as every tire width spec are different. In the 295/55 r20 Toyo only made the extreme.... My friend at the Chevy dealer where I got both sets of tire is the best. He let me drive a week on the Toyo an then gave me full credit towards the BFG tire and even a little refund.....

Very nice of your friend, I prefer toyo over bfg though, I know they have a solid following but I just don't have good experience with their products. I personally like the way the 285/55 looks on these trucks leveled, people stuff way too big tires in them and it looks dumb. 295/55 is the biggest I'd be comfortable going but I'll probably just go with 285/55

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amxguy1970 · September 7, 2016

My understanding is that by raising the perch you are pre-loading the spring which in turn is creating lift. The end result is you have increased the distance between the top mount of the strut and the bottom mount. The angles of your control arms etc. will be impacted in the same manner as a spacer of equal lift height. I don't have any special expertise in this area, I'm simply sharing my understanding from the reading i have done. Money is the main reason I chose a spacer over Bilsteins! There are many who report a rougher ride from Bilsteins at max height and there are those that report a rough ride from 2" leveling spacers. The research I have done favors no noticeable negative impact in ride quality from either method.

That is not true. The Bilstein preloads the spring and there are countless reports of a rougher ride (which makes sense and is known) when they are all the way up. Spacers don't change the spring or shock at all so ride will not change. The only ride difference will be the bottoming out of either the ball joints or bump stops since they are extended over large bumps, but the rebound and absorption characteristics won't change.

One plus is the shock of the bilstein and it may help off set some of the harsher ride of the preload but not all since they still have to set up the shock to work at stock height well in addition to the preloaded lifted height.

Either way the bilsteins will ride rougher in certain instances and a spacer (as long as it isn't preload) won't ride any different in most all instances.

Tyler

Donstar · September 7, 2016

That is not true. The Bilstein preloads the spring and there are countless reports of a rougher ride (which makes sense and is known) when they are all the way up. Spacers don't change the spring or shock at all so ride will not change. The only ride difference will be the bottoming out of either the ball joints or bump stops since they are extended over large bumps, but the rebound and absorption characteristics won't change.

One plus is the shock of the bilstein and it may help off set some of the harsher ride of the preload but not all since they still have to set up the shock to work at stock height well in addition to the preloaded lifted height.

Either way the bilsteins will ride rougher in certain instances and a spacer (as long as it isn't preload) won't ride any different in most all instances.

Tyler

What is not true? I reported what I understood and qualified my comments by stating my lack of expertise. It appears you have information to add but I take offense to you suggesting what I am telling is an untruth (lie). Please explain what you understand as the difference between creating lift with a spacer or raising the perch.

skallywag · September 7, 2016

Ok done tons of research. Want to go full lift later down the road. Still on stock sle 20s on my 2015 gmc 1500 and factory Goodyears at 30k are showing some good wear. Have the rc2.5" w/2" rear block. Looking at nitto trails on these wheels size 35x11.50r20 see a few guys doing 35x12.50r20 with levels also looking at 295/60r20 cooper stt pro and toyo at2 also 295/65r20 in the toyo at2

Any experience with these sizes. Have the front valence removed just don't want to rub metal. I do use truck Offroad lots.

bwilloby46 · September 8, 2016

Ok done tons of research. Want to go full lift later down the road. Still on stock sle 20s on my 2015 gmc 1500 and factory Goodyears at 30k are showing some good wear. Have the rc2.5" w/2" rear block. Looking at nitto trails on these wheels size 35x11.50r20 see a few guys doing 35x12.50r20 with levels also looking at 295/60r20 cooper stt pro and toyo at2 also 295/65r20 in the toyo at2

Any experience with these sizes. Have the front valence removed just don't want to rub metal. I do use truck Offroad lots.

Running 295/60/20 toyo AT II extremes stock high country rims +27 on 2.5" RC/Bilstein 5100 level. Fronts just barely rub at full lock in reverse on pavement. Off-road would need to trim some inner fender well on mine but I'm solely on pavement. Probably the biggest you can go without some inner fender modification but just what I found. Others may have different experience. Hope that helps.

Edited September 8, 2016 by bwilloby46

NIXONRIDE · September 8, 2016

Yeah I am not sure u will be able to do any width of 35's on just a level...I have 285/55r22's in the Nitto trail grapplers which are a 34.5"x12" and I am on Bilstein 5100's all the way to the top and I had to do some trimming to the plastics and zip ties...they rub slightly on 1/4-1/ turns and pretty good when turning and going over bumps...I think a 35" would have to go on a 3" level and driving straight not to run...lol. I might be going with some fox 2.0 and cognito UCA's and lift the front closer to 3" and see where I am at but I still thing 35" are pushing it.

Oh and my wheels are a +12

skallywag · September 8, 2016

Might have to bite the bullet and do a 4.5" zone!

JoeTrahnier · September 8, 2016

Might have to bite the bullet and do a 4.5" zone!

Why not a 7.5? [emoji6]

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skallywag · September 8, 2016

Why not a 7.5? [emoji6]

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Man I really want to go 7" FTS and 18x12 37x13.50 but I don't want to dump $7500 haha. Then I would have to get steps!

twlander · September 8, 2016

I installed the RC 2.5 leveling kit on my 2014 (front only) and looking into getting some new shoes. Is it possible to run a 285/75r18 on the factory 18s? Ive been eyeing the toyo m/t and trail grapplers. I don't mind trimming/zip tie some carpet but I prefer to not have it rub. So if anyone can shed some light that would be great

skallywag · September 8, 2016

May just have to go down to a 17x9 -12 and a smaller tire to keep a wide footprint for the sand and curtains spots of mud I drive in. Maybe I can clear a 33x12.50 mud grappler without to much damage to the fenders!