2014+ Leveling Kits

Mikejonce · April 7, 2015

My ReadyLift 2.25" leveling kit rides a little stiff; but then again the day I installed it I also had the wheels and tires switched out (from the stock 17's--Tire--265/70/17 to the chrome factory 20's--275/55/20. I've talked to several people about it, and they tell me it's a combination of the two that stiffened my ride up. #1-The billet spacer is HARD. Good for durability, but no "give". 2-Tires went from a 7" sidewall, to a 5.5". The tire shop tells me for a street tire, the largest I can run with the lift is a 275/60/20. Does anyone have any opinions about whether or not that 1/2" thickness to the sidewall will help my ride quality? Dude at the tire shop did.

Note: I'm pretty sure I can fit a wider/mudder tire (like a 285 or a 295), but I just don't really want a noisy tire right now. Looking for a street tire that'll give me a softer ride.

XxcraigxX11 · April 7, 2015

Debating on going with the Bilstein 5100 adjustables or a RC 2.5" with 275/70R18 on my 14 Silverado DCab Z71. Whats everyones opinions on either?

Edited April 7, 2015 by XxcraigxX11

milligan · April 7, 2015

Debating on going with the Bilstein 5100 adjustables or a RC 2.5" with 275/70R18 on my 14 Silverado DCab Z71. Whats everyones opinions on either?

I decided to go Bilstein because after 4500 miles my stock rear ranchos were already leaking. Didn't instill much confidence that they'd last long. May as well upgrade them now and get the benefit of a level.

Buckeye920 · April 7, 2015

I would be willing to bet that it's due to two things. Your psi and the level kit. I had a spacer level on my truck before going with rancho quickliftsthis weekend and it rode really rough. Lowering my psi to 33 helped, but in the end getting quicklifts was way better.

I had the tires rebalanced, all 4 were off, ride is much better, running 38 PSI now.

CptMcSaug · April 7, 2015

My 275/60/20s run great I still think it rides awesome.

Buckeye920 · April 7, 2015

I would be willing to bet that it's due to two things. Your psi and the level kit. I had a spacer level on my truck before going with rancho quickliftsthis weekend and it rode really rough. Lowering my psi to 33 helped, but in the end getting quicklifts was way better.

I had the tires rebalanced, all 4 were off, ride is much better, running 38 PSI now.

XxcraigxX11 · April 7, 2015

I decided to go Bilstein because after 4500 miles my stock rear ranchos were already leaking. Didn't instill much confidence that they'd last long. May as well upgrade them now and get the benefit of a level.

I've hit 60,000 and have had no problems, which makes me think if it's not broke, don't fix it, but I also want to do things properly as this is an expensive truck. My worries is that I'm going to have suspension parts touching where they're not supposed to.

nadrojcote · April 7, 2015

I've hit 60,000 and have had no problems, which makes me think if it's not broke, don't fix it, but I also want to do things properly as this is an expensive truck. My worries is that I'm going to have suspension parts touching where they're not supposed to.

Correct, with any lift you will top out your suspension more often.

5RWill · April 7, 2015

There is a reason Bilstein's 5100s are limited to 1.85" on the 2014/15 silverado/sierras. It's in all likely hood to keep the full amount suspension travel.

Asells · April 7, 2015

Had a 2" level installed today, still has some rake but i think that might have something to do with the max tow package i have.

milligan · April 7, 2015

I've hit 60,000 and have had no problems, which makes me think if it's not broke, don't fix it, but I also want to do things properly as this is an expensive truck. My worries is that I'm going to have suspension parts touching where they're not supposed to.

I can only speak to my experience where I had leaky shocks already. To do things properly, you need to replace the UCAs when doing a level to be sure or just leave the whole thing alone and keep it factory.

You may actually be leaking but just didn't notice it. If you have the ranchos, look at them at the back of the truck. If there is black build up on the white paint then there is most likely a leak.

XxcraigxX11 · April 7, 2015

Ah, didn't know that. I've never done anything with the suspension on vehicles. They've always been older and didn't come dragging their nose. And I just went and checked my Ranchos and they look like they have this build up you were talking about. Thanks for the tip milligan

PowderRiver Let'rBuck · April 8, 2015

Finally got my new shoes in so, I figured I would put some pictures up. 2014 Silverado 1500 crew cab with the standard box. I installed the Bilstein 5100's at the highest setting on the front end and left the rear end stock. I also put on 17" XD Series Rockstar 2 wheels with 275/70/17 BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2's. As it sits now, it measures 38.25" from the ground to the top of the front fender and 39" in the rear. Before I installed the leveling kit it was 36.25" but there was a different wheel setup on it. Sorry the pictures aren't the greatest. I have removed chrome window visors and plan on debadging and removing the rest of the chrome as well.

Before:

After:

nando87 · April 8, 2015

I don't but I can get one tonight and post it tomorrow, it just barely sticks out.

Jonathan Larry · April 12, 2015

i just recently bought a new 2015 gmc sierra AT package having a 2.5 RC level installed this week and just ordered 285/60/20 duratracs....am i gonna run into any rubbing issues...i see most people here are running a 295 or 305 with small to no rubbing issues. any input would be appreciated thanks.