2014+ Leveling Kits

Donstar · February 26, 2016

Great looking truck! I now understand the appeal. The picture is truly worth a thousand words!

BBSierra84 · February 26, 2016

Hello All,

First off, I want to say thank you to everyone on this forum, for all your research, information and pictures. It made my effort on the modification on my truck much easier. I have taken many pictures and tried to get as much details about before/after in ride height and fuel mileage for everyone. I hope this helps everyone who is looking at doing the same. My truck had an almost 4” rake before the level, which drove me nuts and the low ground clearance in front, were the main reasons I added the level and larger tires. Absolutely love the way the truck came out, would do it again in a heartbeat.

2014 GMC Sierra Crew Cab SLT All Terrain 5.3L Short Bed

Level Kit - Pro Comp 2.25” level

Tires - 275/60/20 BFG A/T KO2s

RIDE HEIGHT

Before (measured from the ground through the center of the tire to the wheel well):

Front - 36”

Rear - 39 ¾”

After (same measurement technique):

Front - 38 ¾”

Rear - 39 ¾”

Pro Comp 2.25” Level Front end only (nothing done to the rear). I went with this kit instead of the RC 2.5” because it seems to be of a slightly higher quality material and I didn’t know if that additional .25” would make it look too tall with 275/60s.

I measured multiple times before to ensure accuracy, as well as multiple times after. Yes, I thought was a little odd that the rear didn’t come up since the new tires were just over a full inch taller, but seems this isn’t the only case. Front came up exactly 2.25” + 0.5”. I adjusted the headlights slightly after because they ran a little high, easy adjustment.

RIDE QUALITY

Before the level kit and tires, this truck rides great, especially for this large of a truck. It was incredible quiet and surprisingly soft. After the level kit and tires, there is a very noticeable stiffness in the front end now. By no means is it too stiff, but coming from how soft the stock truck is, its a much firmer ride. (I have gotten use to it since the initial drive from the shop). I am sure this is a combo of the level kit and tires. Being a firmer ride, I would argue that the truck actually handles turns better now with the firmer setup.

Sound - The level kit I wouldn’t imagine would have any difference in road noise, maybe wind noise as it sits higher, but with the new KO2s, you can hear a little bit of a buzz on the highway over stock (stock tires are incredibly quiet). Most people would not even notice, especially if the music is on.

Acceleration - These new tires (BFG A/T KO2s 275/60/20) are much heavier than the stock Goodyear Wrangler SR-A (275/55/20), and you notice it immediately. Again, nothing you won’t get use to with time, but right after they were put on, accelerating off the line it is noticeable that these tires are in the range of +16lbs per tire. This plays into MPG below.

MPG

Before I was in the range of 17 CIty and 22 Hwy. After the level and tires, I am in the 15 City and 21 Hwy. When I am going just around town in traffic, it can easily be in the 14 mpg range. On the highway, I haven’t noticed that big of a difference each drive is a little different and it’s in the 0-2mpg range. (Don’t have many really flat hwys where I am)

TIRES

Had the stock Goodyear Wrangler SR-A (275/55/20) previously and they are great highway tire, but terrible off road and in bad weather. I wanted to go with a good all terrain tire that I can take off road, use in the snow and still be on an everyday truck. I was originally going to go with the 275/65/20 KO2s but were out of stock and it would take 3 months to arrive, and I was getting a super deal, so I went with what they had in stock, 275/60/20. The shop I went to said there is a small chance the 65s would rub a little with the Pro Comp 2.25” level, so I decided to play it safe, and cheaper with the 60s. (Plus the 65s would be even heavier and higher load rating) They fit VERY easily, not even close to rubbing anywhere. I will probably go with the 65 series when these wear out for a little extra height and the look. So far I have had them on city, hwy, snow and light off road, and they have been great.

Just a quick update here....... I removed that worthless front air dam...... It looks 100x better in my opinion. I have seen virtually zero MPG loss (maybe 0.5mpg, but that can very easily be driving style/conditions). The front air dam is for sure staying off.

ALSO - Interesting note, I went back to the shop that did my installation of the Pro Comp leveling kit, as I heard a few squeaks here and there. They said everything was fine (shocker) and they didn't notice anything. BUT, they did re-tighten everything. The truck ride is MUCH better now, basically back to stock - I initially said the truck rode firmer after the level, which is did, but now it seems like it is back to original. There was definitely a difference before and after they re-tightened the suspension components after about 1000 miles on the new kit. I would recommend this to everyone.

Pics below without the front air dam. Also a little fun in the snow, tires are awesome.

Donstar · February 26, 2016

Great write up! You put a great deal of thought into this project. You took some careful before and after measurements and recognized a potential problem of going 1/4 inch too high. This has been my concern as I do not like a squatted look, even when carrying cargo. To make sure my truck maintains a little bit of a rake, I plan to go with a 1.5" level. The problem I am having is that I have close to an inch difference in height at the back of my truck. The lower side is the gas tank side which I usually keep full. I am going to run it to empty to see if this is the reason. I am wondering with all the measuring you have done if you noticed a discrepancy from side to side.

Boogie651 · February 26, 2016

Here's another picture. As to why well I'm from California and here it's a style. What works for us might not work for others and what works for others might now work for us.

I too am from California and am partial to the lean. I leveled mine front only and was thinking about removing the rear blocks. Its crazy how different the angle is on those two pics. Makes me think removing the block wont even make a difference lol

Tim Rasmussen · February 26, 2016

Great write up! You put a great deal of thought into this project. You took some careful before and after measurements and recognized a potential problem of going 1/4 inch too high. This has been my concern as I do not like a squatted look, even when carrying cargo. To make sure my truck maintains a little bit of a rake, I plan to go with a 1.5" level. The problem I am having is that I have close to an inch difference in height at the back of my truck. The lower side is the gas tank side which I usually keep full. I am going to run it to empty to see if this is the reason. I am wondering with all the measuring you have done if you noticed a discrepancy from side to side.

I have the same problem. Hopefully u can figure out how to level the back of your truck and let me know.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

drg6654 · February 26, 2016

Here's a shot of my 2016 GMC Sierra Z71 SLT. I had the Ready Lift 66-3085 2.25" suspension lift installed. This pic is of the before the shell and after the shell installation. The leveling kit leaves the truck with a slight rake that is only really noticeable because of the step assists rails on the side. Measured the front and then the back (of rails) and there is about a 3/4" rise. I am good with rake and thinks it looks much better then stock.

How are the headlights doing now that you got the lift in the front?

bcbz71 · February 27, 2016

Great write up! You put a great deal of thought into this project. You took some careful before and after measurements and recognized a potential problem of going 1/4 inch too high. This has been my concern as I do not like a squatted look, even when carrying cargo. To make sure my truck maintains a little bit of a rake, I plan to go with a 1.5" level. The problem I am having is that I have close to an inch difference in height at the back of my truck. The lower side is the gas tank side which I usually keep full. I am going to run it to empty to see if this is the reason. I am wondering with all the measuring you have done if you noticed a discrepancy from side to side.

Mine is 3/4" off....driver side lower than passenger side. Very common and attributable to the gas tank. I tried to level mine out by increasing the air pressure in my air bags on the driver's side higher than the passenger side, but it just raised the entire rear up higher. It bothered me at first, but I don't even notice it anymore.

K_W · February 27, 2016

How are the headlights doing now that you got the lift in the front?

Since the back sits a tad bit lower, it does make sense to lower the headlight angle a bit. pretty easy to do. clockwise DOWN counter clockwise UP

DPetry94 · February 28, 2016

Installed mine today, looks way better!

SMiller · February 28, 2016

Installed mine today, looks way better! IMG_20160227_224434.jpg IMG_20160227_224604.jpg

IMG_20160227_224546.jpg

Looks great but installed what?

Guessing a levelinf kit? Stock tires?

DPetry94 · February 28, 2016

Looks great but installed what?

Guessing a levelinf kit? Stock tires?

Sorry, yes a 1.5" motofab leveling kit. I'm running stock tire size right now, but have Hankook Dynapro ATMs. I'll probably go a little bigger next time I buy tires. Now I'm looking for some rims to match my new side steps.

BulldogSilverado · February 28, 2016

Here's another picture. As to why well I'm from California and here it's a style. What works for us might not work for others and what works for others might now work for us.

Sweet truck - looks good!

YammieHauler · February 28, 2016

Any rub with this set up

Just wanted to let you guys know for those considering 35s...

They fit on factory 20's with minor wheel well insert trimming. It was worth it to me, so I did it. Very happy with the way it turned out.

I still rub slightly in reverse at full lock, I could probably remedy that with some additional trimming but I'm not sure I care at the moment.

I'll upload pics later for anyone who wants to see.

Setup:

2014 Sierra SLT 4x4

Pro Comp 2.25 leveling kit

Toyo Open Country M/T 35x12.5xR20

I'm still on the fence on getting a bigger lift. Not sure if I want to void any warranties just yet.