2014+ Leveling Kits

asalinasz39 · December 28, 2016

Hey everyone, I got a 2017 GMC Sierra SLT 4x4 about two weeks ago. I want to level it, but I am being told to get either bilstein B8 5100s, a front level kit or a front level kit with rear blocks....I will be the first to admit, I do not know much about trucks, I let the pros handle that stuff. But can someone explain the difference in the three or make a suggestion on what to get or do?

The billstein 5100 are adjustable struts that extend to give you up to a 2" front lift. You can also go with a top or lower 2" steel spacer or up to a 2.5" spacer and rear block to add a bit of rake. Our trucks already have a rear 1.25" rear block so that would be swapped to a 2" or 3"

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asalinasz39 · December 28, 2016

Hey everyone, I got a 2017 GMC Sierra SLT 4x4 about two weeks ago. I want to level it, but I am being told to get either bilstein B8 5100s, a front level kit or a front level kit with rear blocks....I will be the first to admit, I do not know much about trucks, I let the pros handle that stuff. But can someone explain the difference in the three or make a suggestion on what to get or do?

The billstein 5100 are adjustable struts that extend to give you up to a 2" front lift. You can also go with a top or lower 2" steel spacer or up to a 2.5" spacer and rear block to add a bit of rake. Our trucks already have a rear 1.25" rear block so that would be swapped to a 2" or 3"

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skully85 · December 28, 2016

The billstein 5100 are adjustable struts that extend to give you up to a 2" front lift. You can also go with a top or lower 2" steel spacer or up to a 2.5" spacer and rear block to add a bit of rake. Our trucks already have a rear 1.25" rear block so that would be swapped to a 2" or 3"

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What'd you do to your truck! I really like the stance of it?

bcbz71 · December 28, 2016

1/4 spacers all around to aliviate with the reverse turning rubbing. These tires are 12.3" wide according to factory specs. I would have not been able to run the 12.5" many do as some actually measure more than when looking into actual specs. The spacers seems to have done the trick. I took the pics with the wheel turned at full lock steering wheel then removed the ignition key and locked in place; did not retrieve the 1" it commonly does when you leave the key in run. Funny thing is that when I went to turn it on the key wouldn't turn. I had to remote start it so the steering wheel wheel would unlock and allowed me to turn they key forward.

Last pic is with spacers in. Dint notice a big difference of tire sticking out as its just 1/4" but i will be happy if i notice less rubbing on my stamped steel control arms

Ahhh, the infamous inner tire rub on stockers! Good pictorial. I was a bit worried about your jack and blocks, but then I saw your jack stand. For safety, I recommend two stands and let the truck's weight down on the stands before climbing under. I do that, then jack the jack up tight taking some of the weight off the stands...that way, if the jack fails, there is no "drop and pray".

Since rims are hub centric and they no longer touch the hub due to the spacer, did you notice any vibration issues? 1/4" spacers are definitely the quick fix for OEM stocker rub with wide tires, but loss of contact with the rim to the hub concerns me.

Rolling Thunder · December 28, 2016

Since rims are hub centric and they no longer touch the hub due to the spacer, did you notice any vibration issues? 1/4" spacers are definitely the quick fix for OEM stocker rub with wide tires, but loss of contact with the rim to the hub concerns me.

Those elongated slots cut unevenly to one side of that spacer creates an imbalance to begin with. That spacer also should be checked for even thickness all around it. It's the old "Trust but verify" quotation. With the vibration issues some guys are having nothing should be left to guesswork.

asalinasz39 · December 28, 2016

What'd you do to your truck! I really like the stance of it?

My z71 has 2.5" top level strut steel spacer. Dont know the brand since I got it installed at one stop shop...pretty popular around my area and reputable shop. The I just recently added a 1.5" rear block in place of the stock to avoid the nose high front yet still maintain a leveled appearance with a slight rake when fuel tank is low.

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asalinasz39 · December 28, 2016

Those elongated slots cut unevenly to one side of that spacer creates an imbalance to begin with. That spacer also should be checked for even thickness all around it. It's the old "Trust but verify" quotation. With the vibration issues some guys are having nothing should be left to guesswork.

I did not experience any vibration at all even At 75mph highway speeds. I did make sure i criss crossed evenly hand tighten the lug centric nuts then re-tightened when jacked down. Also i did notice the rear wheels were completely off the hub after spacer but the front one still had a slight contact with wheel.

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papageoff · December 28, 2016

Just picked up a pro comp - 63235 2.25" strut spacer kit. Was going to do the bilsteins but wanted more than the 1.85" they give.

Gonna get a buddy to help install and he's going to do the alignment at his shop. Should we be able to get back to the stock settings?

Hope these don't ruin my ride.

skully85 · December 29, 2016

Dan,

Just be advised that there are GM warranty issues with the addition of lift kits.

So, I called th dealership I bought my 2017 Sierra from after reading this post, and asked if adding a leveling kit would void my warranty. They stated multiple times that it would not. So, I am really confused now, I'm not trying to beat a dead horse, but either it does or it doesn't in my opinion.

Anyone been told the same for their dealership?

Rolling Thunder · December 29, 2016

So, I called th dealership I bought my 2017 Sierra from after reading this post, and asked if adding a leveling kit would void my warranty. They stated multiple times that it would not. So, I am really confused now, I'm not trying to beat a dead horse, but either it does or it doesn't in my opinion.

Anyone been told the same for their dealership?

Skully,

I can't answer for your dealership but you may want to show them this .pdf and see what they say. I would get that warranty statement in writing signed by the service director or the dealer's GM. Otherwise if you ever have any issues later you're left holding the bag and not your dealership unless your attorney is better than theirs.

Silverado Suspension Mod 1116 (003).pdf

Waaazooo · December 29, 2016

Just because (a) dealership decides they are going to overlook a modification doesn't mean that GM or any other dealership will. My dealership sells new trucks with bds lifts and doesn't hassle owners over warranty items. My Audi dealer sells ecu upgrades that will flag the car for life if used. Both are very enthusiast friendly. But the local Audi dealer is notorious for td1 on modified cars.

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skully85 · December 29, 2016

Skully,

I can't answer for your dealership but you may want to show them this .pdf and see what they say. I would get that warranty statement in writing signed by the service director or the dealer's GM. Otherwise if you ever have any issues later you're left holding the bag and not your dealership unless your attorney is better than theirs.

Thanks RT - I am going to take this by there and see what they say, interesting enough where I live just about every GM dealership offers leveling kits at the dealerships and a lot of them have "lifted" trucks. so, it will be interesting to see what they say. I've got a buddy at the local Chevy dealership, I may see what he has to say as wel.

CHowell1991 · December 29, 2016

New to the forum so this has probably already been discussed but, I'm looking to get a 2.25" readylift leveling kit installed. The tire shop said I can run 295/70r18s with minimal to no rub. I'm planning on running the Toyo Open Country RTs. Anyone have this setup or similar?

Edited December 29, 2016 by CHowell1991

Grant Ryan Grimes · December 30, 2016

14 silverado with 2.5 rough country leveling kit with 20x10 Hostile Sprocket wheels laced with 33x12.5r20 Nitto Ridge Grapplers. I did minor plastic cutting with no rub. I was told it couldn't be done and it was easily done

Kyleorsini · December 30, 2016

Thanks for posting that up doubleg. Looks great and is exactly what I'm looking to do except hostile gauntlet in the 20x10 and some coils to level instead to upgrade the ride. Where did you trim front lower valence or did you rub in the back of the wheel well. I've got gatorback mudflaps all around and concerned it'll rub on the flap

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