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Posted

I've noticed a lot of people complaining about rough country plastic spacers which in reality is not plastic but a fiberglass reinforced nylon which is really strong and can handle more pressure per square inch than most metals. Everyone thinks that since its metal its stronger when in reality could be a lot weaker. I have seen so many aluminum kits snap in half do to poor aluminum quality as well as it being a cast piece opposed to a forged piece. For those who don't know the differences a cast piece has molten aluminum poured into a mould to create the piece. A forged piece is a block of molten aluminum that has been compressed and let dry to a solid block then placed into a CNC machine and then the design is cut out. The problem with cast is that when its poured into an mould and let dry small air pockets are formed inside most not visible to the naked eye which create weak spots where the part can easily snap as I have seen happen to a lot of these cheap ebay kits. A forged piece is stronger as it reduces significantly the air pockets in the piece. If you weigh a cast and forged piece same design the forged piece will always weigh more as it has been compressed. Don't buy the cheap aluminum ebay kits, buy from a reputable company as they have done the research and testing. To those who still question the fiberglass reinforced nylon block strength I used to own an f150 with a 3" body lift with reinforced nylon blocks. The truck was in an accident on the highway and rolled over. The truck was totaled cab crushed in frame bent like crazy and twisted as well. The floor of cab ripped apart at spot welds. The blocks were intact, never bent, cracked or snapped a bolt. After seeing this I never question the strength of these reinforced nylon blocks as I know they will not fail. I have not heard of anyone saying these nylon blocks cracking or breaking, just negative remarks from those who don't know what they are talking about.

 

I installed the RC 2 inch lift. I ordered the kit for steel control arms after verifying they were in fact steel using a magnet. I was worried GM might just start painting the aluminum arms. In any case I installed the bolts from the bottom as specified in the instructions and have had no issues with the bolts rubbing on the drive shafts.

 

My truck had a 4 inch rake for some reason: 36 inches front, 40 inches rear measured center of tire to bottom of fender lip. (Sierra Double Cab Z71). I didn't want to go beyond 2 inches. It's now 38 and 40 and I can live with that.

 

Very happy with the lift so far.

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Posted

Heck yeah if you will post them on here. All I have are a few snaps at a gas station. Send me a pm with info and I'll send you pics to post.

 

Pics please!

Posted

Works perfectly and I'm so damn excited. A very slight rub on the carpeted fender well at full lock. Nothing I'm worried about as far as trimming at all. 295 70 r18 on a 2014 sierra with a 2.5 rough country lift. Trail grapplers great tires and smooth ride for being mud tires.it won't let me upload my pictures. But as soon as I can I will. But I have never been happier that a huge tire fit this good without a major lift. Has milage took a hit but worth it in my opinion lol!

 

 

Awesome, can't wait to see some pics. The Trail Grapplers are the tires that I have used in the past, and in my opinion are a great tire. Thank you for the info. Enjoy.

Posted

 

I installed the RC 2 inch lift. I ordered the kit for steel control arms after verifying they were in fact steel using a magnet. I was worried GM might just start painting the aluminum arms. In any case I installed the bolts from the bottom as specified in the instructions and have had no issues with the bolts rubbing on the drive shafts.

 

My truck had a 4 inch rake for some reason: 36 inches front, 40 inches rear measured center of tire to bottom of fender lip. (Sierra Double Cab Z71). I didn't want to go beyond 2 inches. It's now 38 and 40 and I can live with that.

 

Very happy with the lift so far.

 

If you want it closer you can take the factory 1" lift blocks from the rear. A 2" rake for me would be perfect for me. I want to raise the front to help clearance but I don't want to level the truck completely. It looks better, but my old 98 was leveled and anytime I put any kind of real weight in the bed or pulled a heavy enough trailer it would look like it was dragging ass and I didn't like that. I even though about the leveling kit for the front and then replacing the 1" blocks in the rear with 2" blocks to raise the back about 1-2". I figured that way it lefts all around while still giving a rake.

Posted

 

If you want it closer you can take the factory 1" lift blocks from the rear. A 2" rake for me would be perfect for me. I want to raise the front to help clearance but I don't want to level the truck completely. It looks better, but my old 98 was leveled and anytime I put any kind of real weight in the bed or pulled a heavy enough trailer it would look like it was dragging ass and I didn't like that. I even though about the leveling kit for the front and then replacing the 1" blocks in the rear with 2" blocks to raise the back about 1-2". I figured that way it lefts all around while still giving a rake.

Thanks for the rear block suggestion. I think I'll leave it as is. Your point about carrying heavy loads is a valid one. I often trailer too. It would not look good sagging with a load.

Posted

I put the RC 2" level kit up front to pick it up, then added 1" to the back to give some rake. Also helps the saggy - ass when hauling or towing.

Posted (edited)

Installed a 2" Top Guns Customz kit. Still on factory Goodyears. I'll be putting on a set of 285/55/20 or 295/55/20 ATs in the near future. Sits right at 0.5" lower in front.

 

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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited by langston1726
Posted

I had a 1.5" kit installed a few days ago. I'm very happy with the results.

 

My gas mileage hasn't changed. The truck does ride slightly stiffer but it's hardly noticeable.

 

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Pre kit measurements:

Front - 36.5"

Rear - 39.25"

Post kit measurements:

Front - 38"

Rear - 39"

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  • Like 4
Posted

Has anyone used a BDS 2" leveling kit on a 2014 Z71? how are the cv angles with a 2" level Im looking at instaling one in the next few weeks. Thanks for the help!

Posted

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Added the. 5" wheel spacers. Bumped them out just enough to make me happy.

I like your lights! Where did you get them, or what did you have done. Sweet truck!

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