Leveled 2014 vs. Factory 2014 suspension.

remixznflow1982 · December 18, 2013

Hello all,

I was wanting someone to give me their advice on leveling, lifting and tires. I purchased a 2014 Silverado. It has 20" rims on it and low profile tires. When I purchased it I was under the impression that the truck ONLY had that modification. However I have discovered that it has been "leveled" according to my salesman and I was wondering if that affects the ride quality, build and overall durability of the truck for the long haul? The ride does seem rough compared to my last vehicle (2007 Avalanche). Should I have the dealer put the truck back to its intended configuration? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I've attached a photo of the truck:

Edit:

Here are the tires

maxco · December 18, 2013

Leveling shouldn't affect the ride at all. It is simply a spacer and doesn't affect the spring rates etc. I would think the difference in ride that you're feeling is because of the 20's and low pro tires as opposed to the larger sidewall the Avvy would have had. The larger sidewall will absorb alot of the bumps you're feeling now.

MotoMedic · December 18, 2013

Hello all,

I was wanting someone to give me their advice on leveling, lifting and tires. I purchased a 2014 Silverado. It has 20" rims on it and low profile tires. When I purchased it I was under the impression that the truck ONLY had that modification. However I have discovered that it has been "leveled" according to my salesman and I was wondering if that affects the ride quality, build and overall durability of the truck for the long haul? The ride does seem rough compared to my last vehicle (2007 Avalanche). Should I have the dealer put the truck back to its intended configuration? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Only real mechanical risk is to the ball joints. A leveling kit can cause premature wear but it's by no means an absolute. From personal & observed experience, probably 1/3 have ball joint issues down the road.

Do a search for Leveling Kits in here & the GMT-900 section (GMT-900 & K2 trucks have same basic front suspension) There are tons of threads on forum which discuss the issue in detail.

.

jtenney · December 18, 2013

Actually yours looks like a rear-drop level, which I've heard changes the ride more than a front-lift level. The trucks from the factory have a "rake" which means the front is 2.5" - 3" lower than the rear, depending on the model you get. Most people don't like the look so they put a leveling kit on to reduce the rake. The most common kits lift the front, not lower the rear!

There's no long term durability issue with a rear drop. Just ride quality. If they changed leafs or moved mounts etc you will feel it. Problem with your truck is if they put the rear back to factory then the look might not match the low-profile tires.

If the ride quality is bad enough I guess the dealer would have to fix it somehow, whether its putting the rear back to factory or whatever.

ltz_mike · December 18, 2013

Hello all,

I was wanting someone to give me their advice on leveling, lifting and tires. I purchased a 2014 Silverado. It has 20" rims on it and low profile tires. When I purchased it I was under the impression that the truck ONLY had that modification. However I have discovered that it has been "leveled" according to my salesman and I was wondering if that affects the ride quality, build and overall durability of the truck for the long haul? The ride does seem rough compared to my last vehicle (2007 Avalanche). Should I have the dealer put the truck back to its intended configuration? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I've attached a photo of the truck:

I leveled my 2014 with shackles and the ride is the same, still smooth. And I have the 20 in ltz stocks with original tires

ltz_mike · December 18, 2013

Leveled the rear

TJay74 · December 18, 2013

What size are those tires, they look close to the stock 20" tire size (275/55-20). Also it does not look like that truck was lifted in the front which is the common way most level a truck. Maybe it was lowered in the rear instead.

Stussy3us · December 18, 2013

That looks more like 2 inch shackle drop in the rear. That is not a front leveling kit That is my opinion I might be wrong. Mine has a 2.5" RC lift on it and it rides as smooth as it did before.

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brentadams646 · December 18, 2013

I leveled my 2014 with shackles and the ride is the same, still smooth. And I have the 20 in ltz stocks with original tires

Mike do you have pics? I've been looking for a LTZ leveled since thats what I have. PM me if you like!

ltz_mike · December 18, 2013

Top is stock and bottom after the shackle install.It is way more noticeable in person, especially when looking at the truck from behind. I've had a lot of friends ask if I dropped the truck, they say you can tell a lot. Cheap and easy to do!

I leveled my 2014 with shackles and the ride is the same, still smooth. And I have the 20 in ltz stocks with original tires Mike do you have pics? I've been looking for a LTZ leveled since thats what I have. PM me if you like!

^^

remixznflow1982 · December 18, 2013

Thanks all for you help!... I've been on the phone with the dealer today. I dont want to let them feel like they can get rid of me without doing what I want them to do with my truck. I think the way to go (from what i've gleaned here) is to just get replacement tires? Or at least its the cheapest option? I dont know what i'll tell them if its more about the leveling and lifting. I'm sure they will try to gouge me on the price.

ace ventura · December 18, 2013

Hello all,

I was wanting someone to give me their advice on leveling, lifting and tires. I purchased a 2014 Silverado. It has 20" rims on it and low profile tires. When I purchased it I was under the impression that the truck ONLY had that modification. However I have discovered that it has been "leveled" according to my salesman and I was wondering if that affects the ride quality, build and overall durability of the truck for the long haul? The ride does seem rough compared to my last vehicle (2007 Avalanche). Should I have the dealer put the truck back to its intended configuration? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Changing from an Avalanche to a truck will be a different ride. The Avalanche has a multi-link in the rear like a tahoe or suburban. The 1500 truck has leaf springs in the rear. The 2014's do ride really nice though. Other 14 owners have stated that there's with the 20's rides like a caddy. It doesn't look like you have much sidewall on those tires. If you remove the leveling kit you may improve the ride slightly but then you will probably want the way it looks now.

TJay74 · December 19, 2013

Here are your tire heights:

Stock

275/55-20 = 31.91"

aftermarket

305/40-22 = 31.61

So you see your current setup is slightly shorter which will make the speedo read fast. Your ride is going to be rough on this setup due to the really short sidewall. Only way to fix it is to go with a higher profile tire which wont work with that big of a rim, otherwise only other option is to go back to stock setup.

BillWho · December 19, 2013

Top is stock and bottom after the shackle install. It is way more noticeable in person, especially when looking at the truck from behind. I've had a lot of friends ask if I dropped the truck, they say you can tell a lot. Cheap and easy to do!

^^

Mike, some questions because I am looking to do exactly what you did:

a. How does the truck ride since the dropping the rear down?

b. Did you see any change to your gas mileage?

c Where did you get the shackle parts or did you just move the leaf spring to underneath the axle and use the same bracket but with new bracket bolts?

I like the looks of your truck with the rear drop. It makes the wheels and tires look "right".

ltz_mike · December 19, 2013

Top is stock and bottom after the shackle install. It is way more noticeable in person, especially when looking at the truck from behind. I've had a lot of friends ask if I dropped the truck, they say you can tell a lot. Cheap and easy to do!
^^

Mike, some questions because I am looking to do exactly what you did:

a. How does the truck ride since the dropping the rear down?

b. Did you see any change to your gas mileage?

c Where did you get the shackle parts or did you just move the leaf spring to underneath the axle and use the same bracket but with new bracket bolts?

I like the looks of your truck with the rear drop. It makes the wheels and tires look "right".

a. Rides the same I haven't noticed a difference

b. Gas mileage is the same. I monitor that daily/weekly and no change at all

c. I bought aftermarket 2" drop shackles (superior automotive part # 13-4100) at a local auto parts, here in Texas all oreily, pep boys, auto zone, and napa carry them in store. It is just a shackle swap no other changes are needed also same bolts fit