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lift vs level

mike-z71

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mike-z71 Enthusiast

mike-z71

Posted
Posted

I want to get the front end up a bit and reading the other threads the RC leveling kit seems to be the forums choice. I looked on the RC website and saw they had a suspension lift of the same height. Question is this: Any benefit to the suspension lift over the leveling blocks? The $90 price difference doesn't matter if the suspension lift will be a better application. I will be putting bigger tires on after the lift/level too. Thanks!

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johnhankel Enthusiast

johnhankel

Posted
Posted

The level kit will just lift the front of the truck. I am not as familiar with the 2014's, but the Rough Country will lift the front approx. 2" with the level kit.

 

Rough Country's lift kit include an additional front spacer, for another 1/2" of lift in the front, and a new block for the rear that will gain you approx. 1" in the rear.

 

That being said, again, I am not sure of the amount of rake in the new trucks. I know on my 2011 the 2.25" ReadyLift put the front and back exactly the same. Thus, I added the rear block to gain a little bit of rake back since I do haul and tow a trailer regularly.

 

I do not think that extra 1/2" in the front will allow for a larger tire than if you just had the 2" level. I could be wrong on that, though....

14WhiteZ71 Enthusiast

14WhiteZ71

Posted
Posted

Here is my 2014 GMC Sierra Z71 with the rough country 2" leveling kit.

 

Before....

20131212_152146.jpg

 

 

After......

20140108_094119.jpg

 

 

And one more.....

20140108_094127.jpg

 

 

The angles I took the pictures at may not be the best, and the after pictures are in the same driveway, just the truck is turned around and it sitting on a slight.....very slight, uphill slope. So that may make a little difference...not sure. And its dirty....ignore that.

 

But anyway. I measured mine before and after in the exact same spot. Before the front was 36 1/4". After it was 38". So 1 3/4" lift to the front afterwards. Rear measures 39" both times, so it now sits approximately 1" lower in the front than back. In conclusion.....I'm happy, especially for $65 (installed myself).....however, If I could do it again I would get the 2.5" kit for $150 or whatever it is. I'd like some more height to it and I will be putting some larger tires on it when these wear out...not sure size yet. Then agian I am coming from a 2500HD, so this truck seems almost like sitting in a car to me. I've got a buddy with a '14 Sierra Z71 with the 2.25" Ready Lift kit on his and he has 305/55/20 Nitto Terra Grapplers on his. He said he had to do only a little bit of trimming to the front and he has no rubbing issues. ????

 

Hope this helps a little bit.

mike-z71 Enthusiast

mike-z71

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I have ordered the lift kit. I don't plan to change wheels, just larger tires. The stock z-71 tires (per chevy.com) are 265/65r/18. What would be the largest tires I can get without rubbing? I don't want to cut into a new truck. I will be running these tires year round in Michigan, so what would be some suggestions for tires?

KUUG Enthusiast

KUUG

Posted
Posted

I said the same thing about cutting anything; you shouldn't need to at all. if your sticking with the stock wheels I would go with 33" tires. I believe the most common tire size for that would be 275/70R18 that would give you a 33.2" x 10.8"

 

I'm in Texas so I cant help you on tires for snow. Our year round tire and your year round tire I'm sure is a lot different

 

With the set up I have I'm going to attempt to fit a 34" mud tire on my stock 18" wheels just to have a set to switch out from time to time

mike-z71 Enthusiast

mike-z71

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the info Kuug.

 

DH2014- what size are the tires you have on your truck? 275/70R/18? That's the look I'm going for. Not to much, but you can tell its not stock.

TXGrantDuke Enthusiast

TXGrantDuke

Posted
Posted

Here's mine after a 2.5 inche RC lift and 33 inch BFGs.

 

Truck looks great DH!

 

Here's mine after a 2.5 inche RC lift and 33 inch BFGs.

 

Truck looks great DH!

 

Here's mine after a 2.5 inche RC lift and 33 inch BFGs.

 

Truck looks great DH!

DH2014 Enthusiast

DH2014

Posted
Posted

Thanks TXGrantDuke. I love the way it drives, wasn't happy about the mpg loss, a little more than I expected, but 16-18 still isn't bad. Now it's time for assist steps and bed lighting!

 

I also like being able to pull up next to a Ford and look down on them.... I hated it when a Ford is taller than my truck.

anthony2558 Enthusiast

anthony2558

Posted
Posted

I was looking at getting the 2" leveling kit. There is an option for aluminum or steel control arms. What do I have? It's a LT Double Cab 4X4 non Z71.. Thanks guys.

 

Tapatalk via Moto X

 

anthony2558 Enthusiast

anthony2558

Posted
Posted

It's to cold for all that. I'm sitting inside warm waiting to place my order. :-) I guess I'll have to wait till tomorrow then. Did they just decide to make some with aluminum and some steel?

 

Tapatalk via Moto X

 

strickland604 Enthusiast

strickland604

Posted
Posted

Did any of you that installed the RC front leveling kit have the front end realigned afterwards? I've talked to several truck shops around town and they tell me I will need to have an alignment done afterwards. One went as far as to tell be the leveling kit will stiffin up the front and make it ride rougher.

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