lift vs level

PETARO · February 19, 2014

I decided to go with the rc 2.5" leveling kit and 285/65/18 nitto trail graps. Hopefully that will look good!

anthony2558 · February 19, 2014

Very nice.

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PETARO · March 2, 2014

How much is the usual cost for an alignment? I have seen some say about 60-80 bucks but I also read on a caster/camber adjustment which will cost more. What all do I need to have it done properly?

Also I'm about to buy the kit right now but won't go on for a month or so :/ I saw some of you installed the kit on your own, I have plenty of tools so should I attempt at this? Just looking for thoughts and opinions

anthony2558 · March 2, 2014

60-80$ is about right for a full alignment. I don't see it costing more for camber/caster adjustments, because that should be what alignment is. I had the dealer put my level on cause its freezing here and they warranty it all. But it can be done at home. I did my 09' and my buddies 11' Ram.

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PETARO · March 3, 2014

60-80$ is about right for a full alignment. I don't see it costing more for camber/caster adjustments, because that should be what alignment is. I had the dealer put my level on cause its freezing here and they warranty it all. But it can be done at home. I did my 09' and my buddies 11' Ram.

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Yea they said that the alignment is just for the toe/tow (can't remember how to spell it). I can't wait until all my stuff is on my truck! how long did it take for you to do it? I'll probably just end up having my friend do it in his shop

anthony2558 · March 3, 2014

It took me about 2hrs start to finish. Wasn't bad at all. Def have a friend around to help hold things.

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bigblzr94 · March 3, 2014

My shop in SoCal charges $90 for thrust angle alignment with camber caster and toe angles adjusted if available. And gm trucks have all the adjustments.

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PETARO · March 7, 2014

Alright so I'm calling around for alignments and some guy said I'm going to have to buy new "pitman arms" or something like that. That is for the 2.5 inch leveling rough country kit. Do any of you guys know about that at all? He confused the shit out of me.lol and I can find an alignment cheaper than 125 out here in Chicago :/

anthony2558 · March 7, 2014

Alright so I'm calling around for alignments and some guy said I'm going to have to buy new "pitman arms" or something like that. That is for the 2.5 inch leveling rough country kit. Do any of you guys know about that at all? He confused the shit out of me.lol and I can find an alignment cheaper than 125 out here in Chicago :/

You won't need a new pitman arm. That's the part that goes from the steering box to the center linkage. I don't know why he would suggest that. 125$ is a little steep but if thats the going average in your area, there's probably nothing you can do about that.

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navinke · March 7, 2014

I decided to go with the rc 2.5" leveling kit and 285/65/18 nitto trail graps. Hopefully that will look good!

Any pictures?

strickland604 · March 7, 2014

I agree you do not need a pitman arm. I had my alignment done at the same time I had my new tires put on they charged me $60 dollars for the alignment. But I live in south Alabama not sure if the prices for alignments differ that much though. Check around at reputable places for prices.

KUUG · March 7, 2014

Alright so I'm calling around for alignments and some guy said I'm going to have to buy new "pitman arms" or something like that. That is for the 2.5 inch leveling rough country kit. Do any of you guys know about that at all? He confused the shit out of me.lol and I can find an alignment cheaper than 125 out here in Chicago :/

The dealership charged me less than that, I had them do it with my oil change... When I had mine done the truck was "too new" according to the more reputable mechanics around me so dealership was really my only option.

PETARO · March 7, 2014

Any pictures?

I hope to get it done not this weekend but next weekend. I'll make sure I take plenty of pictures before and after so you can see. And I thought I didn't need I new "pitman arm because I have never read about that issue at all. Then new 18" rims and 33" nitto trail graps are in the works and will be on in may

Shier32 · March 9, 2014

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

Before....

After......

And one more.....

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.

I'm assuming those are stock size tires in your before and after pics. I want to level it, but not sure about leveling it with stock tires. What's your opinion of this, and what feedback have you gotten on the level with stock tires?

PETARO · March 10, 2014

How bad would it be if I got an alignment 2 weeks after the level install? Roughly 150 miles of driving withing those 2 weeks, just asking because the guy doing the install won't be available until middle of next month if not done this weekend and I won't have the money for the alignment until end of the month