Leveling kit issues, what will fit without it?

SDSLEDHEAD · April 29, 2014

I have an 09 Sierra with a 2" RC leveling kit, 17x9 rims running 285/70/17 tires, so far I have been very displeased with the setup. RC's website said that size tire would clear with the level, nope, lots of rubbing. In my opinion the truck drives worse than it did without the kit, it doesn't track as straight (yes it has been aligned multiple times) and seems like the wheel wants to steer back to straight when turning, not terrible, but noticeable. I put the kit on at about 15,000 miles and now am at close to 70,000. It's been in the shop and had ball joints replaced twice and is now due for another. First time was all 4, second time was an upper, and now it needs another upper and my front tires are basically ruined from the miss alignment caused by the bad joint which caused improper wear which caused a terrible shake and ruined tires. Anyway I'm too the point that I want to get rid of the level, rima(starting to pit) and tires. What I would LIKE to do, not sure if its possible, is take the level out and get new aftermarket rims and tires, I would like to do 18s or 20s, can I make either fit without a level? If so what size or sizes of tires would fit?

I am just at the point where I don't really know what to do next, I am sick of having to have ball joints put in, but I hate to take my level out as I have fender flares and some other stuff that would look out of place if I put stock rims and tires back on, but I am to the point that I need to do something. Suggestions?

newdude · April 29, 2014

Replace the level with a full on lift, say one with a knuckle lift or drop the level kit. That way it puts all the ball joint and tie rod angles back to stock, reducing premature wear.

http://www.roughcountry.com/gm-suspension-lift-kit-262.html

Silverado4x4 · April 29, 2014

It doesn't matter what size rim you run its the size of the tire and rim offset, 285s should not rub hard with a 2" leveling kit with the proper rim offset.

SDSLEDHEAD · April 30, 2014

Honestly when I bought the rims I didn't even pay attention to the offset, I asked if they would fit my truck, was told yes, bought the things and didn't think twice. Probably my issue. Is the offset marked anywhere on the rim?

Danthaman69 · April 30, 2014

TheOffsetIsWhatCausingYourProblem 285 Will Fit Fine. SomeRIms Have The Offset On The Back Of Them.

Danthaman69 · April 30, 2014

Get A Better Leveling Kit Or Do Real lift

TooTall1 · April 30, 2014

Nothing wrong with the leveling kit. Thousands are running them without issues, myself included. I run 285-70-17's on stock rims and have no rubbing or other issues, so I'd guess it's the rim offset that's causing your problems.

SDSLEDHEAD · April 30, 2014

Makes sense, it would be good if RC listed that on their website- "this offset through this offset will fit with 285s", so that other people don't make this mistake, I know there's plenty of people smarter that me who wouldn't make this mistake, and clearly haven't, but I know there's also people like me who would make the same mistake. Anyways my rubbing is not my issue, I resolved that right after I put in the level, I had to do some plastic trimming and cut some metal and fold it back, have it welded, etc. I still have a minor rub on my washer fluid tank, but it is minor.

I don't want to do a real lift, not interested, but maybe that is a good option? I don't know, no experience but not really excited about the idea, costs (lift, regear?, retune?, more gas?,????) , practicality and what not.

Back to the main issue. Ball joints. Ruined tires. $$$$.Why am I having ball joint issues every 15,000 miles? Could that be caused by the offset of the rim? Ideas?

SDSLEDHEAD · April 30, 2014

The other thing- can anyone confirm if I can just pull the level and put 18's or 20's on and not have a rub?

Danthaman69 · May 1, 2014

The other thing- can anyone confirm if I can just pull the level and put 18's or 20's on and not have a rub?

YouCanTakeThe LevelingKit OffAndFit 18 And 20 With The Stock. You Can Fit 275/60/20 OnThere With No Rub

Danthaman69 · May 1, 2014

Do You Have A Pic Of The Truck?

SDSLEDHEAD · May 1, 2014

Only one I have on the computer right now

SDSLEDHEAD · May 1, 2014

If I do end up taking out the level and put bigger rims on I think I will need to take off the flares and bull bar for it to look right.

Danthaman69 · May 1, 2014

Any Front Views Of The Truck? From The Side You Shouldn't Be Having So Many Problems With The Front end.

dirtfan21 · May 1, 2014

What ball joints are you putting in the truck as a replacement? I will never install anything but Moog and I believe they make a greaseable ball joint for the non-greaseable factory ones. As far as the wheels they look to be KMC XD Spy's and I believe those come in +18, 0, and -12 offsets. If you are running a 0 or -12 offset then I would definitely expect 285/70/17's to rub on only a 2" level. I feel for you though, many people don't realize there are different offsets to wheels and your situation happens quite often.

My advice to you is take the couple grand you would have in new wheels and beef up the front end with aftermarket parts. Cognito has replacement UCA's that help with angles and various other parts to beef you up. If your current wheels are in good shape then I would go this route and get new tires. You will probably hate the truck without the level but if that is the route you want to go then 275/55/20 is factory on the '09 trucks and for an 18 I would say 275/65/18.

When I get some extra cash my truck is getting Cognito UCA's ASAP.