rough country leveling kit. yay or nay?

[JJRS89]

So I got my new truck and really couldn't be happier. The dealer threw in a leveling kit and while I am intrigued, I am curious. Is this going to be something that really hurts my gas mileage? Is this something that will have a long term negative effect on my pickup? Is the physical appearance worth it for any trade offs? I'd really appreciate the insight. Thanks fellas.

[shortnugly]

Resistance is futile . . . you will be assimilated.

[00Silverado4x4]

How much of a lift was it? Did they put different tires on too? Different size tires will affect your mileage, not sure on what the actual lift will potentially do to MPGs.

[JJRS89]

its a leveling kit. Not a lift.

[00Silverado4x4]

Well just going by my experience, leveling kit didn't affect my mileage one bit. I also removed the lower air dam on the front. Again nothing negative to report. I like having a level looking 4x4, plus the extra clearance on the front is great. I think you will be very happy with the truck. 8 years & 122k miles & I'm still smiling.

[daxr]

Just make sure they do a decent job on the alignment. Make sure it tracks straight and the steering wheel is level going straight down the road. A levelling kit will reduce your caster angle, and unless they correct for that in the alignment it may cause a wandering or vague steering feel. Ask for a print-out; every modern alignment machine can make a printout, and its something you should have a record of if you wind up with wear or handling issues. If the caster angle isn't in spec, have it re-done. Unfortunately, you sometimes have to ask for good work to get good work.

 

Levelling kits work well on most of the newer pick-ups, but my experience with dealerships (currently working in one) is they do top-notch work on installs, then they do crap-work on the wheel alignment. Its more important now with all the electronics that go into traction control and stability.