Leveling Kit w/ gas mileage expectations

[crushNchowda]

I appreciate all the information. I am just trying to decide whether the look is rewarding enough to lose significant mpg's. I am trying to gauge what other members are getting with a similiar setup. My drive to and from Fort Knox is a straight forward highway so I probably won't lose much.

You're right in calling it "a look" because that's what it is, and that's what it is for any other truck on here as well unless we start adding in gear swaps & engine/power modifications or you have a 5.3 w/ the max tow 3.73 rear, or a 6.2, or a whole different truck like an HD Diesel or a Ford Raptor. The 2014 5.3 w/ 3.42 gears would the absolute minimum power wise that I'd even contemplate lifting/leveling along w/ big tires. You effectively neuter the truck and actually make it LESS CAPABLE off road b/c it'll have a noticeable drop in power the bigger/higher you go.

 

It boggles my mind the extent to which people spend time/money/effort moddng their trucks to "look tough" rather than BE TOUGH. I wouldn't put big ass mudder tires and a level (let alone a lift) on my truck before I added an intake/headers/tune at a minimum.

 

When you have power/torque/gears to spare in a HD truck that's one thing (and more power is a simple flash away) - no offense, but what you're looking to do to your 4.3 truck is nuts. If you want a V6 truck lifted you're better off going w/ a Tacoma, but if you want a 1/2 ton lifted better starting w/ a 5.3 w/ at least 3.42's if not the 3.73s or just go w/ the 6.2

[crushNchowda]

With all the miles you drive back and forth you would probably be better off going with a RC 2" level and some michelin LTX M/S2's or LTX A/T2's (A/T2 if you want slightly more aggressive look). Thats what I did, looks good, rides nice, and no MPG loss. This is on a 5.3L though.

did you keep the OEM tire size or go bigger? Just curious, but I do agree w/ your sentiment

[14SLTZ71]

did you keep the OEM tire size or go bigger? Just curious, but I do agree w/ your sentiment

OEM was 275/55R20 I went with 275/60R20.

[Isriam]

i could tell a huge difference is suspension after adding my leveling kit. first i removed the rear blocks and i felt like i didnt have enough travel. then i went back stock and could verify removing the rear blocks didnt feel as soft/safe. i installed a 2" level kit and the ride feels like it has a lot more travel and seems to stick to the road across bumps better than stock. well spent 30 bucks in my opinion.

 

i drive on concrete terrible roads all over dallas. worst roads i've ever driven including the northeast. some spots are like driving down a washboard dirt road.

[Jon A]

You're right in calling it "a look" because that's what it is, and that's what it is for any other truck on here as well unless we start adding in gear swaps & engine/power modifications or you have a 5.3 w/ the max tow 3.73 rear, or a 6.2, or a whole different truck like an HD Diesel or a Ford Raptor. The 2014 5.3 w/ 3.42 gears would the absolute minimum power wise that I'd even contemplate lifting/leveling along w/ big tires. You effectively neuter the truck and actually make it LESS CAPABLE off road b/c it'll have a noticeable drop in power the bigger/higher you go.

 

 

I disagree. I've seen a lot of stuck pickups, but I've never seen one stuck offroad because it "only" had 300 HP and "needed" 400 HP to get over the obstacle.... Lack of ground clearance? Yup, often. Lack of traction? Yup, nearly always. A combination of the two? Quite often.

 

The most "offroad worthy" vehicles I've been around have often only had crappy little 6 cylinder engines and nice big tires. They aren't something you'd want to spend all day at 80 MPH down the freeway or towing a big trailer, but for getting over a pile of rocks? Power is the least of your worries.

 

A couple extra inches of ground clearance and tires a couple inches taller (and much better tires than factory) really can make a huge difference in an infinite number of offroad situations.

 

With the current 6-speed, your crawl ratio with 3.42's is about what it was with 4.56's and the old 4-speed. Many of the old rules of thumb don't exactly apply anymore.

[crushNchowda]

 

I disagree. I've seen a lot of stuck pickups, but I've never seen one stuck offroad because it "only" had 300 HP and "needed" 400 HP to get over the obstacle.... Lack of ground clearance? Yup, often. Lack of traction? Yup, nearly always. A combination of the two? Quite often.

 

The most "offroad worthy" vehicles I've been around have often only had crappy little 6 cylinder engines and nice big tires. They aren't something you'd want to spend all day at 80 MPH down the freeway or towing a big trailer, but for getting over a pile of rocks? Power is the least of your worries.

 

A couple extra inches of ground clearance and tires a couple inches taller (and much better tires than factory) really can make a huge difference in an infinite number of offroad situations.

 

With the current 6-speed, your crawl ratio with 3.42's is about what it was with 4.56's and the old 4-speed. Many of the old rules of thumb don't exactly apply anymore.

Yes - literally crawling over terrain you may have a point, sure, stock wranglers are a GREAT offroad vehicle that used to come w/ fairly puny engines - BUT let me ask you, other than big tires, what is the one thing all those custom offroad jeeps get? Motor swaps. The wrangler has remained largely unchanged throughout its life, what is the one thing they finally fixed on it and got praise for? Plopping that 300hp V6 in it. Jeeps already come w/ the heavy duty short geared axles, and a super short wheel base, and a manual tranny etc. so they're not really worth comparing to a 1/2 ton truck though.

 

If you put the legit big ass mudder tires on a 1/2 ton though, its not going to get outta its way and will struggle on inclines, arguing otherwise is nutty.

 

I was referencing more "real world" off-roading I guess, not the damn rubicon trail....mudding, sand dunes, and flying through cow pastures I'll take a 400+ HP 400+TQ 1/2 ton w/ a 6 speed and 4.10's all day every day over anything w/ a V6. These trucks are HEAVY - like 3 tons heavy, and adding that suspension hardware and tires only makes them heavier.

 

You have a point, but lets face it - Once those big tires get stuck in the muck, there's only ONE thing that's getting you out - either the power/torque you got under the hood, or the big motor in the truck that's towing you out.

 

There's a reason the Raptor has that 6.2, and there's a reason Chrysler put that pentastar in the jeep, and there's a reason monster trucks don't come w/ 4 bangers.

[jimbo285]

Less concerned with MPG here as I don't do a lot of highway miles. More interested in filling my wheelwells with more than stock 255/70-17s with 275 or 285. Is the only downfall a speedometer error? I've heard stories about modern vehicles not running right or setting check engine lights because of tire diameter changes.

[chip8541]

My experience. I bought 275/70r18 BFG's and when they came in the mail I realized I was going to cut gas mileage down just by the size/weight of them. I also ordered a rough country 2 inch level. I took the tires to my nearest Discount tire that had OEM size 265/65r18 BFG's in stock and the manager traded and installed for $350. Not bad considering the OEM size were much more expensive. They were also rated for severe snow. I was very happy with the increased aggressive look. I ordered the level kit overseas without measuring my trucks height difference in front versus back and when I got home I realized there was only a 2 inch difference with my particular truck. (LTZ Z71)

It looks great as is with air dam off and works as GM intended.

 

Now if Bilstein will ever get off their butt and release the 5100 shock for these trucks I will have them installed for a half inch or so lift and call it good. I like a slight rake and I paid alot of money for this truck. I want it to work as well or better than it was designed. I think leveling kits and bigger tires are a waste of money.

 

Edited to add, I had stock size BFG's on my 07 GMC with stock suspension and took some of the nastiest "roads" the Sierras have to offer to go fishing at remote alpine lakes. More like trails with streams and huge boulders. I never got stuck or high centered. I think people are overstating the real use of their trucks with a look. If you are buying a 50,000 machine to go on worse roads than my 07 have been on you need a rollcage and more.

[chip8541]

Another half inch to an inch or not, It looks good.

[Coppertone]

After 32K miles I still get great mileage with a small lift and 34 inch tires, but I have the 5.3 with 3.42 rear end. When I bought my truck a year ago there was a noticeable difference in drivability with stock height and tires and 3.42/3.23 rear ends: the 3.23 felt a little doggy by comparison. Personally I would have the 5.3 or 6.2 and at least a 3.42 or 3.73 rear end before considering a lift or bigger tires because it essentially changes your overall gearing. It's also worth noting I used a hypertech (with my dealer's blessing) to reprogram my computer for the oversize tires, so my speedometer/odometer read correct. There was a noticeable improvement in drivability and gas mileage after using the hypertech, so if you do go through with your lift/tires, definitely do the hypertech. As others have said, however, personally I don't think it's a good idea to lift and install oversize tires on the V6. Good luck.

 

The new V6 has 285 hp and 305 lb ft of torque. The 5.3L of early 2000s had 285 hp and 325 lb ft. of torque. I don't think anyone back then was doubtful of lifting and putting bigger tires on it. People seem to be deterred from the V6, because it's......well.....a V6.

[Sjjr613]

Less concerned with MPG here as I don't do a lot of highway miles. More interested in filling my wheelwells with more than stock 255/70-17s with 275 or 285. Is the only downfall a speedometer error? I've heard stories about modern vehicles not running right or setting check engine lights because of tire diameter changes.

My truck also has the 255 r17s. I was wondering how much the mpg would change seeing how these trucks come with 3 or for different wheel size, let alone tire combinations for those rim sizes. Base sierra has 265/70r17 and my SLE has 255/70 r17. While others have 18" and 20" but the window sticker s mpg rating seems to be the same.

Another half inch to an inch or not, It looks good.

Looks good like that.

[chip8541]

My truck also has the 255 r17s. I was wondering how much the mpg would change seeing how these trucks come with 3 or for different wheel size, let alone tire combinations for those rim sizes. Base sierra has 265/70r17 and my SLE has 255/70 r17. While others have 18" and 20" but the window sticker s mpg rating seems to be the same.

Looks good like that.

While the rim size is different the tire sizes with those rims all come out to roughly the same overall diameter. About 31.5. I had that exact tire size BFG AT KO's on my 07. Very happy with them. Your 17 inch tires have a slightly taller sidewall than my 18's. Oh and thanks. Im very happy with it.

[Trademacher]

First post here. Hopefully this will clear it up. Granted this is very early on. I Will keep you posted on what happens as I put more miles on this current set up. 2015 4.3 w/3.42. I went from sock 255/70/17 to 275/70/17. They are Terra Trac AT/2s . I dropped 1.5 MPG with the larger tires. I drive with a light foot so yours will be different depending on on your preferences. I installed a RC 2" spacer this weekend and lost another MPG. I'm getting 18 vs 20 combined so far. pretty darn good considering. Also for anyone who cares you can clear the 275/70/17 without the level and zero rub. Personally I may remove the level but I'm not sure yet. I think I may be still ahead of where a 5.3 might come in in the same configuration. I could be wrong with that statement but to still get 18 with how much I changed I'm pretty sure i can live with it. IF you want these results I'd stay in the right hand lane.

[The Mad Veteran]

I have a 2016 GMC Sierra crew cab with standard bed, 5.3L 4x4 Z71, 3.42 ratio, 8 speed.

 

Will I hate the feel of a leveling kit and take much of a hit on gas mileage? I would just do a 2" level kit for now but I just don't want the stock drivability to go away, this is my main concern for me!

[Trademacher]

I notice its slightly stiffer than stock. but I think it is a combo of the tires and the the kit. I'm not complaining. Not enough to worry about really. I thought about removing it to get back a little on the mpg side but really what is 1 mpg gonna do vs how the truck looks. I think the 8 speed would help you but I'm no expert.