Any before & after Tahoe "leveling" pics?

KMeloney · March 9, 2003

Hey all,

I'm still kicking around the idea of raising the front of my '02 Tahoe up a bit to match the rear. But, I guess I still need to convince myself that I want to do it.

I'm still a bit concerned about:

-It looking right, after having lived with the stock "uneven" look for so long

-The truck riding roughly after the raise

-The tires looking too small

-The look vs. the cost (having it raised, alignment, etc.)

Have any pics to convince me of the LOOKS part at least?

Feel free to chime in on the ride harshness (post-leveling) and anything else pertinent.

Incidentally, if I do decide to raise the front, I may not raise it ALL the way up to match the rear. I may just go 1"-1.5" or so, just to minimize the uneven look... Thoughts?

Thanks!

-Kirk

Blueyednd · March 10, 2003

I just did a level job on mine yesterday. I even had the Ford keys to install. After cranking the torsion bars and gaining about 1.5", I decided not to use the keys to go up any higher. I did not notice the ride to be any stiffer. I haven't had an alignment because I need new tires anyway and will get them in a couple of months. I think it looks 100% better. I'll try to get a pic to you later this week...

KMeloney · March 10, 2003

Thanks a lot, Blue. That'd be great. I look forward to the pics.

So, no change in ride, huh? And how much did you crank on the torsion bars? Did you crank on them "all the way," or just to a certain point, or what?

Thanks again!

-Kirk

Blueyednd · March 10, 2003

I had to crank them almost all the way up, only left a couple of threads left before topping out. When I started, my front tires were only 2" from the fender wells, so I raised it an additional 1.5". The rear tires are about 5.5" from the fender well. After cranking them it is not 100% level. The front is still 2" lower than the front. But it looks soooo much better than before.

bbviper · March 10, 2003

I have a Sierra which cranked the bars last week. I thin it looks 150% better. I got about 2" out by cranking them all the way. 2" seems like not much paper, but is one hek of a difference on the truck. I think the ride is a little stiffer, but nothing that I am regretful about. I have 285's, so my tires look perfect. The only thing that I am concerned about though is that a couple of people on this forum said I need longer shocks and some said that I would be OK with stock shocks?? ??? But I would try it out and see what you think, you could always drop it back down if you dont like it, but I knowl you will!!

EXJAY · March 11, 2003

( "The only thing that I am concerned about though is that a couple of people on this forum said I need longer shocks and some said that I would be OK with stock shocks?? But I would try it out and see what you think, you could always drop it back down if you dont like it, but I knowl you will!!" )

shocks would be the least of my worries, think of your cv joints and boots in a couple of years?

Chris97K1500 · March 11, 2003

I wouldn't worry about the shocks, Rancho lists the same shock #'s for stock and up to 2.5" of lift. Same with other manufacturers as well. I just bought new Gabriel VST's for my truck after the lift, only because the stockers have 90K miles on them. Chris

KMeloney · March 11, 2003

Thanks for the replies, folks! Any PICS to put up yet?

-Kirk

PS -- Anyone DROP the REAR to compensate for the low front as opposed to raising the front end? Thanks!

toddoughty · March 12, 2003

PS -- Anyone DROP the REAR to compensate for the low front as opposed to raising the front end? Thanks!

I have a 03 Tahoe Z71, I will post when mine gets completed. Should be later this week.

Dont drop the rear, unless you have a 2wd.

BlackonBlack · March 17, 2003

PS -- Anyone DROP the REAR to compensate for the low front as opposed to raising the front end? Thanks!

I did exactly that! I maxed the Torsion Bars out and then lowered the rear of the truck 2 inches with shackels, and the truck looks awesome! I didn't believe it was the same truck when I was done.

KMeloney · March 27, 2003

Pics, people... I need to see pics!

Please post 'em if you've got 'em! Thanks!

-Kirk

Larry · March 27, 2003

Pics, people... I need to see pics!

Please post 'em if you've got 'em! Thanks!

-Kirk

Here are pictures of my wife’s Taco Z71. The same day we brought it home I couldn’t help myself from playing with the torsion bars as I cannot stand the typical GM truck down hill appearance. I did the same thing to my HD the day I brought it home as well.

Unfortunately, the pictures do not clearly show before and after affects it kind of gives you an idea.

Before

After

All

kazuaki · March 27, 2003

I've got several "after" pics for you...

Blueyednd · March 28, 2003

KAZUAKI great pics!!! Where are you? Did you just crank the torsion bars or did you add the F#*d keys? I've decided to add the keys to my truck, because I've found that I have one side 1/2" lower than the other after the truck settled, and I am topped out on the low side to crank the bar up an additional 1/2". Again, great pics, what a background and view! Looks like a TV add! I'm still working on new pics, the weather has not been cooperating.