Advice on mods for my 4.3 sierra sle

Jlevita82 · November 28, 2014

This is my first truck and there's so much I want to do. Just not sure what order or what's best. I got the 4.3 because I wanted the best fuel efficiency possible. The mods I want are

paint the bumpers and grill to look like AT

Slt headlights

Leveling kit

Black "gear blackjack" rims and tires idk what size is best

Intake

Exhaust

Nerf steps

Then of course the little mods

Darker tint

Sub

Maybe wheel flares

Can I get some advice on which mods should be done first and what's the best brands and sizes to use.

Thank you jason

Spurshot · November 28, 2014

Let us know what the fuel mileage does when you put big tires on it. Not too much info on modified 4.3L trucks.

Jlevita82 · November 28, 2014

Yeah I can only imagine my mpg will be much worse just wondering what size rims and tires would look good yet keep decent mpg. Also I don't want to go cheap with a leveling kit which one would be good? I've been reading posts and people put they are getting 2.5 in the front and 3 in the rear but isnt it suppose to be the opposite?

Spurshot · November 28, 2014

The limitations on a "leveling" kit or shocks is the CV joint angles (4wd). To me, "leveling" means something (spacer or shock/spring) that pushes the suspension arms down further when in the resting position. That puts all the components in a more extended position and also puts more angle in the CV joints. A 2wd truck can probably get away with a bit more angle on the A-arms, since there is no drive axle and CV joints. But the geometry of the suspension can get out of wack and ride quality can be messed up if the springs aren't changed to something softer.

For a 4wd, I'd try to keep it under 2 1/2" on a "leveling kit".

Bilsteins 5100 adjustable height shock, Fox, or King shocks would be the top drawer methods. Bilsteins would be the cheapest of those three.

Jlevita82 · November 28, 2014

Thank you for the response. Very informative. I just like the off road look but I'll never actually go off-roading. I just don't want to go cheap on it. I guess it's going to be all show no go.