Suggestions/ reviews on leveling kits

mkleymann89 · January 21, 2015

I'm looking at leveling kits for my 04' Sierra 2500 SLE 6.0. I would like some input on the best kits for a good price. Right now, the best deal I've seen is this one: http://www.roughcountry.com/gm-leveling-lift-kit-283n2.html

I know some people have mentioned that their truck rode like crap after putting on a leveling kit so I just want some input on what y'all have used and if you liked it.

Thanks.

takethebounce · January 22, 2015

How much searching have you don't on this subject? There is a lot of info out there. I would suggest to google a little more and then arm yourself with some more info.

How much height are you looking to gain? The stock keys generally have enough to clear 33" inch tires. The problem is the stock shocks are too short. It is when the shocks are at full extension you get the harsh ride.

To clear 285's on my 2500HD I cranked the stock keys, measuring both fenders at the center to get an equal amount, and replaced the shocks with a longer Bilstien shock and the ride is better than stock. Getting the arms off the bumpers by cranking the keys improved the ride right away. When riding on rough roads it was harsh, going to the longer shocks cured that.

You can do the cheap shock extensions as well rather than new shocks.

Big Whiskey · January 22, 2015

I would just try cranking your stock torsion bars first. It's free, and may give you all the lift you need. Just make sure to get an alignment afterwards. Leveling kits for your truck are a waste of money, unless you need to go taller than the stock keys will allow. That being said, if you want to go much over the 2-2.5" range, you should go with a true suspension lift. And yes, cranking the stock keys, or replacing them will aftermarket keys will stiffen up the ride. Longer shocks or shock extensions will help, but not cure the problem entirely.

mkleymann89 · January 23, 2015

^^^^ I was just looking into that instead. I will probably just get the shock extensions. I don't think the ride will bother me. But if it does at least I won't have too much invested into it.

mkleymann89 · February 6, 2015

So I'm about to crank up the stock keys. Anyone know how many turns will bring the front end up about 2 inches to bring it level with the rear? Just trying to avoid jacking it up and letting it down to measure over and over again.

00Silverado4x4 · February 6, 2015

So I'm about to crank up the stock keys. Anyone know how many turns will bring the front end up about 2 inches to bring it level with the rear? Just trying to avoid jacking it up and letting it down to measure over and over again.

If I recall approx. 1/2" of bolt threads should get you 2".

Big Whiskey · February 6, 2015

Trial & error is about your only option here. Every truck seems to be a little different. Me & my buddies used to measure it first, start with cranking it 5 turns, then let it down, drive it around the section, measure it, and go from there. On a couple trucks, 5 turns was enough. Others, we had to crank them so much the bolts were maxed out, haha

mkleymann89 · February 6, 2015

Right on. Looks like I'll just take the time to drop it and check it so I don't end up making this thing look retarded. Thanks y'all.

Big Whiskey · February 6, 2015

Yep. And you should actually drive it a couple miles because it'll settle a bit.

mkleymann89 · February 7, 2015

Just to update y'all. It went well, the new shock brackets were a little tough to work around putting the bolts in but other than that it was real smooth. Ended up making 10 full turns on the keys.