SgtShiv's 2015 Sonoma Red Sierra

SgtShiv · August 26, 2015

Bought a base model Sierra in June and so far have added a TruXedo Lo-Pro QT tonneau cover, AVS vent visors, RC 2.5" leveling kit and removed the front air dam from the bumper. Will be more to come, but still doing some research and trying to plan my direction.

SgtShiv · August 27, 2015

Airraid MIT with AEM Dryflow filter and Zone 1.5 body lift ordered.

Robert.jean1 · August 28, 2015

Once the 1.5" body lift is installed, what is your plan for the stock wheels and tires? I think as your truck grows it will cause them to appear small.

SgtShiv · August 29, 2015

Was thinking I'd like to try going with 285/75r17's. Seem's to be a given that you can run 33x12.5, so im thinking they would still fit even though they are taller given that they are narrower. If not I'll just run 285/70's. Probably stay stock on wheels not seen anything that is a got to have wheel yet.

SgtShiv · August 31, 2015

Got my first gift from a fellow motorist.

Robert.jean1 · August 31, 2015

Is that a MSM on your plate? White to close for BSM but never seen a plate with a MSM so that would be cool.

SgtShiv · August 31, 2015

It's just Michigan's Iraq Veteran plate with Iraq Campaign Medal. Was torn between which one to get, so I got that on my truck and the ZJ has the Marine Vet plate. Just ordered new tires, should be at the shop in 3-5 days.

SgtShiv · August 31, 2015

Got a delivery this afternoon, and started the next project. Took a break to grab a drink and a couple progress pictures.

SgtShiv · September 2, 2015

I finished the BL install, and got the Airraid MIT and AEM Dryflow filter installed. Front/rear fender height at 39 7/8 and 40 1/2. Now just to wait on new tires and come up with next project. Probably holdout for tune to correct speedometer and try to squeeze a little bit more to offset the added height and weight of tires.

SgtShiv · September 2, 2015

Did the RC install on the 22nd and finally able to get the alignment done today.

SgtShiv · September 3, 2015

Tires are in and just dropped the truck off.

SgtShiv · September 3, 2015

Got the new tires installed and stopped off and got a few quick pictures. Went with Nitto Terra Grapplers G2 in 285/75R17. Stopped in an empty lot did some full lock turns, only rub slightly at full left lock in reverse. Took a look and appears it is on left front at the rear of wheel well on the outside of tire. Had about an 1/8 gap when stopped so not sure if I'm going to bother with it since full lock reverse is rare for me. Wheel well to ground measurements are at 41 1/2 in the front and 42 in the rear.

bcbz71 · September 7, 2015

Very nicely done with the dual kits to get the 4" lift. Also like the meat on the tires instead of the street truck rims that is the current trend.

Tell us more about that bodylift. I saw the YouTube video on the install. How many hours did it take you? I am getting quoted $600 to install.

SgtShiv · September 7, 2015

Very nicely done with the dual kits to get the 4" lift. Also like the meat on the tires instead of the street truck rims that is the current trend.

Tell us more about that bodylift. I saw the YouTube video on the install. How many hours did it take you? I am getting quoted $600 to install.

Thanks man. I like it a lot so far, was originally going to just go with Zone's 3.5 combo kit but figured the extra 1/2" would be helpful running nearly 34" tires instead of recommended 33's. I do like the looks of the 33x12.5's but wanted taller, more ground clearance and something different without going full suspension lift. Wasn't sure I'd want to be rolling with full suspension lift just yet with all the cutting, welding and added cost.

BL wasn't too bad overall especially considering the price I was quoted by local shop. They wanted $950 for install and 195 for alignment to install the combo kit. Zone claimed 3-5 hours for install of their kit, so I figured even if it took me twice that I'd be farther ahead. Can't give you an exact time it took me, but I was probably at about 6-7 hours.

I did everything in the driveway using old fashioned hand tools for all but the cutting that was required. If I would have used my impact and air ratchet I am sure I would have been in the time projected by Zone. For some odd reason I always use hand tools on my own vehicles and saved air and power for the shop.

The instructions were good and detailed and only missed one step, the installation of the tow hooks needs to be done prior to the bumper. This can be done anytime after you have drilled the second hole on the frame rails so that you can flip them upside down. A die grinder worked well on cutting the bumper brackets welded to the frame rail, but was a little slow on the bumper mounted bracket. I added a step and disconnected the front parking brake cable from the rears, and pulled it back through the frame to allow more space to trim without accidentally cutting into the outside of the aluminum sleeve. My jack was a little undersized height wise so that increased the difficulty, but was overcome with a couple blocks of wood for the cab lift and just physically tilted bed up.

If I had it to do again I would definitely go this route with the RC 2.5 and Zone 1.5 combo and install myself. Or see about just buying the .5" spacer for the top of the strut from RC and go with Zone 3.5 combo.