Leveling kit (beating the dead horse)

00integrals · November 3, 2017

I know when it comes to pick up trucks the topic of leveling kits is like talking about the weather. But after doing a search through the old posts I haven’t really found the information that I’m looking for so maybe if you if you want here can point me in the right direction. I have a 2012 sierra Dinali HD And for a long time I have been toying with the idea of putting in a 2 inch leveling kit for the front. I’ve done enough research to know that if I want a good ride quality I need to go all the way with upper control arms shock spacers etc. after talking to a friend of mine according to him the only kit to go with is the Cognito level III. However that kid also comes with one of the highest price tags of around $1200 retail. So my first question is is a truly worth spending that kind of money for a 2 inch leveling kit when a comparable rough country kit is half the cost? Has anyone actually used the set up and convert out that it was worth the money Or is there a comparable alternative option thanks in advance

MORSNO · November 4, 2017

From my experience with leveling kit, I'd never do it again. The front rides rough and you loose suspension travel. A 4" lift kit set at the lowest setting with keep your axle/CV joint angles normal and give a much smoother ride.

00integrals · November 10, 2017

Wow 77 views and ony one responce?

davester · November 10, 2017

I haven't done a lift, and, if anything, I'd like my truck to be a bit lower to make it easier to get equipment on and off.

The majority of posts that I've read about lift kits say that the kits that rely on cranking the keys ride worse than the kits that move the suspension points (either with moving the connection point or with a custom a-arm) and the front diff if it's 4wd.

There are some people who say that they find their truck still rides ok with just cranking the keys, but they are in the minority.

03'Silverado2500HD · November 13, 2017

I noticed no negative change in ride quality when I leveled my 03 by cranking the keys. If your front end is tight then there shouldn't be and change in quality. Unless you are ridding on bump stops, then the ride will be worse. All leveling does is change the resting position of the front end, doesn't change the preload or spring rate. Keys just allow you to crank more then factory not maintain ride quality.

davester · November 13, 2017

The front suspension does, and is designed to, ride on the front jounce bumper (commonly referred to as bump stops).

Cranking the keys moves the suspension from being in the middle of it's range of motion to one end of it.

Using a regular lift keeps the suspension in the middle of it's range of motion, while raising the truck relative to the wheel.

03'Silverado2500HD · November 15, 2017

On 11/13/2017 at 1:42 PM, davester said:

The front suspension does, and is designed to, ride on the front jounce bumper (commonly referred to as bump stops).

Cranking the keys moves the suspension from being in the middle of it's range of motion to one end of it.

Using a regular lift keeps the suspension in the middle of it's range of motion, while raising the truck relative to the wheel.

If by a regular lift you mean a complete suspension lift, including lowering the front diff and repositioning control arms. Then it would maintain it the middle of travel. Otherwise no key is going to be able to increase suspension travel to maintain the resting position in the middle.

KMGZ400 · November 15, 2017

I have the same truck and I have a cognito stage 3 and pitman and idler arm support kit and cognito tie rods. I need the kit because of my tires. the truck rides a bit rougher. I personally would do the coilover or a cognito 4 inch lift lowered down if I had to do it again. I have had the kit on since the truck was new, 4 years and 45k miles and haven't had any issues and I tow frequently.

Big Whiskey · November 19, 2017

It you just want to raise the front 1.5"-2.0" then crank the factory torsion bars a few turns and add some shock extensions. If you're wanting more lift, then buy a full 4" suspension lift and crank it way down.

Z71yeehaw · December 7, 2017

I put a level kit on my 2012 2500HD and you can't beat how much better it makes the truck look. The bad part is how rough the truck rides now. Any bump in the road you hit feels like a rodeo in the cab. Can't be good for the truck I'm sure. The level was relatively cheap paid about $450 for install and everything. I put the new Nitto Ridge Grapplers on and I think that may have made it worse. Truck looks better than ever but looks like i'll have to install new shocks or something more drastic.