Help with 2015 level/lift issues

[Dexter10]

Hi all... having some issues and need some tech advice.  Installed a set of rough country helper leaves to my 1/2 ton Sierra leaf pack and it raised the back height a lot. Looks good but front is too low.

 

So I set my front billstien 5100s to max height. Still too much rake and wondered if a set of 2” RC level blocks for the front would be too much for the arms etc. 

 

currently the front is 38" from cement floor to bottom of fender lip

                        rear is 42" from cement floor to bottom of fender lip

 

I am new to this lift stuff and don’t want to cause long term issues. My intention was to only get rid of the rear sag and it did that and more. 

 

I dont have measurements handy handy but can get them if needed to answer me. 

 

Thanks!

 

['17 Sierra]

If you go over 2.5 inches in the front, you’re asking for premature ball joint issues because you’re limiting the downward travel of the suspension. Now that you’ve gone higher in the rear, you’re best bet is to go with a 4 inch suspension lift. You can take the leafs back off and put a 1 or 2 inch higher block in the rear too.

[Dexter10]

thank you!!  

 

How do I know or can I figure that I am going to be over 2.5"  is basically what I am after.  are you just going off true numbers?  do you know what the max billstein setting lifts to?  2"??

 

So in the front or rear the lift is real math?  Like a 2" lift block etc gives a true 2'?

[Dexter10]

I wonder if I should just remove the rear block?? do they sell smaller than the stock 1.25" (I think its that thick)?

 

would this be a warranty voiding move??

[Donstar]

Why not remove the helper leaf?  Your front is fine with the Bilsteins.  There are many other methods of strengthening your rear spring set without adding lift.  Go to your local spring and axle shop and hear what they have to say!

[Dexter10]

good idea Donstar, but I was trying to get some input here first where this forum usually has the skinny or the quicker answer.

 

The RC leafs I added were an old stock item that fit older trucks,  I found this out after the install.  The newer version is much longer so the lift is less.  

 

Basically the shop that I purchased the leafs from didnt think this would happen and sold me the RC 2" level kit for the front at discount due to the inconvenience.

 

Just trying to keep the extra carry capacity/less droop and dont mind the rear lift, but now need to catch the front up without paying out big money for arms etc.

 

anymore advice is appreciated.

['17 Sierra]

1 hour ago, Dexter10 said:

thank you!!  

 

How do I know or can I figure that I am going to be over 2.5"  is basically what I am after.  are you just going off true numbers?  do you know what the max billstein setting lifts to?  2"??

 

So in the front or rear the lift is real math?  Like a 2" lift block etc gives a true 2'?

The Bilsteins will raise the front just shy of 2" at their maximum setting. A 2" Rough Country spacer goes on the bottom of the strut but I don't know if you can use a spacer with Bilsteins; I believe it's one or the other.  There is also a Rough Country 2 1/2" leveling package that includes both upper and lower spacers for the front but that's the max you want to lift the front without going with new control arms. As far as the back, get the front where you want it, then figure out how much you need to lift the back to match it. I I think you can get different sized blocks to lower it where it sits now with the new leafs. Typically you only add leafs if you're going to be hauling heavy loads.

[Dexter10]

thanks... I do haul trailers alot and toss my sled in the back in the winter alot so I need something.

 

I thought about swapping to a 3/4 leaf pack all together, but these RC leafs were cheap so I went for it.

[citydriver]

This is not meant to be a knock, but take it from one who knows. I've found that "going cheap" ALWAYS costs me more in the long run. You may be better off with an air bag helper system to level out the load without compromising ride quality, adding unwanted ride height, or stressing suspension components. the higher you go up front will require a total lift package, including control arms, knuckles and differential / lower control arm relocation to correct CV angles if it is 4WD. Which will cost considerably more than a decent set of air helper springs.

[Dexter10]

No offense taken citydriver... you are right and these RC leafs are what I need in concept but just too aggressive. They are too short and have a pretty big angle. 

 

I have decided to just yank them and put in a set of leafs from the local spring shop and then call it. They will give me that little extra carry capacity I need (400-500lbs) to avoid sag and not lift me a mile high. 

 

I have bought from them before and are great guys. I was just trying to avoid the higher price tag and try something new. 

 

I dont need need to cause myself issues with the truck and don’t need it lifted. 

 

If if anyone wants a deal on the RC helpers (100 miles on them) and a NIB RC front 2” level kit let me know.