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Any issues with levels OTHER than Rough Country?

Arkangel

By Arkangel
in Modifications & Accessories

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Leevon Enthusiast

Leevon

Posted
Posted

We have removed three level kits at my shop due to popping in the front steering.  Two of the trucks ended up with replacement steering racks from the dealer (warranty).  One quit popping after the level kit was removed and it was out of warranty anyway.  Last week I had a low mileage '17 Silverado with a level kit and stamped steel control arms come in with a popped out ball joint.  These are all exceptions, but I've seen enough to have an opinion of the risk.  The steering popping is annoying.  The ball joint coming out of a stamped control arm is down right dangerous.  I would not run any level kit with stamped arms after seeing this.   

IMG_5603.JPG

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TRG Enthusiast

TRG

Posted
Posted
45 minutes ago, Leevon said:

We have removed three level kits at my shop due to popping in the front steering.  Two of the trucks ended up with replacement steering racks from the dealer (warranty).  One quit popping after the level kit was removed and it was out of warranty anyway.  Last week I had a low mileage '17 Silverado with a level kit and stamped steel control arms come in with a popped out ball joint.  These are all exceptions, but I've seen enough to have an opinion of the risk.  The steering popping is annoying.  The ball joint coming out of a stamped control arm is down right dangerous.  I would not run any level kit with stamped arms after seeing this.   

IMG_5603.JPG

What size leveling kits?

MOhunter92 Enthusiast

MOhunter92

Posted
Posted

The stamped arms are quite frankly junk and can’t handle much other than stock angles. The cast steel and aluminum arms are much more robust, by far the most issues you hear in the forum is from somebody with stamped arms running a 2.5 level. 2 inches is pushing it on those arms, that’s why rough country came out with the different 2.5 kit for them and now their 3.5 kit (which is not a great kit) comes with a knuckle because these arms are too delicate.

 

Youll most likely be fine with a 2-2.5 kit of any kind unless you have stamped arms.

 

 

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Arkangel Enthusiast

Arkangel

Posted
  • Author
Posted
12 hours ago, Leevon said:

We have removed three level kits at my shop due to popping in the front steering.  Two of the trucks ended up with replacement steering racks from the dealer (warranty).  One quit popping after the level kit was removed and it was out of warranty anyway.  Last week I had a low mileage '17 Silverado with a level kit and stamped steel control arms come in with a popped out ball joint.  These are all exceptions, but I've seen enough to have an opinion of the risk.  The steering popping is annoying.  The ball joint coming out of a stamped control arm is down right dangerous.  I would not run any level kit with stamped arms after seeing this.   

IMG_5603.JPG

What is causing failure of the steering rack?

Leevon Enthusiast

Leevon

Posted
Posted
On 2/28/2018 at 10:59 AM, TRG said:

What size leveling kits?

2.5" and 3"

16 hours ago, Arkangel said:

What is causing failure of the steering rack?

I really don't know, my best guess was increased inner tie rod angle.  There is a service bulletin on this issue, have not read it in awhile though.  The dealership service adviser in both cases knew about the level kit and asked the customer to remove it so he could help them with warranty.   It's happening with non-leveled vehicles as well but both of ours happened after the level.  There is a like a "catch" or "hitch" that makes a popping noise and feel when turning one direction.  You can see the "pop" happen in the tie rod/rack.   There is another issue with the steering column lower bearing assembly as well, it is literally coming out of place and making a dangerous catch/pop when turning.   BIL's 2015 Tahoe just had it fixed for the second time, unrelated to a level kit though.  

Arkangel Enthusiast

Arkangel

Posted
  • Author
Posted
3 minutes ago, Leevon said:

2.5" and 3"

I really don't know, my best guess was increased inner tie rod angle.  There is a service bulletin on this issue, have not read it in awhile though.  The dealership service adviser in both cases knew about the level kit and asked the customer to remove it so he could help them with warranty.   It's happening with non-leveled vehicles as well but both of ours happened after the level.  There is a like a "catch" or "hitch" that makes a popping noise and feel when turning one direction.  You can see the "pop" happen in the tie rod/rack.   There is another issue with the steering column lower bearing assembly as well, it is literally coming out of place and making a dangerous catch/pop when turning.   BIL's 2015 Tahoe just had it fixed for the second time, unrelated to a level kit though.  

 

What year are the trucks? Ive read alot about the 14’s having that problem. Damn im leaning more and more towards not doing this and just lifting it 4” when the warranty is up

Leevon Enthusiast

Leevon

Posted
Posted

2015's and one 2014.  I wouldn't really worry, lots of folks running around fine with levels, just sharing the other side (rare).  Just don't level with stamped arms, the risk is understated by vendors IMO

Arkangel Enthusiast

Arkangel

Posted
  • Author
Posted
30 minutes ago, Leevon said:

2015's and one 2014.  I wouldn't really worry, lots of folks running around fine with levels, just sharing the other side (rare).  Just don't level with stamped arms, the risk is understated by vendors IMO

Mine does have the stamped arms. Cognito being the cheapest at 540, plus the spacer kit and maybe bilsteins if it rides like shit with the ranchos, im prob better off saving the money for a BDS. Wife wouldt be happy for making it tougher for her and my young kids to get in with a 4” plus lift

Bigmoore Enthusiast

Bigmoore

Posted
Posted
We have removed three level kits at my shop due to popping in the front steering.  Two of the trucks ended up with replacement steering racks from the dealer (warranty).  One quit popping after the level kit was removed and it was out of warranty anyway.  Last week I had a low mileage '17 Silverado with a level kit and stamped steel control arms come in with a popped out ball joint.  These are all exceptions, but I've seen enough to have an opinion of the risk.  The steering popping is annoying.  The ball joint coming out of a stamped control arm is down right dangerous.  I would not run any level kit with stamped arms after seeing this.   
IMG_5603.JPG.cc7904f899f47291469c4c5865396a80.JPG

I also had the same issue on my 2014. 25k miles on the truck. About 15k on the level. Had Tj have the steering rack replaced. I won’t be leveling my 2018 cause of it.



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TRG Enthusiast

TRG

Posted
Posted

Thanks for the info.  I have an 18 Z71 with the stamped arms and want to do a 2” level, but likely won’t do it now without replacing the stamped arms. 

Boardmember Senior Enthusiast

Boardmember

Posted
Posted

So tell a non-mechanic how to tell if I have stamped UCAs.   I am (was?) about to put a 1.5-2” level on my ‘18.  Thanks in advance.  

Arkangel Enthusiast

Arkangel

Posted
  • Author
Posted
40 minutes ago, Boardmember said:

So tell a non-mechanic how to tell if I have stamped UCAs.   I am (was?) about to put a 1.5-2” level on my ‘18.  Thanks in advance.  

 

6B73F9FC-A58D-4F7A-9B07-D5479AA54871.jpeg

Arkangel Enthusiast

Arkangel

Posted
  • Author
Posted

For those of us who dont plan to do

much if any off-road, RC has no ETA for control arms for the Stamped Steel folk. I havent found anything cheaper than Cognito $540

Sierra706 Senior Enthusiast

Sierra706

Posted
Posted
For those of us who dont plan to do
much if any off-road, RC has no ETA for control arms for the Stamped Steel folk. I havent found anything cheaper than Cognito $540


Have you tried moog?


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