Going off road in Denali

aseibel · June 28, 2018

12 minutes ago, amxguy1970 said:

Why is everyone talking about levels? He didn't ask about that, he didn't say he was going to add one. He just asked if he can change the wheels to a smaller wheel and not mess with the warranty.

thank-you, I was just going to post that. People see "change wheels" and they just think a levelling kit is involved.

I'd like to hear from the OP on what his "off-roading" looks like. If it's just driving slowly on some one-lane gravel/ dirt trails, I don't think he'll have a problem. But for blazing trails, mudding or rock-climbing, obviously his truck is not equipped for that.

TXGREEK · June 28, 2018

Some will void it (including GM) at anything above stock as they have sent memos out regarding that. If it impacts what fails they will decline warranty regardless if you 1" or 3", 2.5 isn't some safe nothing happens number, it is on the upper limits of harsh wear and tear...

Why is everyone talking about levels? He didn't ask about that, he didn't say he was going to add one. He just asked if he can change the wheels to a smaller wheel and not mess with the warranty. Answer is yes so long as you don't go bigger and heavier (which will be harder to do as wheels are heavier than tires so chances are your 18" set up will weigh less than the 22" set up). Putting a 34" tire and 2.5" level the dealer can certainly void warranty for items that fail that are related (BJ's, bearing, ect).

Obviously you can go off road with 22"s but that is a bad idea, it can but a vette can also go off road. 18's can be aired down and increase the foot print which helps with traction and preventing from getting stuck (a 22 will increase very minimally its footprint), it will also help prevent punctures and it will ride better which is big when you spend a long time off the pavement driving places.

I say find a nice looking 18" wheel you like, wrap it in a good AT (not BFG) and profit off the sale of the 22's and enjoy. No switching wheels back and forth, tires will be cheaper to buy and ride nicer as well as more choices. The truck isn't limited, it still has the same ground clearance and locking diff as the other models, just the shocks most likely aren't best for long term off road abuse but will be fine for occasional jaunts. I would also look at adding the metal skid plates, mine came in handy on the white rim trail.

Tyler

I know he didn’t bring up levels, I did. He’s new this. What’s wrong with BFG?

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Dj91 · June 28, 2018

Wow, thanks for all the replies, comments and advice. Looks like I have some research to do. Didn't even think about leveling it or a lift kit. I know it's a 4 wheel drive truck but I have no clue about the MagneRide suspension and how or if it works off road. I did ask the salesman and all he would confirm was that if I'm somewhere and it snows I'll be ok. I pressed him about going off road and he recommended the All-Terrain. As I said earlier that wasn't going to work.

My fishing trip is the most I'd use the 4 wheel drive at one time. Other times throughout the year there might be an occasion or two but nothing like when I'm on my trip. We cabin at 8500 feet and then go up to 11000 + and hit every stream and lake there is. It's mostly dirt roads but there are some spots where it's trails, rocks and ruts. No crawling involved but definitely need the 4 wheel drive. In the past my buddies have used their stock F150 XLT's 4x4 and have had no issues as far as denting or bending anything. They have the nerf type running boards.

I'm thinking about changing to 18" wheels and tires, getting skid plates and that should do it.

TXGREEK · June 28, 2018

Wow, thanks for all the replies, comments and advice. Looks like I have some research to do. Didn't even think about leveling it or a lift kit. I know it's a 4 wheel drive truck but I have no clue about the MagneRide suspension and how or if it works off road. I did ask the salesman and all he would confirm was that if I'm somewhere and it snows I'll be ok. I pressed him about going off road and he recommended the All-Terrain. As I said earlier that wasn't going to work.

My fishing trip is the most I'd use the 4 wheel drive at one time. Other times throughout the year there might be an occasion or two but nothing like when I'm on my trip. We cabin at 8500 feet and then go up to 11000 + and hit every stream and lake there is. It's mostly dirt roads but there are some spots where it's trails, rocks and ruts. No crawling involved but definitely need the 4 wheel drive. In the past my buddies have used their stock F150 XLT's 4x4 and have had no issues as far as denting or bending anything. They have the nerf type running boards.

I'm thinking about changing to 18" wheels and tires, getting skid plates and that should do it.

If that’s all then just stick with what you’ve got and enjoy it. I had to get a bit more clearance which is why I did a level and then causing me to change wheels. Good luck and God Bless

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Lgetz · June 29, 2018

Dj91 congrats on your retardedness oops I meant retirement. As others have mentioned you will be fine using the Denali for your fishing or other off road excursions. Swapping to an 18 inch wheel with all terrain tires will definitely help due to the larger sidewall vs your current 22's. Plenty of good choices for tires: Cooper AT3, BFG KO2, Nitto Terra Grappler G2, Goodyear Duratracs, and so on. My preference has been Toyo Tires, either AT2s or the RT lines. Nothing but good things to say about them and always get great wear. Surprisingly the company 2015 Sierra Denali Duramax HD has been quite good with Michelin LTX ATs even on gravel, sand, and other nasty stuff. Wear seems good over 10K miles only thing is the tread pattern is plain vanilla compared to other options.

BTW if you have the space just store your 22 inch wheels and tires if you can. I like them and feel you could eventually buy a "beater" for the rough stuff and use the Denali as the pavement princess.

Hook a Moby???

spenpet · June 29, 2018

20 hours ago, TXGREEK said:

Some dealerships will actually void your warranty if you go taller than 2.5” - 3” levels. I actually contacted the GM of my dealership and he told me don’t do the 3” or higher cause of to many issues with the new stamped CA’s. I did a 2.25” billet aluminum from and added a 1” rear and that’s when I started having issues with rubbing then I bought new wheels too. The magnetic ride suspension doesn’t like off roading. There are some kits with magnetic ride suspension adapters available for the magnetic ride suspension.

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agree, that is why i said 'level' 3" is considered a lift (at least that is what i have always understood)...when i bought my truck, i had them put it in writing that a level would not void my warranty...and they had no problem doing that for me.

crushNchowda · June 29, 2018

22 hours ago, amxguy1970 said:

Some will void it (including GM) at anything above stock as they have sent memos out regarding that. If it impacts what fails they will decline warranty regardless if you 1" or 3", 2.5 isn't some safe nothing happens number, it is on the upper limits of harsh wear and tear...

Why is everyone talking about levels? He didn't ask about that, he didn't say he was going to add one. He just asked if he can change the wheels to a smaller wheel and not mess with the warranty. Answer is yes so long as you don't go bigger and heavier (which will be harder to do as wheels are heavier than tires so chances are your 18" set up will weigh less than the 22" set up). Putting a 34" tire and 2.5" level the dealer can certainly void warranty for items that fail that are related (BJ's, bearing, ect).

Obviously you can go off road with 22"s but that is a bad idea, it can but a vette can also go off road. 18's can be aired down and increase the foot print which helps with traction and preventing from getting stuck (a 22 will increase very minimally its footprint), it will also help prevent punctures and it will ride better which is big when you spend a long time off the pavement driving places.

I say find a nice looking 18" wheel you like, wrap it in a good AT (not BFG) and profit off the sale of the 22's and enjoy. No switching wheels back and forth, tires will be cheaper to buy and ride nicer as well as more choices. The truck isn't limited, it still has the same ground clearance and locking diff as the other models, just the shocks most likely aren't best for long term off road abuse but will be fine for occasional jaunts. I would also look at adding the metal skid plates, mine came in handy on the white rim trail.

Tyler

I was wondering the same thing a) the OP never mentioned anything about lifting the truck and b) its a denali so the magride is gonna be a PITA headache if you wanna change the ride height better to leave it be.

Also I have to shake my head at the poster telling the guy on the one hand "get different offset wheel you will rub I did a 2.25" billet level in front 1" rear" & then to go on & say "I swapped the crap rancho shocks out they suck" - so you do realize you could've tossed the shocks + the POS front level blocks & taken care of everything w/ bilstein's 5100 shocks????? No front level needed

Anyhow - when I was contemplating which tire to go w/ debating on LT vs. P rated etc. I seem to recall that my buddy's denali ultimate on 22"s + bridgestones was about as heavy per corner as my lighter Granite Alloy 20" wheels running BFG KO2's in 275/60R20 LT's (I swapped those out for Nitto Terra grapplers 275/60R20 P's) - so long story short dropping down 4" on rim size I'd do alot of research find the absolute lightest wheels you can that look good, then I'd go w/ an LT rated AT tire like the BFG KO2 - since you're already coming from a damn heavy stock setup dropping wheel size + adding an LT tire may be a push.

Denali should be fine off road except all these trucks ride low from the factory (lower than any other brand out there unfortunately) & I could see people scraping the front diffuser or simply getting hung up on a rock/high spot of uneven gravel etc. I got my '14 sierra AT stuck from getting hung up on a pile of packed snow - was even running snow tires, there just wasn't enough ground clearance. This is why I decided when I got my '15 sierra (the 14 got totaled) to install bilstein 5100's max height & a 1" block in rear & 1" taller tires. Now it has a much better clearance - also removed the front diffuser which visually makes the truck look better anyhow too.

Denali w/ mag ride tho? I'd leave the ride height alone & just swap out wheels/tires

TXGREEK · June 29, 2018

I was wondering the same thing a) the OP never mentioned anything about lifting the truck and b) its a denali so the magride is gonna be a PITA headache if you wanna change the ride height better to leave it be.

Also I have to shake my head at the poster telling the guy on the one hand "get different offset wheel you will rub I did a 2.25" billet level in front 1" rear" & then to go on & say "I swapped the crap rancho shocks out they suck" - so you do realize you could've tossed the shocks + the POS front level blocks & taken care of everything w/ bilstein's 5100 shocks????? No front level needed

Anyhow - when I was contemplating which tire to go w/ debating on LT vs. P rated etc. I seem to recall that my buddy's denali ultimate on 22"s + bridgestones was about as heavy per corner as my lighter Granite Alloy 20" wheels running BFG KO2's in 275/60R20 LT's (I swapped those out for Nitto Terra grapplers 275/60R20 P's) - so long story short dropping down 4" on rim size I'd do alot of research find the absolute lightest wheels you can that look good, then I'd go w/ an LT rated AT tire like the BFG KO2 - since you're already coming from a damn heavy stock setup dropping wheel size + adding an LT tire may be a push.

Denali should be fine off road except all these trucks ride low from the factory (lower than any other brand out there unfortunately) & I could see people scraping the front diffuser or simply getting hung up on a rock/high spot of uneven gravel etc. I got my '14 sierra AT stuck from getting hung up on a pile of packed snow - was even running snow tires, there just wasn't enough ground clearance. This is why I decided when I got my '15 sierra (the 14 got totaled) to install bilstein 5100's max height & a 1" block in rear & 1" taller tires. Now it has a much better clearance - also removed the front diffuser which visually makes the truck look better anyhow too.

Denali w/ mag ride tho? I'd leave the ride height alone & just swap out wheels/tires

A little to late, where were you sooner lol. Kidding, I did think about it but thought that I may want to swap out shocks down the road and didn’t want to get stuck with one type of shock and if one up front went out I didn’t want to look like a limp driving down the street, just a thought.
I ordered Fox Shocks, finally came in and my buddy said that I may not like the ride, seriously?? He said I may be better of with 5100’s struts up front for a softer ride. Anyone have any idea of the ride quality difference? He said the Fox will give me a choppy feel on the highway and the 5100’s will be smoother.

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crushNchowda · June 29, 2018

19 minutes ago, TXGREEK said:

A little to late, where were you sooner lol. Kidding, I did think about it but thought that I may want to swap out shocks down the road and didn’t want to get stuck with one type of shock and if one up front went out I didn’t want to look like a limp driving down the street, just a thought.
I ordered Fox Shocks, finally came in and my buddy said that I may not like the ride, seriously?? He said I may be better of with 5100’s struts up front for a softer ride. Anyone have any idea of the ride quality difference? He said the Fox will give me a choppy feel on the highway and the 5100’s will be smoother.

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The bilstein 5100s, especially @ max height, are definitely firmer than any stock shocks on today's 1/2 tons, but not in a harsh way. They provide better handling less body roll on sweeping highway on ramps etc. Riding over potholes & ruts the shocks soak up way more of the impact vs. the body/interior rattling around w/ ranchos

I cannot speak to the fox shocks personally, but they seem to be pretty nice on the Raptor - they have a very solid reputation & would most likely last a LONG time under normal 1/2 ton truck use.

I don't think you made a bad decision & I get what you mean about 1 shock going, but I bought the Bilsteins under the expectations they would last 100k no problem - run them on past trucks & have bilstein sport shocks on my Z06 & they perform great.

IMO Fox is more a dedicated/niche brand in the offroad world & bilstein is geared more toward performance but both companys make great products.

TXGREEK · June 29, 2018

The bilstein 5100s, especially @ max height, are definitely firmer than any stock shocks on today's 1/2 tons, but not in a harsh way. They provide better handling less body roll on sweeping highway on ramps etc. Riding over potholes & ruts the shocks soak up way more of the impact vs. the body/interior rattling around w/ ranchos

I cannot speak to the fox shocks personally, but they seem to be pretty nice on the Raptor - they have a very solid reputation & would most likely last a LONG time under normal 1/2 ton truck use.

I don't think you made a bad decision & I get what you mean about 1 shock going, but I bought the Bilsteins under the expectations they would last 100k no problem - run them on past trucks & have bilstein sport shocks on my Z06 & they perform great.

IMO Fox is more a dedicated/niche brand in the offroad world & bilstein is geared more toward performance but both companys make great products.

I do go over tall terrain for work at times but nothing fast. I’ve had great luck with the 5100’s I had installed on my DMax but that was a 3/4 ton. I just want something that will slightly stiffen but geez going over the speed bumps in my new 1/2 ton with KO2’s and new wheels with the ranchos feels horrible. Just want smooth with no dipping feel on highway

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Rolling Thunder · June 29, 2018

19 hours ago, Dj91 said:

Wow, thanks for all the replies, comments and advice. Looks like I have some research to do. Didn't even think about leveling it or a lift kit. I know it's a 4 wheel drive truck but I have no clue about the MagneRide suspension and how or if it works off road. I did ask the salesman and all he would confirm was that if I'm somewhere and it snows I'll be ok. I pressed him about going off road and he recommended the All-Terrain. As I said earlier that wasn't going to work.

My fishing trip is the most I'd use the 4 wheel drive at one time. Other times throughout the year there might be an occasion or two but nothing like when I'm on my trip. We cabin at 8500 feet and then go up to 11000 + and hit every stream and lake there is. It's mostly dirt roads but there are some spots where it's trails, rocks and ruts. No crawling involved but definitely need the 4 wheel drive. In the past my buddies have used their stock F150 XLT's 4x4 and have had no issues as far as denting or bending anything. They have the nerf type running boards.

I'm thinking about changing to 18" wheels and tires, getting skid plates and that should do it.

Beware if 'lift kits' done by anyone but your dealer:

Warranty_Silverado Suspension Mod 1116 (003).pdf

TXGREEK · June 29, 2018

Beware if 'lift kits' done by anyone but your dealer:

Warranty_Silverado Suspension Mod 1116 (003).pdf

Dealerships do not do their own lifts, they’re sent out to the lowest bidder off road shops which install the worst junk lifts and then triple charging people at the dealership with a misconception of warranty on their lifts when in reality, they send your truck back to that off-road store for warranty work. You’ll get a much better lift at a 1/4 price from dealership with the same exact warranty on your lift from the off-road shop of your choosing.

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Rolling Thunder · June 29, 2018

23 hours ago, TXGREEK said:

Dealerships do not do their own lifts, they’re sent out to the lowest bidder off road shops which install the worst junk lifts and then triple charging people at the dealership with a misconception of warranty on their lifts when in reality, they send your truck back to that off-road store for warranty work. You’ll get a much better lift at a 1/4 price from dealership with the same exact warranty on your lift from the off-road shop of your choosing.

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If your lift isn't dealer certified, whether they do it or send it out, GM may not warranty any suspension and related issues just like their Service Bulletin states. It doesn't matter if an after market shop plates their lift parts in gold. How much clearer can it be?

TXGREEK · June 29, 2018

If your lift isn't dealer certified, whether they do it or send it out, GM may not warranty any issues just like their Service Bulletin states. It doesn't matter if an after market shop plates their lift parts in gold. How much clearer can it be?

GM itself will not warranty any lift even from a dealership. Dealerships get long term warranty from off-road shop installing the lifts. My off-road shop doing the lift will give me a long warranty anyway but not on anything other than what they installed. GM will not warranty anything caused by the lift your shop installed that all. Better off getting it done yourself. There’s a law prohibiting any car manufacturer from deleting your full warranty based on modifications done by owner of vehicle. Manufacturer can only void the parts affected by the aftermarket parts you’ve installed, that’s it!

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