Lift or leave leveled?

TXGREEK · September 19, 2018

Currently, I’ve got a 2.25” billet aluminum up front level with 1” added rear with Fuel 20x9 +1 offset wheels and 285/60/20 Nitto Ridge Grapplers, 5100’s front and rear. I’ve been interested in just running with a 6” lift, not interested in anything taller. The question is: is it going to ride rougher with a lift versus just the level I’ve got on now?

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MN1(SW) · September 19, 2018

I'm in the same boat. I want to lift mine when I get back state-side. From everything I've read, as long as you don't cheap out on the lift, it'll ride the same if not better.

I've read in a few forums that the cheaper one's like Rough Country are hot garbage in regards to ride and build quality.

TXGREEK · September 19, 2018

I'm in the same boat. I want to lift mine when I get back state-side. From everything I've read, as long as you don't cheap out on the lift, it'll ride the same if not better.

I've read in a few forums that the cheaper one's like Rough Country are hot garbage in regards to ride and build quality.

Absolutely agree, so which lift is the best? I rode in a lifted truck a few years back, 6” ProComp and it surprisingly rode very nice even compared to my now leveled truck.

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MN1(SW) · September 19, 2018

Well it really depends on what kind of wheeling you plan on doing. I would personally love long travel but I don't want to do the whole fiberglass fender thing. Are you going just for looks or do you plan on abusing it? Do you want to just hit some old fire roads, go mudding, or mainly rock crawling?

TXGREEK · September 19, 2018

Well it really depends on what kind of wheeling you plan on doing. I would personally love long travel but I don't want to do the whole fiberglass fender thing. Are you going just for looks or do you plan on abusing it? Do you want to just hit some old fire roads, go mudding, or mainly rock crawling?

Great question, my interest is 90% street and 10% light to medium off-roading. I don’t like having restrictions though it’s inevitable. I just want the smoothest riding lift available.

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btj_z71 · September 19, 2018

Look at the Zone 4.5 lift kit. Best for an every day driver.

Next level lift would be the equivalent in a BDS lift. BDS is top of the line.

jimmyboy8301 · September 19, 2018

I have the Zone 4.5” with bilstein 5100s set at 1.25” (5.75” total lift) and Fox rear 2.0s. The truck rides firm yet smooth and controlled, it’s a huge improvement over stock.

2017 Chevy Silverado LTZ Z71 6.2L

4.5" Zone w/ Bilstein and Fox

22x10 American Force Grips

33x12.5 Nitto Ridge Grapplers

Instagram @wildchevys

MN1(SW) · September 19, 2018

From what I've gathered from doing my own research over the past couple of weeks, Zone and BDS are the best. Apparently they're both owned by Fox which helps their credibility. The only two real differences I've found between the two is with the warranty. Zone offers a lifetime limited warranty in regards to craftsmanship and manufacturer defects. BDS offers a lifetime, no questions asked warranty. With BDS, they say you can run smack into a rock doing 30, bend your lower control arm (and whatever else might go along with it) and return it all to them for a 1 for 1 exchange, free of charge. Naturally, with BDS being more expensive, it also has a better finish.

If you hit a lot of washboard type roads and the like, I'd recommend getting some shocks with external reservoirs. The extra fluid in the reservoir will help keep the shocks cooler for longer as well as help prevent the oil from bubbling up. That'll keep your ride nice, smooth(ish), and predictable. For the occasional weekend off-roader, I wouldn't say it's a deal-breaker, but it'd be nice to have.

Another thing of note, most of the kits lower than 6" will allow you to squeeze 35's under it but you'll be limited in your articulation. 6" and higher tend to give you a full range of articulation with 35's. I'd also recommend getting some quick-detachable sway bar links. Before you hit the trails, disconnecting your sway bar gives you that extra little bit of movement.

pronstar · September 19, 2018

The main function of external rezzies on shocks is additional valving, so the shock can exert greater control. As well as separation of nitrogen from the oil.

Additional cooling is a side benefit, but make no mistake: they can still run quite hot, even with the cooling fins that companies like King offer as options.

There’s just not a ton of airflow at the rezzie.

Not sure about the “smooth-ish” ride statement. Better/bigger shocks, when valved correctly, absolutely provide a better ride.

I ran custom-valved 2.5” King’s on my last truck. Running the same spring, the ride with 3.0” Kings was noticeably better, and 3.5” was even more of an improvement...we’re taking both on and off road. At a massive cost, of course.

These were 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks on 35’s that rode nearly as plush as a 1/2-ton.

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TXGREEK · September 19, 2018

From what I've gathered from doing my own research over the past couple of weeks, Zone and BDS are the best. Apparently they're both owned by Fox which helps their credibility. The only two real differences I've found between the two is with the warranty. Zone offers a lifetime limited warranty in regards to craftsmanship and manufacturer defects. BDS offers a lifetime, no questions asked warranty. With BDS, they say you can run smack into a rock doing 30, bend your lower control arm (and whatever else might go along with it) and return it all to them for a 1 for 1 exchange, free of charge. Naturally, with BDS being more expensive, it also has a better finish.

If you hit a lot of washboard type roads and the like, I'd recommend getting some shocks with external reservoirs. The extra fluid in the reservoir will help keep the shocks cooler for longer as well as help prevent the oil from bubbling up. That'll keep your ride nice, smooth(ish), and predictable. For the occasional weekend off-roader, I wouldn't say it's a deal-breaker, but it'd be nice to have.

Another thing of note, most of the kits lower than 6" will allow you to squeeze 35's under it but you'll be limited in your articulation. 6" and higher tend to give you a full range of articulation with 35's. I'd also recommend getting some quick-detachable sway bar links. Before you hit the trails, disconnecting your sway bar gives you that extra little bit of movement.

Nicely put together, thank you. The most important to me is ride quality. I’ve had the Fox shocks before and they did ride a bit stiffer on a 14, 1500 which I regretted even buying being first year out with horrible “everything”. The quality control with Fox and BDS is very good and it it’s sorta a toss up between BDS and ProComp, both with lifetime warranty or just sticking to my level. I love my leveled truck right now but know the tire area leveled doesn’t allow enough articulation, tire play. I appreciate all the negatives and positives cause once it’s cut and welded it’ll be a done deal.

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chrislim · September 24, 2018

Went from a Readylift 2.25” levelling Kit and BDS Add a Leaf in the rear riding on the factory rancho Shocks

to a 6” Fabtech lift with the 4” Dirt Logic Coilovers in the front and 2.25” in the back and still has the BDS Ads a Leaf

I can honestly say the ride has gotten better than when it was stock height even. The on road dynamics are very controlled and you can hardly feel potholes or any cracks in the road. So far I have only taken it down gravel roads in terms of off-road driving but it takes the washboards very good and doesn’t shake the truck at all. What affects how the truck rides at any height is the shocks and how much travel you have.

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TXGREEK · September 24, 2018

Went from a Readylift 2.25” levelling Kit and BDS Add a Leaf in the rear riding on the factory rancho Shocks
to a 6” Fabtech lift with the 4” Dirt Logic Coilovers in the front and 2.25” in the back and still has the BDS Ads a Leaf
I can honestly say the ride has gotten better than when it was stock height even. The on road dynamics are very controlled and you can hardly feel potholes or any cracks in the road. So far I have only taken it down gravel roads in terms of off-road driving but it takes the washboards very good and doesn’t shake the truck at all. What affects how the truck rides at any height is the shocks and how much travel you have.

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Your truck looks great! My truck surprisingly drove like a Cadillac when I first purchased. Now rougher once I did the 2.25” billet aluminum level up front and 1” added rear then added Bilstein 5100’s front and rear with E rated 285/60/20’s which come out to 34”. You’re telling me that doing the 6” lift made it smoother than your lift comparable to stock?

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Mike GMC · September 24, 2018

I've been researching many of the same things you are. My conclusions so far are that a level is a cheap band-aid approach to fit bigger tires. A real lift is the only proper way to do it, particularly if you intend to use the truck off road. If you are interested in looks and tire size only, a level can do that. But the real costs are hidden in premature wear of ball joints, CV joints and even the steering rack.

TXGREEK · September 24, 2018

I've been researching many of the same things you are. My conclusions so far are that a level is a cheap band-aid approach to fit bigger tires. A real lift is the only proper way to do it, particularly if you intend to use the truck off road. If you are interested in looks and tire size only, a level can do that. But the real costs are hidden in premature wear of ball joints, CV joints and even the steering rack.

Leveling the only way I could get it in the garage. I’ve owned a few lifted trucks through my years, never able to get them into parking garages. My last lifted vehicle was a brand new land cruiser, lifted and I broke multiple lights at my buddy’s parking garage. I totally agree with damage that can happen if I don’t continue with new UCA’s or diff drop as well. I’m actually debating a 4” with new UCA’s and diff drop etc. not in a hurry, waiting to test drive some new dealer trucks coming in with 4-6” lifts in order to make my decision. I do not want an uncomfortable riding truck.

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