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2” and less Level Kit Stamped Steel UCAs?

bowhunter8

By bowhunter8
in Modifications & Accessories

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bowhunter8 Enthusiast

bowhunter8

Posted
Posted

Recently purchased a 2019 LD Z71 (essentially a 2018 LT Z71 built in 2019) with stamped steel UCAs and LCAs. The stock height and ground clearance limits my off-roading ability and nearly got me stuck in 10” of snow last week lol. My main objective is to increase my ground clearance...

 

I’ve read that stamped steel UCA can have issues will the ball joints possibly coming out with larger level kits. Readylifts has a good article about how you need to install their UCAs with their 2.25” level.

 

My truck will be off-roaded (but not a rock crawler) so I need a functionable/safe level kit. But I also need to keep it under warranty with the local Chevy dealer.

 

What are the guys that are running 1”-2” level kits doing with their UCAs? Replacing or keeping stock?

 

 

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Fix29 Enthusiast

Fix29

Posted
Posted

Under 2” should be fine with stock control arms. I would definitely recommend upgrading them if going beyond 2”.


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bowhunter8 Enthusiast

bowhunter8

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Under 2” should be fine with stock control arms. I would definitely recommend upgrading them if going beyond 2”.


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Thanks!

Is all the concern with the UCA ball joint popping out a real concern? Or mainly a concern if you go over 2”? I’ve searched a fair amount for examples of UCA ball joints popping out and haven’t found much of any examples... I won’t mind replacing my UCA if the ball joint is trashed (out of spec) in 30k or so miles but I don’t want to have the potential for the whole ball joint popping out on me and causing extreme damage to the truck while I’m driving the truck down some road


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dieselfan1 Senior Enthusiast

dieselfan1

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Looks like an awesome setup! More than I was hoping to spend though


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What's your budget?

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bowhunter8 Enthusiast

bowhunter8

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What's your budget?

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Good question... don’t necessarily have one, just can’t see spending $1700 plus install if I don’t install myself when I have a SXS for real off-roading during hunting season.

I may not need as much capability as I originally made it sound in my first post. The extent of off-roading my truck would be something like the below picture with some added larger rocks, mud and some deep holes/ruts. Beyond that I wouldn’t want to use my truck and would get out the SXS.

Mainly want capability for those days I don’t have the SXS and the road isn’t a well graded dirt/fire road


1d0d2146f6cb4ff5d4c0d22a7db554e3.jpg


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dieselfan1 Senior Enthusiast

dieselfan1

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6 hours ago, bowhunter8 said:

 


Good question... don’t necessarily have one, just can’t see spending $1700 plus install if I don’t install myself when I have a SXS for real off-roading during hunting season.

I may not need as much capability as I originally made it sound in my first post. The extent of off-roading my truck would be something like the below picture with some added larger rocks, mud and some deep holes/ruts. Beyond that I wouldn’t want to use my truck and would get out the SXS.

Mainly want capability for those days I don’t have the SXS and the road isn’t a well graded dirt/fire road


1d0d2146f6cb4ff5d4c0d22a7db554e3.jpg


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You could drive a Honda Civic down that road. Just get a 2" level kit for $100 and call it a day .

bowhunter8 Enthusiast

bowhunter8

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You could drive a Honda Civic down that road. Just get a 2" level kit for $100 and call it a day .



Lol there is truth to that statement about the civic! Thanks for the info, may send you a PM with a follow up question


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mcglothlintoby Enthusiast

mcglothlintoby

Posted
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I'm leveled on Bilstein 5100s and haven't had an issue on my 2018 at 1.8" higher. With that said, I found a set of readylift uppers control arms for $270 on Amazon labeled used. (Open box return) They have new readylift UCAs for $350 on prime as well. Not real pricey and you can replace the ball joints.

bowhunter8 Enthusiast

bowhunter8

Posted
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I'm leveled on Bilstein 5100s and haven't had an issue on my 2018 at 1.8" higher. With that said, I found a set of readylift uppers control arms for $270 on Amazon labeled used. (Open box return) They have new readylift UCAs for $350 on prime as well. Not real pricey and you can replace the ball joints.



UCA does seem like a pretty easy instal. Main thing is I’m trying to keep changing parts to a minimum in case I have issues with other parts of the truck and have to take it in for a warranty. Don’t want GM or the dealership to have an excuse to not warranty a part


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  • 2 weeks later...
42Grand Enthusiast

42Grand

Posted
Posted


Good question... don’t necessarily have one, just can’t see spending $1700 plus install if I don’t install myself when I have a SXS for real off-roading during hunting season.

I may not need as much capability as I originally made it sound in my first post. The extent of off-roading my truck would be something like the below picture with some added larger rocks, mud and some deep holes/ruts. Beyond that I wouldn’t want to use my truck and would get out the SXS.

Mainly want capability for those days I don’t have the SXS and the road isn’t a well graded dirt/fire road


1d0d2146f6cb4ff5d4c0d22a7db554e3.jpg


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Sub’d. Very interested since this will be mixed usage for me as well. Off-road during the hunting seasons as well as occasional playing but mainly highway mileage. I’m also not looking to spend that much. Thanks for all the ideas guys, love the forums for these types of interactions. [emoji1598]

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