Jump to content

GM 2" lift install issues

Kchampagne

Recommended Posts

Kchampagne Enthusiast

Kchampagne

Posted
Posted

Hi all,  I am new to this forum, but have been perusing for a few months. Purchased a 2020 GMC Sierra Elevation Diesel (absolutely love it) in January and had the factory GM 2" lift installed 2 weeks ago at the dealer.  I would have typically installed this myself, but wanted to have the dealer responsible for any install issues.  First thing I noticed was that the steering wheel was off center a few degrees and there is a dull creaking/clunk on the driver's side when hitting small bumps, especially when the rear axle goes over. I don't think it is a metal on metal sound.  Now, I noticed that the front passenger side is about 1" lower than the driver's side. I am a bit peeved.  I have an appointment for this Friday for them to try to fix it. I'd like to give them some specific direction on what is going on and what to look for after. Does anyone have any advice for me on what the problems could be?  I am hoping they can fix it right this time.  Thanks in advance!

Kchampagne Enthusiast

Kchampagne

Posted
  • Author
Posted

So just an update.  I am at the dealer and they are telling me they can't adjust the ride height on the front passenger side to match the driver's side.  It is 1/2 - 3/4"lower on the passenger side.  For those who have had this kit installed, does this sound right? Is it within spec?  Maybe a bad shock came in the kit?  Any thoughts is much appreciated.

Texanfisherman Enthusiast

Texanfisherman

Posted
Posted
So just an update.  I am at the dealer and they are telling me they can't adjust the ride height on the front passenger side to match the driver's side.  It is 1/2 - 3/4"lower on the passenger side.  For those who have had this kit installed, does this sound right? Is it within spec?  Maybe a bad shock came in the kit?  Any thoughts is much appreciated.

Warranty would be honored at any dealer. Would not hurt to have a second opinion from another trusted dealer. If it is a workmanship issue, the installing dealer may have to do the correction or pay another dealer to fix it. This could be slightly complicated if indeed a real problem is found. Post an update to let us know how it all turns out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ryguy Enthusiast

Ryguy

Posted
Posted

It’s hard to diagnose without seeing it, but have you checked that all the suspension bolts are tight? Check the shock tower bolts, the tie rod, the UCA, sway bar, and LCA.  
 

If you’re still getting a clunk I would also check the top king nut on the strut, they may not have seated it all the way down when the springs were compressed. Also confirm the factory pen marks are lined up from the top plate and rubber housing down to the lower perch (Gm uses two different colored paint pens during assembly to mark the coilover so it should be very clear If your dealer didn’t line them back up to factory specs when they put everything back together). If these lines are not matched all the way down you WILL get noise from the spring perch. 

 

I can’t see a reason why one side would be that much lower, sometimes the gas tank will give the truck a slight lean when it’s full but not 3/4”. 

 

Kchampagne Enthusiast

Kchampagne

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thank you all. Excellent advice!  They were able to get it to within 1/4", but that still doesn't seem right.  This is the first factory lift installed at this dealer, so maybe mine is the guinea pig. I asked them to put an inquiry in to GM for technical advice on the height adjustment issue.

As for the clunking, they think a defective rear leaf spring is the cause.  I never heard this prior to the lift install, but maybe the lift made the clunk sound louder. They will replace it under warranty.

 

Does anyone have a copy of the technical instructions that came with the kit ?  Mine disappeared from the box after the install.

amxguy1970 Senior Enthusiast

amxguy1970

Posted
Posted

It is 1/4 inch, are you really going to nitpick over that? It is a manufactured vehicle by machines and humans, there are variations. Pretty much no vehicle sits dead even at each corner as the other. Usually it is the drivers side that sits a little lower as the driver, gas tank, dash/gauges and what not add some weight that slowly wears is down faster the drivers side than the passenger side (they both use the same springs). They got it way closer than their tolerance specs allow (which I believe are 3/4 of an inch is with in tolerance). They identified the noise and are addressing that and the steering wheel should be a simple alignment. The height though which you can't even see or notice at 1/4 inch should no longer be an issue, go enjoy the truck and don't get on the dealers bad side by nitpicking. 

 

For what it is worth, stock I had a half inch variation in the front side to side and three quarter inch rear variation in height side to side. Could be it was tied down slightly tighter on one side, who knows, if my life or a billion dollars was on the line I couldn't identify a variance between the two at a half inch...

 

Tyler

Kchampagne Enthusiast

Kchampagne

Posted
  • Author
Posted
17 minutes ago, amxguy1970 said:

It is 1/4 inch, are you really going to nitpick over that? It is a manufactured vehicle by machines and humans, there are variations. Pretty much no vehicle sits dead even at each corner as the other. Usually it is the drivers side that sits a little lower as the driver, gas tank, dash/gauges and what not add some weight that slowly wears is down faster the drivers side than the passenger side (they both use the same springs). They got it way closer than their tolerance specs allow (which I believe are 3/4 of an inch is with in tolerance). They identified the noise and are addressing that and the steering wheel should be a simple alignment. The height though which you can't even see or notice at 1/4 inch should no longer be an issue, go enjoy the truck and don't get on the dealers bad side by nitpicking. 

 

For what it is worth, stock I had a half inch variation in the front side to side and three quarter inch rear variation in height side to side. Could be it was tied down slightly tighter on one side, who knows, if my life or a billion dollars was on the line I couldn't identify a variance between the two at a half inch...

 

Tyler

Thanks Tyler!  I agree with you 1/4 inch is not noticeable.  What was concerning to me was their lack of knowledge on the kit and initially informing me that it was non-adjustable when it was clearly out of whack.  I had to press them to try to get it closer.  It's all good now.  Time to get some new treads.

TheTicketTX Enthusiast

TheTicketTX

Posted
Posted
41 minutes ago, amxguy1970 said:

It is 1/4 inch, are you really going to nitpick over that? It is a manufactured vehicle by machines and humans, there are variations.

Haha

Porterhouse Enthusiast

Porterhouse

Posted
Posted

I'll measure mine this weekend. Mines an rst I don't know if that matters or not on ride height after the lift. How are u measuring to get the 1/4 difference? From the ground or center of the wheel?

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

Kchampagne Enthusiast

Kchampagne

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Measured from the ground, wheel-centered to the fender lip.  Also measured the distance from the top of the tire to the fender (wheel well gap) Same difference in results comparing each side.

Jav_eee Enthusiast

Jav_eee

Posted
Posted
Measured from the ground, wheel-centered to the fender lip.  Also measured the distance from the top of the tire to the fender (wheel well gap) Same difference in results comparing each side.


You shouldn’t really measure your lift gains (or losses) from the ground. A few pounds of air difference from one tire to the other will affect your measurement. Always measure from the center of the hub to the fender lip.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
ddore19931 Enthusiast

ddore19931

Posted
Posted

was the dealership able to perform the power steering calibration required after the install? i just bought a 1500 duramax z71 and definitely want to do the factory lift but thought on the website it said it wasnt compatible

Kableguy Enthusiast

Kableguy

Posted
Posted

For reference I have a 2.5” front level and 2” rear blocks. From the ground to top of wheel wells are as follows: FL 39.25, FR 39.50, RL 41.75, RR 41.50

 

Opposite corners sit higher/lower. Might be due to tire pressure. Or just build factors. My guess is this much variation is normal.

Kchampagne Enthusiast

Kchampagne

Posted
  • Author
Posted
2 hours ago, ddore19931 said:

was the dealership able to perform the power steering calibration required after the install? i just bought a 1500 duramax z71 and definitely want to do the factory lift but thought on the website it said it wasnt compatible

It depends on whether you have the composite leaf springs, max trailering, or snow plow packages.. If so, the OEM kit won't work.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • asilverblazer
      Cold start Miss, oil in cylinder

      By asilverblazer · Posted

      Can you sample the pooled liquid, enough to confirm it is oil?   ...That its not fuel or coolant.   Also, make sure combustion gases aren't entering the cooling system.   Simply put, either oil being pushed up past the rings (this really isn't possible), oil leaking past the head gasket, oil leaking past the valve, oil entering through the intake air path. If none of this is likely - it may not be oil.   What could be likely is the fuel injector leaking down. A puddle of gas would still smoke and rough idle. (Same cylinder has the same problem after injector replacement?)   What is the crank time first thing in the morning, when the puddle would be present? Does it seem like the high pressure fuel pump needs an extra second or two to rebuild the pressure that injector 8 may have let bleed off? Check the fuel pressure via a scanner prior to starting the engine.    
    • Donstar
      Navigating senior years.

      By Donstar · Posted

      Good information!  I didn't know about the dementia aspect and asked for a general for my second knee. I'd heard that recovery room time is usually shorter with a general.   The anesthesiologist talked me out of it and I had the spinal.  Inconvenience and/or discomfort is a small price to pay for reduced risk!
    • garagerog
      Navigating senior years.

      By garagerog · Posted

      This is for those over 70 years of age contemplating joint replacement surgery involving general anesthesia. Even some 55 yrs. ago when I took my pharmacology class the dangers of developing dementia in the elderly that had general anesthesia were beginning to be recognized. Over the years there has been some refinement in the cautionary warnings, avoid general anesthesia if possible if you've had close to 10 priors, especially over the age of 70 and/or a family history of dementia. I'm not including the twilight anesthesia induced by propofol often used in cytoscopies or colonscopies. Seriously think about seeing a neurologist and undergo cognitive testing before proceeding if any of those criteria apply to you. Spinal anesthesia may be an option in some cases. I'm in the above camp and although I could use a new right knee, I get fidgety according to a prior orthopedic surgeon when the bone saw spools up or maybe it was the smell of saw blade meeting bone, anyhow I may have one general anesthesia left in me which I will pocket for now and I'm choosing mind over mobility, anyway where did I leave my damn cane!
    • GMCustomerService
      July 2026 upgrade push issues

      By GMCustomerService · Posted

      We understand your frustrations with your auto start/stop, fuel gauge and cruise control concerns since your latest update, @LarT-26. You mentioned getting repairs completed, however, have your concerns been resolved? If not, we would like to learn more so we may explore the best path of assistance moving forward alongside your local dealership. When you have a moment, please visit: https://s.gmc.com/support-request and complete the request form with all pertinent details. This will help us to better understand your concern and ensure that it is routed correctly. We will keep an eye out for your outreach.
    • GMCustomerService
      Multigate electrical problem

      By GMCustomerService · Posted

      We understand your frustrations with being unable to open your Sierra’s top inner tailgate, @smitty81503. Your concerns are frustrating, and we would like the opportunity to explore the best path of assistance to pursue their resolutions. There are many different factors that could be the root cause of vehicle concerns, and we handle each one on a case-by-case basis. When you have a moment, please visit: https://s.gmc.com/support-request and complete the request form with all pertinent details. This will help us to better understand your concern and ensure that it is routed correctly. We will keep an eye out for your outreach.

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...