leveling kits

drifter2027 · November 4, 2003

i want to get rid of that "nose down" look on my 01 silverado. do i actually have to buy one of those leveling kits to bring up the front end? or is there a way to do it without wasting the money.

hvac1000 · November 4, 2003

Look up Velvet Ride Shackels <( I bet I spelled that wrong LOL). They fit on the real of the real leaf springs and work great. You will also get a better ride. NOTE: They will lower the rear 2 to 3 inches an on my 2002 Silverado made the front and rear the same height. The ride is also great.

woyster_00z71 · November 4, 2003

You can also crank the torsion bar keys to raise the front end. If that doesn't get you enough height, you can change out the torsion bar keys with Ford keys. Be sure to get an alignment after either one.

LogixRat · November 5, 2003

You can also crank the torsion bar keys to raise the front end. If that doesn't get you enough height, you can change out the torsion bar keys with Ford keys. Be sure to get an alignment after either one.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I didn't think the 2wd models had the torsion bars, only the 4wd models. Hope I'm wrong, so I can level out my ride as well. I've kicked around lowering the backend, but just don't really care for lowered trucks. Wish I would have gotten a 4wd now as I want to put the sucker in the air...hehe. But might look a little funny on a 2wd truck.

woyster_00z71 · November 5, 2003

You are correct. The 2WD's don't have torsion bars. But he didn't say whether he had a 2 or 4WD.

DSZ71 · November 5, 2003

Actually, you both are right and wrong. GM started using the torsion bar system on some 1500 series 2wd starting in 2002 and in all 2500 series 2wds.

03GMC2500HD · November 5, 2003

The 1500HD and the 2500HD 2wd's have torsion bars but the 1/2 ton's don't.

drifter2027 · November 5, 2003

ok, sorry, i forgot to mention it was 2wd. and it does'nt have torsion bars. so i guess i'm up a creek and i'm stuck having to purchase a leveling kit.

03GMC2500HD · November 5, 2003

Look into a spindle lift. Not to terribly expensive, fairly easy to install. Go with a 3" and block the back up if needed. Just a thought!

LogixRat · November 6, 2003

Look into a spindle lift. Not to terribly expensive, fairly easy to install. Go with a 3" and block the back up if needed. Just a thought!

Called today about a 3" lift. The shop quoted me $800 installed with Fabtech components. That is on my 2wd. Seemed a little steep, but haven't done much checking yet. Also we got talking about lockers, and they said adding them would get me in about 80-90% of places that true 4wd trucks could go. Never used them so I don't know if the guy was just try'n to make a sale or what. If it's true, I might do the lift and add the lockers and have some fun!!

On the issue of the torsion bars, you state that only the 1500HD's have them, whereas DSZ71 states that some 02 1500's had them. Don't really want to start a pi$$'n match, but would like to know for sure which is correct. Probably the easiest way to determine is to crawl under my truck. Problem is I've never saw a torsion bar before, so I have no idea what I'm look'n for. Anyone got a pic?

LogixRat · November 6, 2003

After browsing around a bit, I found a spacer kit that Daystar makes. The kit is only $80 and is very basic. I've never installed one, but I don't imagine it would be too terribly difficult. But I'm sure you can get it installed fairly cheap. Here is a link if you are interested:

http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/GM_2WD.htm

PS - Scroll down towards the bottom of the page for the Daystar stuff.

SlamminL5s · November 7, 2003

I am looking for a kit so i can drop the back about 1-2 inches to level out the truck.. i am not sure were to purchase them

LogixRat · November 7, 2003

Haven't done much research on lowering an Avalanche, but I did find an article describing the process on one they did. Looks like they used DJM Suspension, but I'm sure there are others that may be cheaper. Here's the link:

http://www.lowridermagazine.com/tech/0303l...3lrm_avalanche/

Also, you may want to pick up a copy of the Sport Truck magazine. Back in high school I used to subscribe to them and they have alot of lowering components. You can do leaf springs, blocks, etc. Just depends on your budget and how extreme you want to get. At the time there was no Avalanche, but I'm sure they are now making parts for them. AIM Industries was a big supplier as I recall. You may want to check them out too.

Good luck!!

rcj_houston · November 9, 2003

Hello eveyone,

I was wanting to level or lower my 03 Tahoe 2x2 (torsion bars btw) and was afraid i would be voiding the suspension warrenty. I am adding the Escallade 17" chrome rims and tires and wanted a bit lower look. If I drop the rear to make it level, do i void any warrenties? It also has autoleveling.

cheers all and thanx in advance foryour replies

Say · November 15, 2003

Guys,

I would suggest you guys go with the daystars because lowering the rear would results in the loss of ground clearance and if your'e gonna get spindles you might as well man up and get a full lift for the money you're forking over. I got the daystar coil spacers put on my 03 and it looks clean and level now. Pulled up next to my buddies and there is a noticeable difference in front end height also. I bought them off performancelifts.com and got them put in at Outlaw Offroad and it all came out to about 200 bux total. Hope this helps and good luck.

Say