Suspension Lift with Max Tow.

Sierra50BMG · April 13, 2020

New here,

just got a 20 1500 SLT 6.2L w/ Max Tow.

There is very little information available about suspension lift compatibility with the Max Tow package. I’ve read that some kits will not work because the springs are different on the front, I know they’re a heavier spring rate and the shocks are revised all the way around, I would like to know what my options are, if there are any. I would also like to keep the same ride and towing capacity, but with longer travel. I have some questions below, I apologize for the long intro.

1. I know I have the max tow package but I have no NHT RPO code.

2. What suspension lift and long travel shocks will keep the ride similar to what it is now?

3. Currently on 275/60R20 ATs(true 33”), what height will allow for 34-35” tire? I’ve checked the clearance with the 33 and it is very tight at full lock, therefore going bigger without a lift would not work imo.

4. Anybody swapped their 20x9 wheel for an 18x8.5? I pulled the truck into the dealer and they pulled the 20 off and put an 18 on, it will fit(barely) as long as it’s the same offset. Just curious if anybody’s done it and had issues.

Thanks in advance!

TRKLGND · April 13, 2020

If you don't have the NHT RPO code how do you know you have the max tow package? I have never seen a factory installed option where there was no RPO code.

Sierra50BMG · April 13, 2020

There’s a few codes I wasn’t able to

identify. But I have the 6.2L, heavier rear end, 3.42 gears, definitely have the max tow suspension( I drove all 3 suspension options), has the upgraded radiator, the 220 amp alternator, and the window sticker says it’s there. I read somewhere you couldn’t get certain options with the max tow like a 2 speed t-case, I have that, I have the Z82 tow package code, the only thing I can think of is they’ve changed some codes for 2020 and haven’t released them.

Sierra50BMG · April 13, 2020

3GTU9DEL6LG280993,2020,TK10743,02,20,01,XNJSDG, AXK AY0 A2X A50 A7K CF5 CJ2 C6A DD8 DEZ EF7 E63 FE9 FE9 FJW F48 GA0 GU6 G80 H1Y IOT I20 J61 KW5 L87 MAH MQB MSL NP5 NTB NZM N10 QAE QAQ RM7 UDD UQA U2K V8D WML Z60 Z82 Z88 4AA 4SA 4SA 6SK 7SK 8AV 9AV,619D

This is what I got when I scanned the QR code.

OnTheReel · April 13, 2020

That list is nowhere near complete for a work truck, let alone an SLT. The QR code on the door jamb doesn’t pull everything up. Email: [email protected] to request the build sheet.

At any rate, GU6 is there in the list you posted, which is the 3.42 axle. No other possible way to get 3.42s in that configuration so you definitely have NHT.

Sierra50BMG · April 13, 2020

I figured something was off when I pulled those codes.
Thinking I’m going to wait for Bilstein to get their front 5100s out. From experience I know they offer a firm ride with longer travel than what’s on there now.

newdude · April 13, 2020

14 hours ago, Sierra50BMG said:

New here,

just got a 20 1500 SLT 6.2L w/ Max Tow.

There is very little information available about suspension lift compatibility with the Max Tow package. I’ve read that some kits will not work because the springs are different on the front, I know they’re a heavier spring rate and the shocks are revised all the way around, I would like to know what my options are, if there are any. I would also like to keep the same ride and towing capacity, but with longer travel. I have some questions below, I apologize for the long intro.

1. I know I have the max tow package but I have no NHT RPO code.

2. What suspension lift and long travel shocks will keep the ride similar to what it is now?

3. Currently on 275/60R20 ATs(true 33”), what height will allow for 34-35” tire? I’ve checked the clearance with the 33 and it is very tight at full lock, therefore going bigger without a lift would not work imo.

4. Anybody swapped their 20x9 wheel for an 18x8.5? I pulled the truck into the dealer and they pulled the 20 off and put an 18 on, it will fit(barely) as long as it’s the same offset. Just curious if anybody’s done it and had issues.

Thanks in advance!

I was able to verify that its got NHT.

The issue with lifting NHT is that the spring rate and shocks are set for the higher payload/towing capacity.

What is your "want" or "need" for "longer travel"?

Also factory 18" wheels should fit with more room with stock tires as the diameter is smaller.

Sierra50BMG · April 13, 2020

Confirmed as well I got the build sheet for it. I need longer travel for when I’m off road camping and hunting.
was thinking about helper springs in the rear with 5100 shocks and then 5100 struts whenever they come out.

I think with that set up I can get a little lift in the front and with the helper springs keep the rake but not sacrifice my towing capacity

topgear1224 · April 14, 2020

i have spent the last 2 weeks looking at suspension options. if you are going to lift the truck, most companies kits wont work with stock wheels. the ones that do only work with the 20's, so you are good there.

I have the 275/60R20 as well. most lift kits say i need a 3 inch to go 33's (which i already have), and a 6inch to go to 35's........... still waiting on emails back not trying to go that high with all the ice up here in Alaska, and since i tend to max my payload out when towing. if that is the case i will just grab some Icons, have a custom spring pack made and throw some air bags on it.

"Max Trailering Package, includes 9.76" rear axle, (GU6) 3.42 axle ratio, enhanced cooling radiator, revised shock tuning for increased control, heavier duty rear springs, increased RGAWR and (KW5) 220-amp alternator"

front spring capacity is 3700 lbs. or 3800 lbs. (4x2, 4x4) for all CC models, NHT increases rear from 3850 lbs. to 4150 lbs..

A lot of kits state they are only compatible with crew cab short beds, (I have an LM2 CC Standard bed so double no-go for me.)

The downward travel on these suspensions is not just limited by the strut there is a "limit tab" towards the rear of the strut cradle ( Droop limiter)

upward travel is limited by the bump stop located at in the upper strut housing. (compression limiter)

All this means is that longer struts alone will not increase travel however may move the ride height up within the factory range. (trading downward travel for height, similar to maxing out torsion arms.) Over-sized knuckles could increase travel but you have to watch your drive line and ball joint angles.

lift kits will be built around non-NHT trucks, this means you could end up with a kit that "lowers" your towing capacity. (not enough shock for the max tow springs, if it replaces the springs, spring rate will be built on non-NHT rates)

The shock rate is why Chevy excluded NHT trucks from its 2 inch lift kit.

topgear1224 · April 14, 2020

21 hours ago, newdude said:

I was able to verify that its got NHT.

The issue with lifting NHT is that the spring rate and shocks are set for the higher payload/towing capacity.

What is your "want" or "need" for "longer travel"?

Also factory 18" wheels should fit with more room with stock tires as the diameter is smaller.

only stock wheels lift kits are currently compatible with are the 20's due to knuckle interference. level kits don't have that issue though.

Sierra50BMG · April 14, 2020

Ok. Let’s focus on suspension lift.

Aside from reducing the payload, will lift kits be compatible? My point being, there’s plenty of options for AAL or like you said Air bags. Front strut payload I’m not concerned with, squatting in the rear I am. I don’t tow much or often, but it was either a 2500 or the Max Tow which had a better rebate and everything I wanted. I’ve been looking for setups with a higher spring rate that’s still going to offer that firmness but hard to find.

Thank you for the info. Keep me updated on what you go with.

Sierra50BMG · April 14, 2020

14 minutes ago, topgear1224 said:

The shock rate is why Chevy excluded NHT trucks from its 2 inch lift kit.

im going to call my dealer today and ask if their front lift would work but put Bilsteins in the rear with AALs. I think the 5100s accommodate 1” in the rear and that’s easily attainable with AALs.

topgear1224 · April 14, 2020

Ok. Let’s focus on suspension lift.
Aside from reducing the payload, will lift kits be compatible? My point being, there’s plenty of options for AAL or like you said Air bags. Front strut payload I’m not concerned with, squatting in the rear I am. I don’t tow much or often, but it was either a 2500 or the Max Tow which had a better rebate and everything I wanted. I’ve been looking for setups with a higher spring rate that’s still going to offer that firmness but hard to find.

Thank you for the info. Keep me updated on what you go with.

Always shop the vehicle not the deal. It's a 1/2 ton, it will squat. Airbags will help that but then you lose most of your downward articulation. (I would be buying a 100% custom long travel set.)

The front struts issue will show up when trying to turn or stop as the weight shifts. All this assumes that you are going to exploit the 17,800 GCWR. (6.2 max tow)

Basically if you are gonna actually tow over 9k you aren't going to really want to play with these suspensions much.

To answer your question the kits will fit. whether or not the lift kits that are compatible with crew cab short beds are compatible with crew cab standard beds? you'll have to ask the manufacturer. it's likely the rear driveshaft angle would be the limiting factor.

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topgear1224 · April 14, 2020

im going to call my dealer today and ask if their front lift would work but put Bilsteins in the rear with AALs. I think the 5100s accommodate 1” in the rear and that’s easily attainable with AALs.

You will not have a warranty if you only install part of the kit (assuming you're talking about the Chevrolet Performance kit) so you might as well go and get a leveling let's from somebody else. For much cheaper.

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Sierra50BMG · April 14, 2020

24 minutes ago, topgear1224 said:

You will not have a warranty if you only install part of the kit (assuming you're talking about the Chevrolet Performance kit) so you might as well go and get a leveling let's from somebody else. For much cheaper.

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Dealer told me 90% of the time they’ll honor the warranty if they do the work. I’m waiting for a response. Trying to see if the kit will work, then play with different options.
And my need was for a full size pickup with a crew cab and 6’ bed. Towing came second because I don’t tow much or often enough to need a 2500. The options I had available locally were ******. It was either the truck I got or a $70k Denali 2500. I’m a firm believer 1/2 tons aren’t built for towing. But occasionally hauling the toys out to play, a box trailer, and potentially a tent trailer is all I’ll be doing.