New truck, where to begin

Brad Mc · September 30, 2020

Hey guys, somewhat new to the board(lurked for a bit and finally joined to ask some advice on a sound my truck was making). Purchased an 18' Sierra back in July and have been looking around at different things I can do to it, just not sure where to begin. It's a 2wd, and I don't really want to put a lift on it; but I'm interested in leveling it(which I know might lift it a bit) and eventually some wheels/tires(as big as I can go without a lift). Can you guys point me in the direction to get started with the leveling kit(s), and maybe an idea of what I'm looking at cost wise for that? Appreciate any feedback

alyons · September 30, 2020

Check this thread out https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/topic?url=https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/239920-new-truck-what-are-some-cool-inexpensive-upgrades/&share_tid=239920&share_fid=33003&share_type=t&link_source=app

Muffler delete is ~$75. Just cut out the muffler and weld in a pipe. Gives the exhaust a nice growl. AirRaid MIT is ~$150. This might increase fuel economy. Do the air box mod as well. Results are mixed in here. But it's cheaper and gives the same effect as a CAI. Level kit is $60. It's not hard to install yourself. Get an alignment after you're done. Paint stick mod is free. If you have a center console, organization addins are cheap and nice to do. Under seat storage is cheap. Can add a train horn for pretty cheap.

If any of this sounds strange just search it in here. There's tons of write-ups.

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boettcher40 · September 30, 2020

If you want a better ride, Bilstein 5100's seem to be one of the more preferred choices on leveling. I swapped my factory rancho's out and have been way happier with the truck. Had a 2" strut spacer on prior which did the job but the ride was terrible with the rancho's. I plan on going one size up from stock (275/60/20 A/T's) in the next few weeks as winter is approaching, the stock SR-A's are complete garbage. Should require no trimming with my wheel setup (20x9, 0 offset) and give it that aggressive look paired with the 5100's.

My 2 cents on performance upgrades... Airraid MIT, drop in filter and air box mod, with a L86 intake manifold/TB (if you have the 5.3) and a custom tune really wakes the truck up on a budget and for a daily. But trust me when I say... once you start modding, you'll never want to stop!