dp454so's 2016 Silverado LTZ Z71 6.2 4x4 build | From lowered to Lifted (mild)

dp454so · November 13, 2020

originally posted here: https://www.silveradosierra.com/under-construcktion/dp454so-s-2016-silverado-ltz-z71-6-2-build-t666514.html

re-posting here for a new audience & some different feedback.

This truck started life lowered as in the pics below.

1- Suspension:
I have spent a ton of time researching the options for these 14-18's. Good news is that there is a TON of options out there depending on your need & wallet. My intent is to learn as I go and play around with components & parts until I get the truck dialed in. Ultimately, I'd love this truck to evolve into a "luxury" chase/prerunner truck... but I need to jump another tax bracket before talking long-travel kits, bed cages, and such... Once I get the chassis tuned, I dig into the 6.2 for a little more juice.

To get this truck back to stock, I need new front knuckles, rear factory shackles, and the leaf spring spacer (block) back on the truck. I have these parts ordered from the local GM dealer and will install myself over the next few weeks. Should be around $700 for all of the needed parts and hardware all-around.

But not stopping there, and after driving (suffering) the truck for this long with this ****** lowered suspension, I found a shop that has 1-3" king 2.5's with resi's & adjusters and am contemplating pulling the trigger on them - although that is a lot of scratch. I love the idea of being able to tune the shocks and know I will enjoy having them on the truck. (adjustable Fox's coming at about the same price point). https://www.filthymotorsports.com/King_ ... 01-148.htm A cheaper option I'm working on is the Billstein 6112 kit but they lack the tuneability and re-buildability of the Kings but do allow for ride-height adjustment and the reviews seem pretty solid across the board. https://www.shocksurplus.com/products/b ... 00-4wd-rwd

For the rear, I'd rather NOT use the factory block and use a Deaver mini-pack "J1's" under the factory leafs instead. Does anyone know how much, if any, this impacts towing & payload? I haven't been able to find definitive info and haven't heard back from Deaver. I DO NOT do either regularly but it's a consideration. These have some adjustability in 3/8" increments which is nice. https://performancelifts.com/deaver-gm- ... ck-j1.html With the Kings/Billsteins in front raising near 3", delete the rear block, and with the mini-pack (+2"), I should be able to retain a little rake which I do want.

I've also considered upgrading the EOM rear shackle and hanger kit to Dirt King's parts but might hold off for now, or until I go with a full set of Deaver 182 long-travel leafs. https://dirtkingfabrication.com/product ... 6082802721 Deaver 182:
https://dirtkingfabrication.com/product ... 6747336727

FYI, doing a lot of my own research, the guys at down south motorsports, accutune, dirt king, CWF, and filthy motorsports are extremely knowledgeable about these trucks. If you have questions, get in touch with them and save yourself from guessing.

2 - Tires:
The Nitto G2's are still hanging in there after almost 45k miles. Not looking to replace those now unless I try to go with more lift. If I do go with more lift, I'll be swapping rims to methods in probably 17"-20"s and run BFG TA KO 2's.

3 - Running boards:
Still loving the AMP's but find it hard to spend $1400 on them. That money could toward a REtrax Pro XR & alternate tube-style boards. Digging the reviews and look of these but wish they came in Gloss Black: https://www.americantrucks.com/nfab-cab ... chevy.html Open to suggestions.

4 - Wheel spacers:
I've scratched this idea due to further research and the recommendations here.

5 - 3M mask:
After 92k, the truck still looks great. Scratching this but will implement on the next "new" vehicle purchase.

6 - Cold air intake:
Looking at the K&N blackhawk https://www.americantrucks.com/kn-black ... 17-62.html Open to suggestions.

7 - programmer / tuner:
Not sure at this point. Several decent options out there but I don't want to risk the factory computer. I'll also be adding other bolt-ons (CAI, headers, maybe a throttle body) and need to have a tuner that can accomodate that hardware. Guess I should talk to a tuning shop on a "customizeable" tuner they recommend. Open to suggestions.

8 - ladder / traction bars:
not needed at this point. If I go bonkers with a procharger in the future, I'll dig deeper as needed on this.

10 - weatherproof bed mat:
Truck came with a spray-in bedliner and a cheap tri-fold vinyl tonneau. I'm looking at the bedrug XLT mat: https://realtruck.com/p/bedrug-xlt-bed- ... 1500/2016/

11 - fender flares:
Not sold on installing these right now. I can't find a low-profile, EOM look, that has good reviews and will give the "flush" and clean look I'm going for. Reviews for flares that look good on paper are reported to not actually sit flush to the body curves leaving large gaps. Open to suggestions.

12 - bed rail protector:
Not needed as I'll be running a tonneau

13 - tonneau
Currently factory 3 panel vinly folding type. Like the utility of the REtrax Pro XR's and the ability to add racks/bars/cargo above the cover. Utility comes at a price though. https://retrax.com/retraxpro-xr/2016/ch ... erado-1500 (can be found for less through resellers)

: Ranger - my copilot

: mine next to my boss's 2500 with a 2" lift/level and bigger tires

dp454so · November 14, 2020

Update:

Pulled the trigger on the King 2.5 ext shocks w/adjusters & Deaver mini leaf pack! Starting to get pretty excited For now, I'm going to hold off on the upgraded shackles and hangers. If it feels like the OEM's are binding then I'll adjust as needed. Just looking at the offerings from mazzula, dirt king, cwf, are all massive & reassuringly beefy compared to OEM.

Right now I'm hunting for UCA's with balljoints or the Icons with their "delta" joint. I have been recommended Cognito... any recommendations? https://cognitomotorsports.com/cognito-ball-joint-sm-series-upper-control-arm-kit-for-07-18-silverado/sierra-1500.html Truck has the cast steel lower control arms.

Can't wait to get her back into the shop:

Edited November 14, 2020 by dp454so

dp454so · February 6, 2021

Update:

Went with Dirt King UCA's and their cam upgrade kit. Deaver J1 mini pack out back. Truck sits well for my taste and I should have done this upgrade years ago. Has about a 1" rake which I wanted to keep. The truck is planted and rides a more firm than stock but it's not harsh by any means. I've hooned around on some fairly rough fire roads and can't believe how much i like this setup.

Next is losing the factory 22's and putting some more rubber between me and the road. Still leaning towards the BFG Ta KO2's or now the KM3's. Going for 35x1250's with some trimming.

Once tires are sorted out, I might play around with gearing but going from the factory 285/45's to 35's is only a difference of 32.1 to 35". A decent tune might negate the need for gears.

Also looking at a RoughCountry hidden winch mounting plate. https://www.roughcountry.com/gm-hidden-winch-mounting-plate-11004.html

It's just about out of warranty and I might start playing with the intake, tune, and headers.

The vinyl tonneau is starting to fail so it will be getting replaced soon. I still like the Retrax's but am now thinking about caps as the build may turn into somewhat of an overland theme.

Cheers!