To Level or To Lift? Wheel/Tire size's concern

[Steven Smiley]

Hello all,

 

I have a 21 Sierra Denali 3500 HD SRW. I have been going back and forth between doing a Level Kit or a 4 Inch Lift. I would prefer the simplicity of just doing the level but am being told I just can't run the wheel and tire setup i want. 

 

I am looking to run a 22*10 -18 Wheel with a 325/50/22 Tire. I cannot just run a 35*12.5*22 because I cannot get the proper Load rating as I am pulling a 5th Wheel.   I am being told by Cognito/Kyrptonite as well as a reputable shop that the max wheel/tire I can run on a level without seriously cranking the keys would be a 20*9 +1 with a 295/65/20.  I just feel I would be settling with that set up.   Drivability/safety is important to me.   

 

I appreciate the feedback

[kylant]

what's more important to you: cutting up the frame on a new truck and never being able to go back to stock, or running a different size wheel and tire?

[doozer78]

Just did a 3" level with 1.5" rear block. New keys new uca differential spacers. Running 22x10 -19 offset wheels with 22x12.5x22 tires. Had to trim air dam and front mudflap a little.

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[Steven Smiley]

Looks good Doozer!!  That's why I come to this forum!!  Honestly feel I would be settling with the 20's.  To answer the above question, I do not want to cut my frame.   I also wasn't a big fan of ordering wheels and tires finding out they don't fit and being stuck!!  

[Q-ball]

Same setup I plan to run with just a leveling kit. I hear it works fine also hear it rubs some. I figured I will buy the bumper spacer and kelderman mudflap caps if necessary. 

[dieselfan1]

Won't it be too high for the fifth wheel if you do the 4"?

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[Steven Smiley]

I'm only going to do the level. I tow the 5th wheel currently with a Lifted Ram which will still be higher

[L8T]

11 hours ago, Q-ball said:

Same setup I plan to run with just a leveling kit. I hear it works fine also hear it rubs some. I figured I will buy the bumper spacer and kelderman mudflap caps if necessary. 

What is this bumper spacer all about?

I have an at4 And just bought some 20x10 wheels and 295/60R20 rubber. Not sure how much lifting and trimming I’m going to have to do yet so am exploring options. One guy says it’s fine, next says it rubs and needs a lift. So really won’t know till I get them on and see. 

[Steven Smiley]

It just move ls the bumper out 3/4 of an inch and gives more clearance instead of cutting the front bumper or lower bumper trim.  The total cost of the bumper extension and kelderman caps is around $400 some people may just cut.  I am going to play it by ear and see where it runs and what I have to cut then make the modifications. 

[L8T]

On 3/25/2021 at 4:45 AM, Steven Smiley said:

It just move ls the bumper out 3/4 of an inch and gives more clearance instead of cutting the front bumper or lower bumper trim.  The total cost of the bumper extension and kelderman caps is around $400 some people may just cut.  I am going to play it by ear and see where it runs and what I have to cut then make the modifications. 

I see Wehrli makes a kit. Probably a 3/8” would work for me. Anyone got pics of how big the gap is with the 3/4” kit?

 

edit:I found a couple videos online. Sure is a lot of disassembly to get the braces in. 

Edited March 27, 2021 by L8T