Confused about leveling kit for 2021 gmc 1500

[Alabama]

I just got a new Gmc 1500. I have looked on the web for a leveling kit and I have read a lot about spacers that go on the bottom side causing issues with cv joints and boots. I even saw where some companies had stopped offering these for the 2021.

 

what are my options? I don’t want more than 2 inches and I don’t want to tear up my truck.

 

thanks 

[Rackumrack]

Imo leveling has never been good for the geometry of the truck. GM spends millions of dollars engineering these trucks and if they meant for them to be leveled they would make them that way. I would love my AT4 to be leveled but its not worth the chance of destroying a $60,000 truck for a look. I know there have been issues with bushings on UCA's and CV's on the TB and AT4. Honestly since I don't own one of the others I haven't looked at issues with leveling. I know that the AT4 trim doesn't seem to like leveling. Good luck.

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[Alabama]

Thanks. I will call the dealership today and see what they think.

 

I agree it is not worth ruing a truck over a leveling kit.

[calgator73]

23 minutes ago, Alabama said:

I just got a new Gmc 1500. I have looked on the web for a leveling kit and I have read a lot about spacers that go on the bottom side causing issues with cv joints and boots. I even saw where some companies had stopped offering these for the 2021.

 

what are my options? I don’t want more than 2 inches and I don’t want to tear up my truck.

 

thanks 

I think the safest way is to buy the CV axles from this:

84629787

https://www.gmpartsgarage.com/p-hot-deal-2-inch-gm-lift-kit-84629787-liftkit

[It's Tim]

37 minutes ago, calgator73 said:

I think the safest way is to buy the CV axles from this:

84629787

https://www.gmpartsgarage.com/p-hot-deal-2-inch-gm-lift-kit-84629787-liftkit

That won't prevent a ball joint from separating. 

[Gangly]

1 hour ago, calgator73 said:

I think the safest way is to buy the CV axles from this:

84629787

https://www.gmpartsgarage.com/p-hot-deal-2-inch-gm-lift-kit-84629787-liftkit

Its nice to have the extended CV's, but they aren't the issue and have zero affect on correcting the issue.  The main culprit when doing a level on an AT4 or Trail Boss (both already come with a factory 2" lift) is the upper ball joints, and torn CV's boots from the lower mount spacers. Adding a 2" spacer on top of the factory 2" lift is what creates the geometry issues.  HOWEVER, since you have neither an AT4 or a Trail Boss, you will experience neither issue.  A 2" spacer on your truck will put you at stock AT4 and Trail Boss height, completely within the design specs of the stock suspension.  Just go with a top mount spacer if you do, but I would highly suggest a suspension lift instead of spacers.

[Alabama]

What suspension lift would you recommend?

[Gangly]

If all your looking for is a 2" lift in the front, go with Eibach Pro Truck(Includes front shocks, front springs, and rear shocks with variable 1"-3" lift), or Bilstein adjustable shocks(includes front shocks with variable 2"+ of lift).  Both have proven to be solid and reliable options with better durability and road handling characteristics than the factory 2" lift option from GM.

 

If you have any mechanical skills at all, they install easily in a lazy afternoon.  If you have absolutely zero mechanical skills, it will take a little longer.  If you have the time and drive, I would encourage you to do it yourself so that you know how easy it is, and you can become familiar with your vehicle's suspension and front drivetrain.

Edited April 12, 2021 by Gangly

[Alabama]

What if I don’t want to lift the truck but just want to level the front?

[Gangly]

A level is a lift, you are simply lifting the front end by using a spacer.  The term "leveling" just means you are trying to get the front and rear of the truck "level" so that the vehicle's rake, or sitting angle,  is parallel to the ground so that the back doesn't look like its riding higher than the front.  Basically, "leveling" is a term used for people who just want to lift the front, and not the entire truck, but its still technically a lift, just a block/body lift.  The best option would be to lift the vehicle by using suspension components to maintain correct or improved geometry, handling and driveability characteristics.  However, spacers are generally a much cheaper option so people will often times opt for a spacer (body/block lift) instead of a suspension lift.

 

Again, for a couple hundred dollars more, you can dramatically change the trucks ride characteristics for the better and you will be amazed at how much of a difference quality aftermarket suspension components will make over factory offerings.

Edited April 12, 2021 by Gangly

[Alabama]

Thanks for your help. Bilstein’s are being ordered for the front and back 

[Dunn]

yeah just get the adjustable struts....its a better way to go imo than a spacer, dont have to worry about anything else at 2'......probably need an alignment

[winks79]

When you get them, I would set the fronts at 1.5, not 2. If you go 2 or higher and you pull a trailer, or put any weight in the rear of the truck, it really jacks the front up too high IMO. I went 1.5 inch on the front with the Bilstein 5100's and have been very pleased. Truck sits level at 1.5 also. And yes, you will need to have an alignment done after the shock install. The Bilstein 5100's make a huge difference in ride and handling over stock Rancho's. Love them.

[Alabama]

Thanks for the great advice.

 

should any good mechanic be able to install these?

[Gangly]

Its easy, anybody who owns a set of wrenches should be able to install these.  If you think you might want to give it a try yourself, I would highly encourage it, just rent a spring compressor from your local autoparts store or purchase one through amazon, they are cheap.  If you want to do it yourself but don't want to mess with a spring compressor, once the assembly is removed from the vehicle (7 bolts) you can take the spring/shock assembly to a suspension shop and they will swap out the shocks in a matter of minutes for a fraction of the price, then you can take the assembly back home and reinstall it on your vehicle yourself.

 

Or...

 

Pay any reputable suspension shop to do it all and spend the day doing whatever .  It really is a simple task and any suspension shop or auto shop worth a grain of salt should be able to knock it out in an afternoon.

 

Just make sure you get an alignment done afterwards, your tires will thank you for it.

Edited April 13, 2021 by Gangly