Have 2.5 level kit need new struts- advice

jennifer fox · September 10, 2021

I have a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD and we put on a 2.5 level kit 2 years ago. Now I need new Shocks/Struts in the front. Problem I'm having is should I replace them with a taller size to account for the level? Or should I stick with the normal size that I have on now? I should mention I also put on bigger tires when I did the level, 275/65/20 to be exact. I feel like not going up on the struts is why they are bad now and I need 2 new tires in the front as well Because of cuping. I'm in uncharted waters here because I am not experienced with struts yet. There are a lot of choices and I want the new ones to last. Any advice on sizing? Thanks!

Mawz · September 10, 2021

The Level kits are designed to work with your current shocks. You shouldn't need longer ones and longer ones may lift your rig even more.

Cupping can be caused by bad alignment or worn shocks. If yours are done, that's likely the cause.

I'd look at replacing with stock-length shocks, be it OEM or a good aftermarket set (Say Bilstein 5100's set to stock height) and get an alignment when you do all the work in case your tire issue is simply a bad alignment after the level was installed.

It's new Upper Control Arms that the 2.5" level might require, over 2" is marginal for a level and the stock UCA's (may work fine, may cause issues)

Edited September 10, 2021 by Mawz

MikeBMW · September 10, 2021

7 hours ago, Mawz said:

I'd look at replacing with stock-length shocks, be it OEM or a good aftermarket set (Say Bilstein 5100's set to stock height) and get an alignment when you do all the work in case your tire issue is simply a bad alignment after the level was installed.

...It's new Upper Control Arms that the 2.5" level might require, over 2" is marginal for a level and the stock UCA's (may work fine, may cause issues)

Exactly, (the bold text emphasis is mine)
I went with the 5100 Bilsteins on the 1" setting.
I already have new Motofab UCAs on a 3" level (also 1.5" body lift) but , for my 35s, I wanted just a bit more. Wouldn't be possible without aftermarket UCAs.

Edited September 10, 2021 by MikeBMW

HoosierZ · September 10, 2021

Check out the Eibach Pro Truck Lift. It comes with front and rear shocks and new front coil springs that give 2-1/2” lift. The front shocks give about 1” of additional suspension travel. I have the kit on my truck. Small bumps are a little more noticeable, but larger bumps and railroad crossings are much smoother than with the factory Rancho shocks.

jennifer fox · September 11, 2021

Thanks guys. I ended up ordering the assembly kits from parts geeks. I went with the Detroit axle strut kit. Just because I'm on a budget. And I ordered 2 new tires too. I have an appointment to get the alignment after all the repairs are done. Eventually I'm getting an actual suspension lift put on. Go big or go home! Lol plus everything is bigger in Texas right?

MikeBMW · September 11, 2021

10 hours ago, Mawz said:

Cupping can be caused by bad alignment or worn shocks. If yours are done, that's likely the cause.

Also, this!
Get an alignment after any suspension change.
EDIT: I just read you're already planning that, good choice.

Edited September 11, 2021 by MikeBMW

jennifer fox · September 17, 2021

After further investigation by the mechanic the struts and shocks are fine in the front it just needed an alignment because the last shop who did it didnt do a proper job. actually they probably didn't do the front right at all. so it caused my tires to wear excessively and my suspension in the front alignment was off a lot and it was leaning in, towing in. So I got the alignment, got new tires and now the back end is making very much noise. squeaking clinking .and I don't know if it's the shock absorbers or what part it could be.... I really would like to know myself so I could fix it myself any help would be appreciated. I just need to know what to look for when I out it up and take the wheel off.

Edited September 17, 2021 by jennifer fox
Voice text is not accurate

Mawz · September 17, 2021

Check the rear for anything loose that would cause the clinks, but squeaks could just be the leaf springs themselves (annoying, not necessarily an issue).