Leveling Kit Already Installed?

[Justin Blommer]

2017 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 4x4.

 

I'm hoping someone with wiser eyes than mine can tell me if this truck already has a leveling kit installed -- see pics. I had always assumed it was stock (and to me it looks stock), but ReadyLift's product page for their leveling kit for this truck indicated that the front end measurement from center hub to fender on this truck should be 22" or less on a stock setup, and I measured mine at 22.5". 

 

Also i'm eyeing a ReadyLift or Motofab level kit with UCA's. I'm looking to do a 17x8.5" +0 offset Method wheel with a 285/70/r17 (roughly a 33x11.5") Nitto Ridge Grappler. Curious if anyone running a similar setup has any issues with rubbing or other concerns.

 

Thank you!

[stevejones]

Yeah, it's leveled with a spacer block kit under the bottom of the strut.

[Justin Blommer]

1 hour ago, stevejones said:

Yeah, it's leveled with a spacer block kit under the bottom of the strut.

 

Oh okay, thanks! I was thinking that U-shaped piece looked a bit like a spacer but wasn't sure if they come from the factory with a small one.

 

It might be sorta hard to tell from the picture, but any guesses on what brand kit? Or more importantly if I'm able to clear a 285/70/17 tire?

Edited November 13, 2021 by Justin Blommer

[mikeyk101]

It looks similar like the Rough Country level kit that I have on mine except for the rounded front face:

 https://www.roughcountry.com/gm-leveling-lift-kit-1307.html?find=2016-chevy-silverado-1500-4wd-738387

 

One big giveaway that you have a level kit is looking at the top of the left bolt and you can see that it was cut down. The directions call for disassembling a bunch of stuff when installing and the bolts are supposed to be installed from the top down. But a shortcut to save on installation time is to install the bolts from underneath like the stock setup but one of the bolts will be too long and interfere. Cut the 1 bolt down and you are good. 

 

Just to add, when it comes time to change your struts, this method will also helps because you won't have to disassemble a bunch of the front end to do it. I however followed the Rough Country instructions and dread the time when it comes to new struts...

Edited November 13, 2021 by mikeyk101

[M1ck3y]

That's the stupiderist thing ever. Rough Country didn't want to pay less money for less bolt?

[MikeBMW]

44 minutes ago, M1ck3y said:

That's the stupiderist thing ever. Rough Country didn't want to pay less money for less bolt?

The real solution is to install the bolt from the top and not the bottom.
No issue afterward.

[M1ck3y]

13 hours ago, MikeBMW said:

The real solution is to install the bolt from the top and not the bottom.
No issue afterward.

 

What I mean is, why not provide smaller bolts so you can install them from the underside. And in turn reduce installation complexity, right? Confusing, because GM seems to have no issue having a bolt from the bottom up..

[MikeBMW]

7 hours ago, M1ck3y said:

Confusing, because GM seems to have no issue having a bolt from the bottom up..

Once a level is installed, the front drive axle is much closer to the bolt. Also why the disassembly of the suspension (upper control arm, torsion bar, lower control arm - just don't let it drop enough to pull out the front drive axle - which has to be pulled on a true lift) for access is another recommendation.
Better to have more threads on the bolt than less.
Therefore, the top bolt install recommendation for the potentially interfering bolt stud since most levels don't use the stock bolt attachment mounts.