AT4 suspension

[Trainwreck68]

I just bought a 21 Sierra 1500 SLT with only 10500 miles, I want to put a mild lift on it. I thinking about just getting the factory parts that they use to lift the AT4 so maybe it won't void my warranty. Has anybody done this and know which parts I would need? 

[GETGONE]

GM sells the complete kit with everything you need.

[Trainwreck68]

GETGONE I thought they might but I haven't been able to find anything on any of the GM OEM parts websites. Guess I'll have to ask my local dealer.

[jaxcam02]

I think I have seen the Trail Boss/AT4 kit is on backorder and they removed it from the websites. Probably so they can catch up on orders.

[Trainwreck68]

jaxcam02 Ah ha, probably why I can't find it right now. Guess I'll just keep checking back with it.

[Gangly]

No worries, Eibach and Bilstein both have lifts that will do what you are wanting.  Neither option will void your warranty.

[divotdm]

https://accessories.gmc.com/product/lift-suspension-upgrade-system-for-4wd-vehicles-86814402?

[Amcguy1970]

14 minutes ago, Gangly said:

No worries, Eibach and Bilstein both have lifts that will do what you are wanting.  Neither option will void your warranty.

 

They will void the warranty but only parts that will be impacted from the lift. Ball joints, CV axles, possibly wheel bearings if he goes up in tire size, weight and off set. It won't void the entire truck, just suspension and axle related. I doubt he is going to go crazy with tire size but if someone came rolling in with 37's on stock axles and gears and had transmission issues, it would be hard pressed to be covered I would imagine in many cases, but that is a discussion for another time. I just wanted to point out to the OP some aspects of the warranty can and will be voided. You have to pay to play whether it is possible repairs or the added cost to keep the warranty through a dealer or manufacturer. 

 

Tyler

[Trainwreck68]

Thanks everyone I really appreciate the input. divotdm my local GM dealer actually has this kit in stock for $1,400, for another $500 they will install it and it will not avoid the warranty. I may just spend the extra money and have them do it. Thanks! 

[Gangly]

23 minutes ago, Amcguy1970 said:

 

They will void the warranty but only parts that will be impacted from the lift. Ball joints, CV axles, possibly wheel bearings if he goes up in tire size, weight and off set. It won't void the entire truck, just suspension and axle related. I doubt he is going to go crazy with tire size but if someone came rolling in with 37's on stock axles and gears and had transmission issues, it would be hard pressed to be covered I would imagine in many cases, but that is a discussion for another time. I just wanted to point out to the OP some aspects of the warranty can and will be voided. You have to pay to play whether it is possible repairs or the added cost to keep the warranty through a dealer or manufacturer. 

 

Tyler

Correct, they can only void warranty on parts that are impacted but the lift and put into service outside the intended designed boundaries.

 

The only major difference component-wise between a TB and a non TB, are the shocks and CV's.  All of the other components are the same, meaning these stock components are designed to be utilized/compatible with a 2" lift, factory or not.

 

Again, the UCA, LCA's, hubs, bearings, etc. are all the same on the TB as the non TB, so his factory components are built and designed to handle a 2" lift since they are the same components found on the TB which is 2" lifted from the factory.  Unless your jumping sand dunes or going maximum suspension droop when off roading, the CV's are not a worry either.  To void a ball joint warranty claim the dealership would have to identify how a 2" lifted Bilstein shock damaged a suspension component that was factory designed with the intention of utilizing a 2" lifted Rancho shock.  That would be impossible since it is the suspension's travel that affects ball joint angle and they both would have the same suspension travel.

 

Regardless, you bring up a good point that needs to be acknowledged since you would most likely have to argue with the dealership if they void a warranty claim.  That can be extremely tiresome, whether you are right or wrong, and the time, energy, and expense involved with that can be financially burdensome if a dealership really wanted to dig its heals in.

 

Good luck with whatever route you choose, but I would highly suggest that whatever route you take, try doing the install yourself.  Its a relatively easy install that only takes up part of an afternoon, and it will give you a good understanding of how your suspension system works if you ever have suspension issues in the future that need to be diagnosed.

 

 

[GETGONE]

Another thing to consider with the GM lift is they recalibrate the electric steering and collision detection system if you have one. They won't do that with any non GM lift. I believe the GM kit also has a warranty of it's own on the parts.

[jaxcam02]

15 hours ago, Gangly said:

 To void a ball joint warranty claim the dealership would have to identify how a 2" lifted Bilstein shock damaged a suspension component that was factory designed with the intention of utilizing a 2" lifted Rancho shock.  That would be impossible since it is the suspension's travel that affects ball joint angle and they both would have the same suspension travel

 

I see this comment a lot and theoretically this is how the law is written. Unfortunately, this is not often the case in practice. A dealer can void a warranty for anything they see fit. You need to be comfortable with the dealer you take things into for warranty work if you have mods. If they say your mods caused the issue, they don't necessarily have to prove it then and there but in the courtroom. Ultimately, if GM puts a warranty void on your VIN, you will have to prove through the court system that the mod did not cause undo harm to the factory components. Only then will your warranty be reinstated and GM perform the work. Who pays the attorney and court fees is a whole different ball game.

 

Not saying this happens every time but if GM wants to, they can take it this far.

 

[jaxcam02]

12 hours ago, GETGONE said:

Another thing to consider with the GM lift is they recalibrate the electric steering and collision detection system if you have one. They won't do that with any non GM lift. I believe the GM kit also has a warranty of it's own on the parts.

 And yes the kit does come with the calibration software included, to be done at the dealer. The warranty on the kit is 1 year/12,000 miles or the remaining factory warranty, whichever is longer.

[Trainwreck68]

GETGONE yep to that's why I'll probably just pay the extra money and have them do it. For 500 bucks that way if it's screwed up it's on them.

 

[Trainwreck68]

I'll take the chance, I do most of the automotive work myself. If I ball joint goes bad and they don't want to warranty it I'll just replace it myself they're not that hard to do and they're not that expensive. Same way with the half shafts or anything else associated with suspension. Besides it's a used truck and they would have to prove that I modified it after I bought it, I'll just tell them it was that way when I bought it.