Proper way to level AT4?

[SierraStorm21]

2021 GMC Sierra AT4 and looking to level it the proper way. The truck came with 33's (275/60/20) and I'm looking at getting new slightly bigger tires too (34's (275/65/20's) and not sure if this would affect the way I should do it.

 

I've read through several threads talking about you should replace the UCA's in the process due to angles being outside the factory tolerance and I completely understand that and willing to spend the extra $ to do it right.

 

Reading through various reviews of the numerous kits out there, I think I've settled on the Rough Country one that includes the UCA's. I've never lifted or leveled a truck before, so I'm new to this and want to make sure I'm getting it right. So if you have experience or wisdom in this arena, feel free to chime and let me know if I should be doing something different.

Edited May 7, 2023 by Mstorm18
Had tire sizes reversed

[Texanfisherman]

The 275/65 will fit without a level kit. Possible that an extreme tread may rub a little, but it will fit. If you want to level on the cheap, I personally would not install anything more than a 1” without also replacing a-arms to correct geometry and improve the ball joint. Just my $.02. I have the silverado with the factory 2” and will do the BDS arms when I swap the tires. I will run a 295/65 with a 2” level and the BDS arms. 

Edited May 7, 2023 by Texanfisherman

[SierraStorm21]

48 minutes ago, Texanfisherman said:

You have your current and desired tire sizes reversed, but the 275/65 will fit without a level kit. Possible that an extreme tread may rub a little, but it will fit. If you want to level on the cheap, I personally would not install anything more than a 1” without also replacing a-arms to correct geometry and improve the ball joint. Just my $.02. I have the silverado with the factory 2” and will do the BDS arms when I swap the tires. I will run a 295/65 with a 2” level and the BDS arms. 

Good catch. Thanks! Edited

a-arms? The UCA's, right? The kit I linked has new ones that come with it, is that not right?

Edited May 7, 2023 by Mstorm18

[Texanfisherman]

Yes, a-arms/UCAs same thing. This is what I am banking on: https://www.jackit.com/bds-121260.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw9deiBhC1ARIsAHLjR2AH8h5vX_coGf8m9IH8Lxcw94-iiPk3Z34gA3d21xnTpKfHIzrYd4QaAqlMEALw_wcB

 

Same setup they use in their 4 or 6 lifts. Just in case I want to go higher later. More expensive, but hard to find anyone dissatisfied with BDS and their quality. 

[SierraStorm21]

I think the more I read up on this, that perhaps the best thing to do is just have the front shocks swapped out for the 5100 Bilsteins, the ride adjustable ones to get a 1.1" lift. Seems doing so keeps things more within spec while still getting a slight lift in the front. While it may not be completely leveled, it's better than stock. 

[Luc1f3r]

To everyone who levels their trucks, do you never carry heavy loads or tow? The factory Rake is meant to compensate for that.

 

Also stock height AT4 will fit 35x12 general grabbers with a slight rub on the mud flaps at full lock.

[newdude]

9 hours ago, Mstorm18 said:

I think the more I read up on this, that perhaps the best thing to do is just have the front shocks swapped out for the 5100 Bilsteins, the ride adjustable ones to get a 1.1" lift. Seems doing so keeps things more within spec while still getting a slight lift in the front. While it may not be completely leveled, it's better than stock. 

 

 

I'd still get arms.  Non AT4s with a leveling kit will still fail the UCA.  We've had two come in now, one with significant damage to other components.  

[SierraStorm21]

1 hour ago, newdude said:

 

 

I'd still get arms.  Non AT4s with a leveling kit will still fail the UCA.  We've had two come in now, one with significant damage to other components.  

 

Ugh, good to know. Any reason not to get the Bilstein version of those if I go with the upgraded shocks?

 

https://cart.bilsteinus.com/details?id=2972832273118789803&fyv=true&Year=1490468497551627837&Make=7109127503953767713&Model=2312292685622996290&Submodel=2928454506658859972&Pos=Front Upper&En=3896745598793439258

 

Or is another brand a better option? 

[SierraStorm21]

3 hours ago, Luc1f3r said:

To everyone who levels their trucks, do you never carry heavy loads or tow? The factory Rake is meant to compensate for that.

 

Also stock height AT4 will fit 35x12 general grabbers with a slight rub on the mud flaps at full lock.

I'm sure everyone knows that, but most that are going for that leveled look aren't towing or carrying heavy loads on a daily or even weekly basis. I surely don't and if I was, I'd just get air bags to compensate. It's all about the look.

 

I didn't want to go to 35's because I swapped out the factory flaps for the molded ones that hang down slightly lower to prevent rock throw from hitting the panels and that would require even more modifications. I think 34's are the best I'll get and I'm ok with that.

[newdude]

2 hours ago, Mstorm18 said:

 

Ugh, good to know. Any reason not to get the Bilstein version of those if I go with the upgraded shocks?

 

https://cart.bilsteinus.com/details?id=2972832273118789803&fyv=true&Year=1490468497551627837&Make=7109127503953767713&Model=2312292685622996290&Submodel=2928454506658859972&Pos=Front Upper&En=3896745598793439258

 

Or is another brand a better option? 

 

 

Can't speak on them really but from quick reading at that link, they appear to be engineered for use with a lift strut like theirs so would be a good move to pair them with their struts.  It does say not compatible with lift spacers which is interesting so I wonder if there is a clearance or geometry change on these where you can't do that.  

[PureZ71]

Similar to Trail bosses, AT4 also recommends getting new UCA. I went with ReadyLift kit to level mine

 

ReadyLIFT 2" SST Kit

 

[SierraStorm21]

1 hour ago, PureZ71 said:

Similar to Trail bosses, AT4 also recommends getting new UCA. I went with ReadyLift kit to level mine

 

ReadyLIFT 2" SST Kit

 

How long have you had it on? No issues I assume?

Ran into a friend of mine today who's in the mechanical program. Was talking about how I should have the ADAS system recalibrated after doing a level? I had planned on redoing the headlights, but hadn't thought about the cameras and other systems needing to be recalibrated. That's something I haven't seen anyone discuss on here...

[PureZ71]

5 hours ago, Mstorm18 said:

How long have you had it on? No issues I assume?

Ran into a friend of mine today who's in the mechanical program. Was talking about how I should have the ADAS system recalibrated after doing a level? I had planned on redoing the headlights, but hadn't thought about the cameras and other systems needing to be recalibrated. That's something I haven't seen anyone discuss on here...

I've had it on for about two years now. Been great! even go off roading here and there.

 

My truck doesn't have any of that fancy cameras and stuff so I cant help you there. But I doubt that's an issue. I did lower the headlights a little since the kit brought the front end up (didn't want to blind people lol).

[4banger]

On 5/8/2023 at 2:48 PM, PureZ71 said:

Similar to Trail bosses, AT4 also recommends getting new UCA. I went with ReadyLift kit to level mine

 

ReadyLIFT 2" SST Kit

 

 

 

doesn't look level to me, bigger fender gap up front and the line under the windows is pointed uphill, looks like you just went and got a load of gravel already

 

these trucks look best with a bit of rake, and x2 on trailering or using it as a truck, I've come to realize the engineers and designers get a lot more right than we give em credit for

[Luc1f3r]

20 hours ago, 4banger said:

 

 

these trucks look best with a bit of rake, and x2 on trailering or using it as a truck, I've come to realize the engineers and designers get a lot more right than we give em credit for

We occasionally get things right...