2022 1500 Suspension Lift & Level

Mark Scannura · July 29, 2023

Looking for some input on this. I have a 2022 Sierra 1500 limited SLT 4x4 crew with the 3.0. I'm looking at either a BDS 3.5 lift/level kit or the Cognito 3.0 lift/level. The BDS kit (772FDSC) is 2.5 block lift rear and 3.5 coil over front using Fox 2.5 PE up front and Fox 2.0 on the rear. The Cognito kit (210-P1137) uses Elka 2.0 front coil over & rear shock. Both kits come with mod UCAs. The BDS kit cost about $1k more than the BDS and that cost dif is driven by the more expensive 2.5 Fox coil over upfront vs Cognito at a 2.0. Both manufacturers say I can stick with my EO wheels and tire size. BDS was not convincing on the phone, more like a strong "you should" be able. Cognito was more of an absolute YES you can. The stock setup is a 275-60-20 (33x10.8). That said, one local dealer/installer said I cannot use those stock wheel/tires with the BDS another tells me I can. So here are the questions:

1. Any experience with either of these kits on a 2019-2022 GM? How's the street ride compared to stock and what did you do with wheels/tires?

2. Any other kits you would suggest in the net 3 or 3.5 lift range?

3. Anything else you think I should consider on the subject of lifting/leveling this truck?

Thanks!

Dan Bradley · August 1, 2023

I actually went with this kit which is similar to the cognito kit that you are looking at, 210-P0879. When I purchased my truck it felt very under dampened when I would hit bumps/dips at 60+ on the highway. I was originally going to go with the bilstein 5100 set up but I didn't want something overly stiff just for highway driving. I have some back issues that have plagued me at a younger age and I need a vehicle that will take bumps smoothly. The stock suspension did that however it was under dampened at speeds. I knew Fox was more of a premier brand in terms of suspension and I've always wanted to try a set of their shocks and overall I am very pleased at my purchase. I don't think you could go wrong with Elka suspension however I personally haven't heard much about them. When I did mine I also installed the longer trail boss axles as well as the longer sway bar links for the at4x to prevent the axle from hitting the sway bar. I used the stock trail boss wheels and added 295/70/18 Nitto Recon's to keep the weight down and currently run 1.25 inch spacers until I decide on a different wheel. As far as I am aware I don't think you can run a stock wheel with the larger cognito control arm.

Vincej138 · August 2, 2023

You need to check your stock wheel offset/backspacing to see if it will clear the bigger UCA. Thats the main issue. Once thats verified you should be able to find those specs from Cognito or BDS. If they are ball joint arms, you should be good. If they are uniball, may have an issue.

Personally I would be concerned about getting 3.5 from just a coil over. Thats gonna be a lot of compression on the spring to get that height. But dont do a spacer, thats just asking for trouble.

If your not offroading for longer periods of time, the 2inch body foxes are more than enough. The 2.5" foxs just have more oil which helps them run cooler, which reduces shock fade. 75% of users will never heat them up. Valving is more important (liner, digressive, progressive)

If your keeping stock wheels/tires, it may look small that high too. 2.5 up front would likely level it. Meaure from center of your hub to bottom of fender lip in front amd back, then you will know YOUR trucks rake. Mine is 2" nose down.

Edited August 2, 2023 by Vincej138