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2" Leveling Kit (strut Spacer) Or 4" Cst Suspension Lift?

roberts5

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roberts5 New Member

roberts5

Posted
Posted

I have a new 2008 GMC Sierra Crew 4X4. I am debating on whether to go with a 2" leveling kit (BDS) (or there are several other brands) OR a 4" CST suspension lift. I hear everyone saying that the leveling kits put the CV joints at undesirable angles which causes abnormal wear. Going with a 4" suspension lift is only 2" more but ALOT more expensive. There are many more choices in the 6" suspension lift category but I really dont want to go that high. I really like the BDS 6" suspension lift. I want to run a 285/70/17 tire and think a 6" lift would be overkill for that and probably wouldnt look that good with 33's on 17's. Plus, the more modifications you do the more likely your factory warranty will be voided. I want to keep my factory ride, handling, gearing (3.73), and fuel mileage intact. Its a tough decision, I dont like the looks of the factory stance of any of these new trucks nowadays. I would like to hear some others opinions on this matter. All opinions and suggestions would be appreciated and considered in my decision making. Hopefully I can also get some comments from others in my situation and they can let me know what decision they made.

Biggie Enthusiast

Biggie

Posted
Posted

i put a leveling kit on my truck and i love the aggressive stance it has once i put some 265/70 R17 mickey thompson mud terrains on it, but I don't have 4wd so i don't have to worry about the cv joint angles. there's only two kinds of new chevy's around my place other than stock, huge rims, or huge lifts, so no one else is gonna have a truck that looks like mine :cheers:

  • 3 weeks later...
Big Whiskey Senior Enthusiast

Big Whiskey

Posted
Posted

If you're worried about mileage and warranty, stick with the leveling kit. It will give it a much better stance for not much money. Plus, the driveability will be the same.

 

The CST would probably be the ideal setup - if you're rolling in $$$$$$$ :chevy:

silverbullet2005 Enthusiast

silverbullet2005

Posted
Posted
I bought my CST from Stillen for 1900 with performance shocks.

 

 

HOLY CRAP!!! That is alot of money for a 4" lift in m opinion, I got my 6" BDS for $1500 OTD.

 

The CST kit is pretty well put together from what they show on their site but you will probably want to call and ask them about the installation, odds are is that the crossmember bracket on the frame will still need to be cut unless they are only dropping the differential 1-1.5" like the Rough Country 3" does leaving hardly no room around the differential. The amount of work to install the 4" lift is going to be the same if you were to install a 6" lift so either way you go your looking at alot of time spent in the garage. I guess I would suggest the BDS 2" leveling kit which is going to allow you to clear larger tires and be a whole lot cheaper. I personally would not spend the $1900 just to go 4", If your just wanting a small increase in tire size just stick with the leveling kits then if you want to go big later down the road you can. You would hate to spend $1900 on a 4" lift to clear 33" tires then later decide to go with a 6" to clear 35" tires and have to spend another load of cash.

jbadelmund Enthusiast

jbadelmund

Posted
Posted

I have a 08 NBS 2500HD, and a put a leveling kit in mine and i love it! it Fits 285 with minor inner fender trimming but it give my truck an aggressive look and added clearance. It does put the cv joints at different angles but i don't worry about it. My buddy put the level kit on his 1500 and i looks great too, but he still has the stock 265's on his. For me, it was an inexpensive way to "lift" my truck for looks and performance. I'd go with the level kit.

ProRYDE New Member

ProRYDE

Posted
Posted

I'm the guy making the ProRYDE line of ADJUSTABLE front Lift/Leveling kits. Check us out at www.ProRYDE.com. Our LIFTmachine parts are installed on the top of the strut, and will get you 2" of leveling, at the low end, or can be adjusted on-the-truck to 3" of lift and you can add a 1" rear leaf block for an overall lift. It gives you the option to start with a low priced "leveling" kit (for under $300 MSRP), and spend a few more bucks when you're ready for rear blocks. I would love to hear some feedback from you!

Silverado4x4 Senior Enthusiast

Silverado4x4

Posted
Posted
I'm the guy making the ProRYDE line of ADJUSTABLE front Lift/Leveling kits. Check us out at www.ProRYDE.com. Our LIFTmachine parts are installed on the top of the strut, and will get you 2" of leveling, at the low end, or can be adjusted on-the-truck to 3" of lift and you can add a 1" rear leaf block for an overall lift. It gives you the option to start with a low priced "leveling" kit (for under $300 MSRP), and spend a few more bucks when you're ready for rear blocks. I would love to hear some feedback from you!

3 posts you have and all trying to sell that thing, as I said before why would anybody want a adjustable lift. Once you put a lift on why would you adjust it 1" up or down.

silverbullet2005 Enthusiast

silverbullet2005

Posted
Posted

I agree with silverado4x4, I can't see why anyone would want an adjustable leveling kit. by the way with the comment of adding a 1" leaf block, most good companies would tell you NOT to stack blocks and since the new 07-08 trucks have a factory 1" leaf block the correct method for adding a rear block would be to remove the factory block then add a 2" block if your wanting to add the 1" etc.

Griffin86 Enthusiast

Griffin86

Posted
Posted
I bought my CST from Stillen for 1900 with performance shocks.

 

 

HOLY CRAP!!! That is alot of money for a 4" lift in m opinion, I got my 6" BDS for $1500 OTD.

 

The CST kit is pretty well put together from what they show on their site but you will probably want to call and ask them about the installation, odds are is that the crossmember bracket on the frame will still need to be cut unless they are only dropping the differential 1-1.5" like the Rough Country 3" does leaving hardly no room around the differential. The amount of work to install the 4" lift is going to be the same if you were to install a 6" lift so either way you go your looking at alot of time spent in the garage. I guess I would suggest the BDS 2" leveling kit which is going to allow you to clear larger tires and be a whole lot cheaper. I personally would not spend the $1900 just to go 4", If your just wanting a small increase in tire size just stick with the leveling kits then if you want to go big later down the road you can. You would hate to spend $1900 on a 4" lift to clear 33" tires then later decide to go with a 6" to clear 35" tires and have to spend another load of cash.

 

 

Yeah I went with the 6 in so I wouldn't have to have to buy a longer front driveshaft (pro comp) and cut stuff up, but we stil had to cut with the CST so yeah. :cool: I put a body lift on so with a little trimming I can fit 35s.

gstephen Enthusiast

gstephen

Posted
Posted

I was in your shoes a while back. But at the end of the day, I knew I'd eventually want a 6" lift, so I added the 2" RC leveling kit with 275/60-20's. No rubbing, no trimming, and I like the way it looks. Go with the RC kit. It's cheap and looks great. Use the money on bigger M/T tires.

  • 4 weeks later...
adz55 Enthusiast

adz55

Posted
Posted

That looks pretty nice. How is it locked in to make sure it doesn't come out of adjustment?

 

Group buy??? GM-Trucks.com discount??? ;)

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