Do You Regret Your Leveling Kit...

G80 · October 2, 2008

I have a 2006 Silverado Crew Cab with the 5.3 and 17" rims. I have been thinking about putting on a leveling kit. I have read a lot of threads on this subject and a lot of them seem to contradict each other. What I mean by that is one guy loves his and has no problems and the next guy tells you to stay away from them because your front end will wear out fast.

I have looked at some kits on e-bay (SRE, CCM, and some others). They seem to be priced right and one even includes shock extensions.

I wanted to go 3" up front and 1" in the back but I don't want to have to do repairs next year because front end is messed up.

Can you tell me what your kit is...brand, lift height, etc.? Do you love it or hate?

2000DV4.8 · October 2, 2008

I cranked my stock keys 1.5". The ride is stiffer and a little rougher, but by no means unbearable. Any higher than that, and your ride will get a lot worse though. Also, if you go over 1.5", you'll start to wear out parts like pitman arms, idler arms, tie rod ends, and ball joints much quicker than normal, and if you lose a ball joint or tie rod while you're driving, well, it won't be fun.

IMO, aftermarket keys or 'leveling kits' are a waste of money. They just let you crank further, which will do more damage. Crank the stock keys for free, then spend 70 bucks on an alignment and be done with it.

That last part is just my opinion, but I don't think there's anyone that can argue that cranking your torsion bars 3" is ok. Those 'kits' on ebay are BS.

2000DV4.8 · October 2, 2008

Also, if you want 3" in the front, and 1" in the back, you could go with a 3" body lift, and take out the 2" block from the rear, that'll net you the exact height you're looking for, with no change in ride at all, and no excess wear on parts.

It will be more expensive though, but there is NO cheap way to lift a truck. If you cheap out in the beginning, you'll end up paying more in the end from replacing parts.