Leveling Kits

Jeff08 · March 2, 2009

I was under my 2008 Silverado Ext Cab tonight taking measurements to make my own 2" leveling blocks when I noticed that after installing the 2" blocks between the strut and A-arm there does not seem to be enough room left for a nut. I looks like the nut would very very close to the axle shaft.

Has anyone noticed this type of condition when installing their leveling kit? Maybe I should go with the kit that mounts to the top of the strut instead?

BuckFeverZ · March 2, 2009

Are the blocks you made actually 2" thick? I have the 2" Rough Country kit and with all the spacers, its only 1" thick.

Jeff08 · March 2, 2009

Are the blocks you made actually 2" thick? I have the 2" Rough Country kit and with all the spacers, its only 1" thick.

I haven't machined them up yet. But after looking and taking measurements I need to see what I can actually fit without any interference. I think I will make them 2" tall and if need be I can machine them down to get the required clearence. I will probably try to install the bolt pointing down to minimize interference also.

sgrah230 · March 2, 2009

Jeff,

From what I have been reading the blocks are 1" tall, which will give you the 2" lift.

By the way, what are you making them out of? I was thinking of doing the same thing.

Zembonez · March 2, 2009

Because of the geometry of the front suspension, the actual spacer thickness is well under the amount of lift it produces. I believe the spacers that are 1 and 1.25 inches lift 2 and 2.5 inches (respectively) at the spindle center. They are not through bolted. The design rotates the bolt holes 60 degrees so that the lowers bolt to the strut and the uppers bolt to the mount.

BuckFeverZ · March 2, 2009

With the geometry of the IFS, a 2" spacer will give you AT LEAST 3" of actual lift. This would be way to much to keep the front end components within operating range. Your CV and ball joint angles would be TERRIBLE with this amount of lift without dropping the front differential.

sgrah230 · March 2, 2009

I think he was going to make them for the spacing on the bottom. Is that correct Jeff08?

BuckFeverZ · March 2, 2009

I think he was going to make them for the spacing on the bottom. Is that correct Jeff08?

Doesn't matter.

Zembonez · March 2, 2009

I think he was going to make them for the spacing on the bottom. Is that correct Jeff08?

I see that now. I misread the original post. Sorry Jeff08.

The amount of lift would be the same regardless of which end of the strut it was mounted on right? (since it is in effect just lengthening the strut) I was not aware that blocks for the bottom of the strut assy were avalable.

tobias · March 2, 2009

I think he was going to make them for the spacing on the bottom. Is that correct Jeff08?

Same rules apply. 2" blocks top or bottom will be too much. I have the Rough Country kit which consists of a spacer used on the bottom strut mount (I have the older version that is only one block) and it's maybe 1-1.25 inches tall but nets a solid 2" of lift.

BuckFeverZ · March 2, 2009

I think he was going to make them for the spacing on the bottom. Is that correct Jeff08?

I see that now. I misread the original post. Sorry Jeff08.

The amount of lift would be the same regardless of which end of the strut it was mounted on right? (since it is in effect just lengthening the strut) I was not aware that blocks for the bottom of the strut assy were avalable.

The Rough Country leveling kit mounts on the bottom of the strut and its what the majority of the people on here are running.

tobias · March 2, 2009

I think he was going to make them for the spacing on the bottom. Is that correct Jeff08?

I see that now. I misread the original post. Sorry Jeff08.

The amount of lift would be the same regardless of which end of the strut it was mounted on right? (since it is in effect just lengthening the strut) I was not aware that blocks for the bottom of the strut assy were avalable.

Yep, Jim, the Rough Country kit, and a few others, are lower spacers. MUCH easier to install, same effects.

Zembonez · March 2, 2009

Yep, Jim, the Rough Country kit, and a few others, are lower spacers. MUCH easier to install, same effects.

Well that's cool (and certainly something I did not know about). I've never wanted to go up with my current truck and my GMT800 was a different animal obviously. My Titan used the upper leveling kit like the Ebay specials I see listed. All along I thought that was what everybody was talking about.

Even old dogs learn new stuff huh?

Jeff08 · March 2, 2009

Jeff,

From what I have been reading the blocks are 1" tall, which will give you the 2" lift.

By the way, what are you making them out of? I was thinking of doing the same thing.

I am planning on using steel. But if I find some aluminum I'll use that (easier to machine).

I think I will have to do some trig and figure out the thickness I need to get a level ride.

tobias · March 2, 2009

Jeff,

From what I have been reading the blocks are 1" tall, which will give you the 2" lift.

By the way, what are you making them out of? I was thinking of doing the same thing.

I am planning on using steel. But if I find some aluminum I'll use that (easier to machine).

I think I will have to do some trig and figure out the thickness I need to get a level ride.

According to this document, 1" of spacers will net you 2" of lift. This kit has one 1/2" spacer and two 1/4" shims for a total of 1". The total lift gained is 2".

1307.pdf