Leveling 2005 Z71 1500 Crewcab

[tmcswain]

ok here goes. Ive read about people leveling out their trucks by adjusting the torsion bars or using ford keys instead of the GM green keys. I wanna hear from people that have done this and are satisfied or dissatisfied, and what the pros/cons are. Also would like to hear from the people who have sucessfully done any kind of leveling and what parts they may have used ie stiffer torsion bars/new shocks. I dont do any serious offroading, I really just drive my truck to the lake and back.

 

Was also looking at a rough country leveling kit not sure about the rear pieces, looks a little sketch to me. What do you think?

 

http://www.roughcountry.com/chevy_4wd_99-0...veling_kit.html

[05silvycrew]

it depends on where your torsion bars are set at currently. If the adjustment bolts hang real low, meaning you can see a lot of threads, you can get an easy 1-1.5" lift out of the front end without compromising ride quality or front end components. I wouldn't however crank them all the way up or use aftermarket index keys as they just allow you to go past the factory maximum adjustments.

 

My cousin has had his raised on his 06 sierra to clear 33/12.50/20 tires for over a year and a half without any problems.

 

I just put 275/60/20 tires on my truck (the same rig as yours). They're a 33" tire and they fit without even cranking the T-bars, they're close, but they fit without rubbing. I am going to raise my drivers side though to level the truck from left to right. MY drivers side is 3/8" lower than my passenger side.

 

Others who have more experienc or different outcomes can chime in.

But that's my $.02

 

*Edit: If you do crank the T-bars, make sure you get a front end allignment*

[kylea]

I maxxed my torsion keys out, the truck is almost level, i still have 1/2" of rake, but its not that noticable.

 

 

My truck before:

 

 

After maxxed stock keys, most recent sorta side shot

 

[tmcswain]

it depends on where your torsion bars are set at currently. If the adjustment bolts hang real low, meaning you can see a lot of threads, you can get an easy 1-1.5" lift out of the front end without compromising ride quality or front end components. I wouldn't however crank them all the way up or use aftermarket index keys as they just allow you to go past the factory maximum adjustments.

 

My cousin has had his raised on his 06 sierra to clear 33/12.50/20 tires for over a year and a half without any problems.

 

I just put 275/60/20 tires on my truck (the same rig as yours). They're a 33" tire and they fit without even cranking the T-bars, they're close, but they fit without rubbing. I am going to raise my drivers side though to level the truck from left to right. MY drivers side is 3/8" lower than my passenger side.

 

Others who have more experienc or different outcomes can chime in.

But that's my $.02

 

*Edit: If you do crank the T-bars, make sure you get a front end allignment*

 

Funny, our trucks are identical. Thanks for the input. Nice ride too

[tmcswain]

I maxxed my torsion keys out, the truck is almost level, i still have 1/2" of rake, but its not that noticable.

 

 

My truck before:

 

 

After maxxed stock keys, most recent sorta side shot

 

 

 

Nice and clean love the wheels and grille. did you notice any increased ride stiffness when you maxed them out?

[jrrod2004]

I dont have a 4x4/z71 but I would recommend to keep a close eye on the cv axles, bushings or anything else that might wear...most here dont have an issue with cranking the t bars but some have had bad luck....

[kylea]

Yes it rides just a little rougher, but not bad at all. It rides smoother than my buddies 01 silverado maxxed out bars with stock rims and tires.

 

If you really wanted you could get new shocks too, but I dont see the need to...