Level Just The Front?

[Tsmith]

Seeing how there are so many different type and height kits available on the market. Whats the general consensus on getting the front of an '09 GMC Z71/AT Extended Cab the same height as the rear, 1.5" or 2"? My local 4x4 shop recommends the Rough Country 2" kit but for sure I don't won't the front any higher than the factory rear.

 

Thanks in advance.

[vikinghogue]

The rough country should level it perfectly. On my 08 the front is alomost dead level with the rear its within 3/8 of an inch

[Tsmith]

Thanks Drew. Is the 3/8" in the back or front?

 

I just see some with 1.5" kits and others with 2" kits. Wasn't for sure if that was due in part to the difference in the Z71 or All Terrain Package suspension being any different.

[georgecdisc]

To be completely level I believe 2" is the way to go. 1.5" leaves a little rake left in the truck, so that way if you load up the rear end it won't look like it is dragging ass down the highway. Rough Country you can do 1", 1.5", and 2" level on the front end, just depends on how many spacers you use.

[vikinghogue]

the 3/8 lower in the front. But yea like swhitney2003 said the rough country leveling kit is a few different ones in one. It ranges from 1/2 or 1 to 2 inch of lift. the skinny block which is 1/4 thick it will give you 1/2 lift but im not sure if you can do that or not. then 2 of the 1/4 thick blocks will give you a 1 inch lift. Then one 1/4 and one 1/2 block will give you 1.5 lift and all three block will give you 2" of lift. and dont freak out but all the blocks stacked will only measure 1" but it will raise it 2".

Here is a picture of the blocks installed

[cev103]

I'd get a 2 inch level in the front and see how it looks before you decide to do anything with the rear. After I had mine done, I personally didn't like how the truck looked, so I added an 1 inch to the rear......but you may not need to do it.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Thanks Drew. Is the 3/8" in the back or front?

 

I just see some with 1.5" kits and others with 2" kits. Wasn't for sure if that was due in part to the difference in the Z71 or All Terrain Package suspension being any different.

 

The only difference with the All Terrain suspension is the Rancho shocks; the ride height is not affected by that in any way. I don't think there's even a ride height difference specifically due to the Z71 suspension, either.

[BuckFeverZ]

I have the RC 2" level kit and the rear is still a good 1/2" to 3/4" higher.

[Tsmith]

A big thanks guys for the info and Drew for the photo. Picking up my new Z71/AT in an hour or so.

[Stevens03]

Congrats!... Post photos

[JokerJ]

I have to ask. Does anyone know why GM makes the trucks with the rear end higher than the front?

[georgecdisc]

I have to ask. Does anyone know why GM makes the trucks with the rear end higher than the front?

Aerodynamics are better, therefore better on fuel economy. Also, when you load up the bed of the truck and/or tow something weight is added to the bed, and therefore levels the truck out.

[JokerJ]

Aerodynamics are better, therefore better on fuel economy. Also, when you load up the bed of the truck and/or tow something weight is added to the bed, and therefore levels the truck out.

 

Thanks! That's what I was thinking, but wanted to be positive.

[2000DV4.8]

I have to ask. Does anyone know why GM makes the trucks with the rear end higher than the front?

 

The main reason is for weight distribution when loaded. When a truck is dragging ass, there is very little weight over the front axle, which affects handling (steering, and braking mainly).

[snarkee]

the skyjacker 2" in the front of my truck made me exactly level but I later added the truxxx rear blocks because I didnt like how the truck sagged while towing