Bilstein Leveling Kit On! Will 33x12.50 Fit?

AllTerrain13 · July 6, 2009

Just got my Bilstein Leveling kit installed yesterday. Installation was pretty straight forward on my 09 LTZ CC. I want to retain my Z-71 wheels but want to run the Toyo Open Country MT 33x12.50R18. Will these fit on the stock wheels and will they rub? Is a 33x11.50 the widest one can go on stock wheels?

stlavsa · July 6, 2009

Just got my Bilstein Leveling kit installed yesterday. Installation was pretty straight forward on my 09 LTZ CC. I want to retain my Z-71 wheels but want to run the Toyo Open Country MT 33x12.50R18. Will these fit on the stock wheels and will they rub? Is a 33x11.50 the widest one can go on stock wheels?

rub for sure, I would go with less width on the tire, 12.5 is too wide without more lift.

Spurshot · July 8, 2009

Did you set the Bilsteins to their highest setting? Pics?

poonugget · July 8, 2009

How do you like the ride? Is it stiffer? I am asking because I too have the Z71 package and was wondering if the bilsteins are worth getting. I already have a leveling kit so the ride is really the determining factor.

Spurshot · July 9, 2009

Louie,

the ride is slightly firmer, but the bouncy, loose feel at freeway speeds is gone. Best damn thing I've done for this truck. Worth getting? Hell yes! The truck feels like it's glued to the road and the ride gives a feeling of confidence that the truck is fully under control at freeway speeds while going over the whoop-tee-doos of the LA freeways. Prior to the shock installations, the truck felt like it was on the edge of being out of control at normal freeway speeds when going over those overpass bumps, etc.. ....and my truck was brand new with the largest shock/spring package.

Chuck.

AllTerrain13 · July 9, 2009

I will take some pictures tomorrow for yall! As for the ride it is incredible. I too like the extra stiffness of the front suspension. I went on the highest setting on the fronts and it is dead on level. For those planning on doing it, you will need to buy a Lisle shock installation tool so you can tighten the shock stud nut to 19ft lbs while keeping the shaft from spinning. I guess the only thing left of my Z-71 is the skid plate and sway bars since I ditched the shocks and the stickers! As for the tires I decided to play it safe and went with a set of BFG All Terrains in a 285/65R18. They look nice and ride nice to boot

D

July 9, 2009

Would you mind posting a few pics? Any rubbing lock-to-lock?

When you say you installed the strut at the top position, how much lift did that give you in the front?

Also, what tool did you use for compressing the springs?

AgDoctor · July 28, 2009

i have a set of the 285 BFG's in 18's sitting behind my shop. I had to ditch them because they ride so damn stiff. They are E rated and weigh like 80#'s each, where the stockers are like 42#'s. Just a word of advice, if you like a good ride, they may not suit you. I aired mine down to 40 psi and they rode well but the mpg went south. I have some Cooper SST's now but they are louder than AT tires, I like but the wife hates( I say I like, the radio is blaring if I'm riding so I dont notice).