Bds Leveling Kit Review, Pics?

[SpringerF8]

I am considering the BDS 2 inch leveling kit for my 2011 Silverado LT. I have not found much information on their leveling kit aside from the fact they are harder to install then some of the other kits. I really like their warranty and they seem to make a solid product. Let me know if anyone here is running this kit and if you have any pictures. Thanks.

[NickS]

Honestly, it's just a spacer. They all do the same thing. As for warranty, it only going to cover the part it's self i assume, which would be hard to screw up. Just do the RC like 90% of the people on here and be done with it. Like I said, they all accomplish the same thing and put close to the same stress on front end parts, so I wouldn't worry about the warranty on a 2" leveling kit.

 

Now if you were looking at a full suspension lift, than BDS is the way to go. They have the best warranty you can get on all of their parts. There are just a lot more things to consider warranty with on a full suspension lift vs just a small leveling kit.

 

I would just go with which leveling kit was cheapest (which is usually the rough country)

[Portdriver]

I had a BDS 2" leveling kit on a 2009 1500 Reg cab WT 4X4. I paid a little over $100 for the kit. The BDS kit keeps front end parts in thier proper ranges.The install is tougher than the RC. It took me over 3 hours to install. You will need a strut spring compressor. If you aren't a good shade tree mechanic leave the install to a pro. The ride did get a little stiffer. I think all kits do that no matter what the manufacturer says. Are worth the hassle? Yes and I'd buy/install another one.

[NickS]

I guess I don't understand how it is easier on the front end than other kits (unless it drops the diff and stuff). It is still just a spacer, one on top and a small one on bottom. Either way, it still puts the axles at a steeper angle just like 1 on top or 1 on bottom doesn't it?

[Silverado4x4]

I guess I don't understand how it is easier on the front end than other kits (unless it drops the diff and stuff). It is still just a spacer, one on top and a small one on bottom. Either way, it still puts the axles at a steeper angle just like 1 on top or 1 on bottom doesn't it?

 

Yeah really, it doesnt matter where the spacer is eather on top or the bottom the angles are the same no matter what.

[SpringerF8]

Yeah, the RC kit is definitely the cheapest. But I was kind of turned off to the RC kit by a guy at the local shop and by some of the problems I have read people having on here.

[NickS]

Problems?

[SpringerF8]

This thread has been going for a while but no one seems have a straight answers. But it seems like a few people here have issues after their RC kit was installed. Makes me nervous since my truck is brand new.

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...87684&st=30

[dkj313]

I have a DBS kit on my 2011 Regular Cab 4x4 for about a year now. Had it installed at a local spring shop $350 with a $65 alligment.

 

Although it has accomplished the ride height I wanted, i started going the other way when I put weight in the back. So ended up doing a add a leaf.. now the truck looks great.

 

What happens on a speed bump, going at a low speed it feels like the truck launches off and drops. if you hit a pothole at road speeds (35 mph) you get a large "BUMP" teeth knocking.

 

I knew going into to the kit I would experience some stiffness

 

I researched the Blistien 5100 adjustable shock/strut. Going to change out to these, I just think my shocks are extended out too much.

[scz71864]

if 2inches is all you want on your truck buy the RC 2inch kit. its so easy to put on plus it saves you a lot of money. i had one on for a year before i switched to the bil 5100's and i didnt have any issues with my RC

[dkj313]

 

Got the truck back after removing the BDS kit, still have the same ride hight of 39" measuring from the ground in the same spot in my driveway. Installed all four Blistien 5100 shocks with the fronts on the high postition.

 

The ride is great, the truck does not slam into holes, alot better going over bumps, the shocks do not bottom out.

 

Had two trucks with spacer kits, and now I will be going this route as long as the Blistiens hold up, which I am sure they will.

 

Recommeded...

[BlackZ71Silverado]

Yeah, the RC kit is definitely the cheapest. But I was kind of turned off to the RC kit by a guy at the local shop and by some of the problems I have read people having on here.

 

 

I have the Rough Country kit on both my trucks and haven't had any problems.....The problems people were having was from the old kit that had more than one spacer per side and was adjustable. The newer kit, 1 spacer per side has no issues. Just make sure you have an alignment done after the install.