Leveling Kit

jimbrown1 · June 15, 2011

I have done searches on the forum and have not been able find much information on the Ready Lift kit, which uses a top spacer and a bottom strut spacer. I would like to level my 2011 Silverado Crew Cab and run either 275/60/20 Cooper Zeons or 305/50/20 Cooper H/T Plus tires on the OEM 20X8.5 rims. I am curious if there is anyone running this kit on their GM truck currently and if there are any issues? Here is a link to the Ready Lift kit site. http://www.readylift.com/c-122-chevy-silve...-6-lug-225.aspx

It shows to increase the front height 2.25". Any help wuold be appreciated. I would like to run the tires without cuttting any plastic or metal.

Knowklew · June 15, 2011

I would like to know the benefits of a ready lift style level vs the RC bottom only spacer.

Is there some ride quality advantage when using a top and bottom spacer vs just a bottom spacer?

The Ready lift level kit is significantly more expensive than the RC level kit. The RC kit appears to be much easier to install compared to the ReadyLift

levigarrett · June 15, 2011

Fred,

You say the RC is appears to be much easier. I dont think you realize how easy these either leveling kit is to install. I went with Fat Bobs Garage

This took me about 1 hour to 1.5 hours to do both sides with hand tools. Droping the spring requires 3 more additional nuts to be removed and the sway bar bolts (which were the hardest thing about the job, please note that is relative, this mod is very the very novice.) If you want more lift then 1.5" he sells a 2.25 and 2.5" . A spacer is a spacer and frankly your are nuts to spend the extra money on readylift stuff. Matt said people think that certain leveling kits will give them extra special leveling powers. He is correct that most of stuff is priced higher just because of a label. Save the money and buy Fat Bob's stuff... I have no affiliation with them just want to make that clear. The only reason I used them was because they are the only other company that had a 1.5" leveling kit that mounted on top of the strut.

I wanted the top mount because it makes more sense to me. I like the idea that weight is forcing pressure upwards against the spacer. I also dont like the look of the bottom mount leveling kit. Just my opinion.

Do they do the same? YES

this question has been asked many times.

Just for the record I will not post pics of the leveled truck until I get my new tires. The Goodyears LS2 are to womenly for me to be proud of.

Seriously go RC or Fat Bobs. Dont waste your money...

scz71864 · June 15, 2011

there are no "benefits" to either one as long as they are the same size spacer. i will say the lower shock level kit is alot easier to install. as stated above they can be put in with hand tools and a jack. just personal pref. but if you want to go anything other than the 2in, then you only have the top spacer option

mhenshaw · June 15, 2011

This should be a no brainier. RC is cheaper than any other leveling kit because its simple. And it is easier to install or take off.

Like said before if you want more than 2" get another kit, but don't waste your money if you want 2 inches.

sab316 · June 15, 2011

And dont' forget much above 2" kit you start running into more ball joint problems.

travishale84 · June 15, 2011

i know ready lift sells for about $225 ish, and rcx can be had for $65ish.... thats almost 3X the price for .25" which once you "level" your truck, you may find that the rear needs to go up a little.

levigarrett · June 15, 2011

I put the 1.5" kit in my 09 silverado and have to now add the 2" blocks for the rear... I always have weight in my truck and need that .75" rake. IMO

Wolfmansbrudda · June 21, 2011

I'm happy with the 2.25" Ready-Lift kit I put on in March of this year. Truck pic in my sig shows lift. Rides great, axle angle is decent. But I don't haul very often, so I would imagine she would sag if really loaded down. Truck is near perfectly level, just a couple mm lower in front.

Big Whiskey · June 21, 2011

Readylift is way over-priced and harder to install. Get the RC or take a look at Zone Offroad, if you're thinking about adding a little lift to the rear as well.

jimbrown1 · June 21, 2011

Readylift is way over-priced and harder to install. Get the RC or take a look at Zone Offroad, if you're thinking about adding a little lift to the rear as well.

Thanks. I want to add some different blocks in the rear to have a little rake for towing. Right now the truck sits 37" in the front and 39" in the rear when measured from the ground to the top of the wheel well. I should be at 39" in front after adding the RC kit and 39.75" in the rear by removing the OEM blocks and adding some 2" blocks instead. Hopefully I can fit some Cooper Zeon 275/60/20s in there without any trimming. Would rather have the BFG 285/55/20 but may have rubbing and those darn tires are so expensive ($400 each compared to $199 each for the Cooper Zeons).

Big Whiskey · June 22, 2011

Readylift is way over-priced and harder to install. Get the RC or take a look at Zone Offroad, if you're thinking about adding a little lift to the rear as well.

Thanks. I want to add some different blocks in the rear to have a little rake for towing. Right now the truck sits 37" in the front and 39" in the rear when measured from the ground to the top of the wheel well. I should be at 39" in front after adding the RC kit and 39.75" in the rear by removing the OEM blocks and adding some 2" blocks instead. Hopefully I can fit some Cooper Zeon 275/60/20s in there without any trimming. Would rather have the BFG 285/55/20 but may have rubbing and those darn tires are so expensive ($400 each compared to $199 each for the Cooper Zeons).

Yeah, $400 a tire is crazy. Guys run 275/60/20s and 305/50/20s all the time with 2" kits in the front...especially with stock wheels. The general opinion seems to be that the 305s look much more aggressive than the 275s. And, the replacement 2" block is a great way to get a little bit of that rake back.

jimbrown1 · July 9, 2011

I ended up going with the RC 2" kit, which changed the front measurement to 38.5" to complement the rear at 39". The measurement before install was 37" in front. No new tires just yet. Waiting on the crappy Goodyear Eagles LS2 tires to wear out (or burn them off) before I get more aggressive tires. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Truck looks a lot better, should've come this way from the factory!