2014+ Leveling Kits

[bcazier]

For those of you that have already installed a leveling kit...

 

Which did you go with and why?

 

Do the new aluminum suspension parts impact the install?

 

I hope to get one on my truck in the next couple weeks but want some insights first.

[b1gted]

MotoMedic should be chiming in on this one soon.

 

I would also like to know how is the ride after the kit is installed? Does it affect the ride at all?

 

MotoMedic, do you have any before and after pics from the side to see how the kit corrects the stance?

[Prdtrgttr]

I put a traxda(truxxx) lift/levelling kit on my truck. My truck came up 2.5" in the front and 1.25" in the back. Then, after my new tires (275's)... the truck came up another 1.25".

The ride is similar, but a little rougher as the Toyo tires I Installed are a 10 ply, much harder than the factory tire.

You can see pictures of the process at this thread...

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/152728-z71-2014-canadian-style/

 

Edited August 14, 2013 by Prdtrgttr

[MotoMedic]

For those of you that have already installed a leveling kit... Which did you go with and why? Do the new aluminum suspension parts impact the install? I hope to get one on my truck in the next couple weeks but want some insights first.

 

I went with Rough Country because (back on July 1st) they were the company only advertising leveling kits for the new K2's. Later I discovered that the standard K2 suspension is the same as the GMT-900, so any previous kits will work (see attached pic). However, if you have the All-Terrain package, you did get the new aluminum parts, so I have no idea if you need a special/different kit to level..? Anyone level an AT yet..?

For the DIY members out there, the install is pretty straightforward, but you will need a second set of hands to help you hold things. I did mine solo and it was a pain!

 

MotoMedic should be chiming in on this one soon.

 

I would also like to know how is the ride after the kit is installed? Does it affect the ride at all?

 

MotoMedic, do you have any before and after pics from the side to see how the kit corrects the stance?

 

haha! I have too much free time at work!

 

I can't comment on the ride quality because after installing my level, I immediately changed to 33" all-terrain tires and am running them at higher pressures. On my old GMT-900, I had the same setup (20" wheels w/ 33" Coopers) running the standard 32-33 psi and my aggressive driving quickly wore out the outer shoulders. This time around I'm running 37-38 psi to decrease tire flex. It does make the ride a bit rougher, but it's still better than my GMT-900 with the same rims/tires.

 

I was in a hurry to install my level & tires right after I bought the truck so I never took any before pics. I did take measurements: front/rear difference in ride height was roughly 3.5" before and is now about 1.25".

Also, I believe I saw someone mention in a different topic that the 2WD & 4WD K2's are the same height upfront... this is false! I measured a few trucks on my dealer's lot before buying and the 4WD's were consistently around 0.5-0.75" higher than the 2WD's (my guess is they use stiffer springs to handle the added weight of transfer case & front drive..?).

[Saleenpowr]

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/152976-lets-talk-real-world-gas-mileage/?p=1349396

Thanks man. Just now noticed that you have the 2wd like me and mentioned that there is definitely a height difference between the 2wd and 2wd. I'm glad that you didn't have any clearance issues with the 33's. I had Trail Grapplers on my 2011 4wd but think I'm going to go with either MT Baja ATZ's or Terra Grapplers in 33".

[MotoMedic]

Thanks man. Just now noticed that you have the 2wd like me and mentioned that there is definitely a height difference between the 2wd and 2wd. I'm glad that you didn't have any clearance issues with the 33's. I had Trail Grapplers on my 2011 4wd but think I'm going to go with either MT Baja ATZ's or Terra Grapplers in 33".

 

FYI: My 33" tires are 275mm wide (275/60r20). If you go with a wider 33" tire, you may or may not have clearance issues.

[Saleenpowr]

FYI: My 33" tires are 275mm wide (275/60r20). If you go with a wider 33" tire, you may or may not have clearance issues.

I went with 305/55/20's last time. May not be able to do that this time.

[sanforce]

I finally got my 2014 last weekend and quickly realized that it needs a leveling kit. The center of the back wheel well measures 39 1/4" and the front is around 37". I'd like to find a leveling kit that doesn't mess with the back at all, anyone have any recommendations?

[b1gted]

 

I went with Rough Country because (back on July 1st) they were the company only advertising leveling kits for the new K2's. Later I discovered that the standard K2 suspension is the same as the GMT-900, so any previous kits will work (see attached pic). However, if you have the All-Terrain package, you did get the new aluminum parts, so I have no idea if you need a special/different kit to level..? Anyone level an AT yet..?

For the DIY members out there, the install is pretty straightforward, but you will need a second set of hands to help you hold things. I did mine solo and it was a pain!

 

MotoMedic should be chiming in on this one soon.

 

I would also like to know how is the ride after the kit is installed? Does it affect the ride at all?

 

MotoMedic, do you have any before and after pics from the side to see how the kit corrects the stance?

 

haha! I have too much free time at work!

 

I can't comment on the ride quality because after installing my level, I immediately changed to 33" all-terrain tires and am running them at higher pressures. On my old GMT-900, I had the same setup (20" wheels w/ 33" Coopers) running the standard 32-33 psi and my aggressive driving quickly wore out the outer shoulders. This time around I'm running 37-38 psi to decrease tire flex. It does make the ride a bit rougher, but it's still better than my GMT-900 with the same rims/tires.

 

I was in a hurry to install my level & tires right after I bought the truck so I never took any before pics. I did take measurements: front/rear difference in ride height was roughly 3.5" before and is now about 1.25".

 

So you did the rough country front only 2" kit? Does it require a realignment at all?

[bcazier]

The rough country kit will definitely require an alignment based on experience with my 08'. I found a local shop that will install with parts for $140 so I'm going to save my weekend and get it when the parts come.

[AgDoctor]

If the suspension is roughly the same as the 900s is it fair to say we could see the same ball joint issues on these too? Just curious, as I have replaced the UCAs in 2 900s prior to 55,000 miles with a mere 2 inch leveling kit.

 

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

 

[Agacmddj1]

I would go with a ranch quick lift strut system if its the same as the older models. It did the job very well on my truck. I hope they come out with one for the z71 model.

[MotoMedic]

Leveling kits for GM trucks only modify the front suspension. Any kit that modifies the rear will be called a lift or drop kit.

Any leveling kit requires a front end alignment. Without it you'll prematurely wear out the inside of your tires.

Some will probably see the same ball joint issues on the new K2's but that's a chance I'll happily take versus driving a nose dive truck.

[Firetiger(MN)]

Not sure I've seen this kit previously mentioned here.

 

http://www.readylift.com/news/cat/racing-news/post/2014-GM-1500-ReadyLIFT-Products/

 

2014 GM 1500 ReadyLIFT Products Available Now and In Stock:

CHEVROLET/GMC - 1500 - LEVELING KITS

2007-2014 SILVERADO/SIERRA 1500 1.0"-1.5" Lift 2WD & 4WD - 6-LUG 66-3090
2007-2014 SILVERADO/SIERRA 1500 1.5" Lift 2WD & 4WD - 6-LUG 66-3080
2007-2014 SILVERADO/SIERRA 1500 2.25" Lift 2WD & 4WD - 6-LUG 66-3085

CHEVROLET/GMC - 1500 - OEM STYLE BLOCK KITS

2007-2014 2.25" TALL BLOCK 1.0" Lift 2WD & 4WD - 6-LUG 66-3002
2007-2014 3" TALL BLOCK 1.75" Lift 2WD & 4WD - 6-LUG 66-3003

Edited September 7, 2013 by Firetiger(MN)

[Natek]

I had a 2" put on mine. The shop I got the wheels and tires from installed it for 150. I can't remember the brand but it was the metal spacers.