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Do lift kits void warranties???


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I've researched the net. I've read several threads on this forum. There doesn't seem to be a definitive answer. I'm getting ready to purchase a new '16 Sierra 1500 and want to add a 2.25 Inch Pro Comp Leveling Kit and 305/55R20 Fuel wheels on it. If I install the lift myself, will it void the warranty? Do I have to have certified mechanics install it to keep the warranty?

 

Any GMC Dealers or warranty specialists on here?

 

Thanks for the input.

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If there is damages or part failures under warranty that can be traced back to either the kit or the installation of the kit, on components that could be affected in the suspension, then YES. If you have a check engine light on? No, the level won't void your warranty.

 

GM has a big bump/clunk/squeak/squawk bible on 2007-2017 trucks for aftermarket suspension components, and issues they cause.

 

From GM itself (I've bolded the juicy bits that touch on your concerns):

 

#PIT5403B: Various Vehicle Handling Concerns Suspension Noise Or Damaged Suspension Components Due To Vehicle Modifications - (Aug 16, 2016)

 

Subject: Various Vehicle Handling Concerns Suspension Noise Or Damaged Suspension Components Due To Vehicle Modifications

 

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern

Some owners may comment on various handling, vehicle dynamics concerns, noises from the suspension or underbody, or issues related to damaged suspension components.

 

These concerns may occur if the vehicle’s suspension system has been modified by using suspension lift or lowering kits, or making modifications to the vehicle including adjusting components beyond factory specifications such as, but not limited to adjusting torsion bar suspensions to change suspension height and/or aftermarket wheels and/or tires installed.

 

Recommendation/Instructions

Before any in-depth diagnostics are performed, be aware that various issues could occur if the vehicle has been modified and inform the customer the conditions noted may not be covered under warranty.

 

Most of the larger lift kits are easy to identify because of the major modifications made as compared to a stock vehicle.

 

This bulletin will help identify some of the smaller changes that can still drive concerns.

 

If there is any question regarding potential modifications, compare the truck with concerns to a like vehicle looking for modified components.

 

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I've researched the net. I've read several threads on this forum. There doesn't seem to be a definitive answer. I'm getting ready to purchase a new '16 Sierra 1500 and want to add a 2.25 Inch Pro Comp Leveling Kit and 305/55R20 Fuel wheels on it. If I install the lift myself, will it void the warranty? Do I have to have certified mechanics install it to keep the warranty?

 

Any GMC Dealers or warranty specialists on here?

 

Thanks for the input.

Short answer yes. Longer answer is not with the rigt kit. Both ProComp and BDS provide no nonsense warrenties and will cover your drivetrain in the event GM denies warranty service.

http://www.procompusa.com/liftshield

 

Both ProComp and BDS must be installed by approved/certified/affiliated tech to qualify for the warrenty so you cannot install them yourself unles certified.

 

305/55R20 is a tire size not a wheel. The wheel should be the last thing you choose as the tire is infinitely more important. ProComp makes some great tires as well both the AT Sport and Xtreme MT are top of line tires in thier class.

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bottom line is if you mod the truck be prepared to end up with a blocked warranty, GM warranties the truck as built not as you change it to.

Not exactly. It is on GM to prove said failure is a result of the modification.

 

See the Mangnuson Moss act.

 

http://www.mlmlaw.com/library/guides/ftc/warranties/undermag.htm

 

However with lifts yes it is very easy for them to prove it caused premature wear on components. But they cannot for example void your drive train for wiring up a lightbar.

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A wheel with a negative offset will need a smaller tire for clearance issues, where as if it is a zero offset you can pick a larger tire.

Depending on the wheel offset you can look into a 285, 295 or 305 width. You might have a wheel with a -44 offset that will not clear a 305 but will a 285.

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Not exactly. It is on GM to prove said failure is a result of the modification.

 

See the Mangnuson Moss act.

 

http://www.mlmlaw.com/library/guides/ftc/warranties/undermag.htm

 

However with lifts yes it is very easy for them to prove it caused premature wear on components. But they cannot for example void your drive train for wiring up a lightbar.

 

covers spark plugs and filters, everyone in the industry knows this, not lift kits and computer tuning. that act is always quoted. lol.

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I was told that my factory warranty as well as my extended warranty would be fine up to a 3 inch lift. If I went to a 6 inch lift I would have to pay an additional $500 so that my extended warranty would still cover the truck. Not sure about the factory warranty though if I went with a 6 inch lift.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

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It really all depends on the dealer, I had a leaking oil pan gasket and also a power seat motor failure on my modded duramax and the dealer I bought it from wouldn't touch it. But another local GMC dealer said they would do warranty work that wasn't affected by the modifications. I would ask your local dealer.

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I was told that my factory warranty as well as my extended warranty would be fine up to a 3 inch lift. If I went to a 6 inch lift I would have to pay an additional $500 so that my extended warranty would still cover the truck. Not sure about the factory warranty though if I went with a 6 inch lift.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

 

Did you get that in writing? The dealer is probably lenient on mods but GM isn't stating they will cover a 3 inch lift. A 3 inch lift is one of the worse you can do in most cases as it is usually all spacer. and tears up the front end. Either way factory warranty on parts it impacts will be gone weather 1 inch or 10, if it wears it out and the lift impacts it GM won't cover it. The dealer may, hence why they got you for an extended warranty, they wouldn't do it out of their free will if they told you and GM wouldn't reimburse them...

 

I've researched the net. I've read several threads on this forum. There doesn't seem to be a definitive answer. I'm getting ready to purchase a new '16 Sierra 1500 and want to add a 2.25 Inch Pro Comp Leveling Kit and 305/55R20 Fuel wheels on it. If I install the lift myself, will it void the warranty? Do I have to have certified mechanics install it to keep the warranty?

 

Any GMC Dealers or warranty specialists on here?

 

Thanks for the input.

 

You didn't search hard enough, same answers as in all the other threads on every forum (Ford, Dodge, Toyota, ect). Yes it will, severity will depend on the dealer and what happened. As others noted it has to directly impact what broke. It can wear out suspension parts, it won't remove the radio warranty though...

 

Tyler

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Did you get that in writing? The dealer is probably lenient on mods but GM isn't stating they will cover a 3 inch lift. A 3 inch lift is one of the worse you can do in most cases as it is usually all spacer. and tears up the front end. Either way factory warranty on parts it impacts will be gone weather 1 inch or 10, if it wears it out and the lift impacts it GM won't cover it. The dealer may, hence why they got you for an extended warranty, they wouldn't do it out of their free will if they told you and GM wouldn't reimburse them...

 

Tyler

No I didn't get in writing, I'm sure if I went back and asked they would write it up for me. They are probably one of the best dealers as far as customer service that I've ever dealt with. I never said I'm going with a 3 inch lift, they said you can go up to a 3 inch. I'm staying with a 2.25. My old truck had 2.75 and wore out the ball joints. The same dealer replaced them under warranty, no questions asked. As far as them "getting me" for an extended warranty. They never got me. I opted to get it as cheap insurance for all the electronics in these new trucks especially the new led headlight assemblies. I also verified that the headlights were covered.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

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Many of the dealers around where I live (chevy dodge and ford) all seemed to have the same policy:

 

If you by parts approved by GM and your dealer (in my case the RC 2-1/2" level but they also have a BDS 4" listed) and have it installed at the dealer (albeit more expensive than many other local shops) the dealer covers any warrantee short falls by GM related to your suspension components and other parts affected.

 

To me it was worth the extra money paying them to instal it so now I have the piece of mind knowing I'm covered and the dealer who installed it.

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When I purchased my 2016 GMC Sierra, the dealership wanted me to sign a paper that if I made any changes to my vehicle, I would void my warranty which they did mention lifts etc.. I refused to sign this paper and told them if they keep pushing this issue, I would walk away from the deal. They immediately backed off and I went through with it.. The other issue I had with this dealership is that they asked me for my social security number which I refused to give them that information as well. I get upset with dealerships asking me to sign a form or provide information that is not related to the purchase of the vehicle. I am not going to bring a lawyer to purchase a vehicle. So be careful out there when you purchase a vehicle.

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