2020 Sierra 1500 Elevation Level + Bigger Tires - Any Tips?

brulosopher · October 29, 2020

Hey all, I switched from a 2019 Tacoma Off-Road to a 2020 Elevation 4x4 a few months ago, my first GM truck and I absolutely love it! I haven't had any of the issues people often complain about online, all smooth sailing, I couldn't be more pleased with my "upgrade." I use my truck to tow a travel trailer and threw some air bags on last month, which I really only use when towing. Onto my questions...

First, I recently picked up a Maxracing 2.5" leveling kit and was planning to install it next week. I was hoping anyone who has experience with this kit might share their insights and perhaps some pics. While the online reviews are generally very positive, some folks say all they needed was a 2" level, and I saw one person claim such a kit could break the control arms. I'm not terribly nervous, just seeking some validation I guess.

If the 2.5" kit bumps the front up a bit higher than the rear, could I level it with my air bags?

My next question is one I trust has been asked a gazillion times here, but again, I just want to be very clear before making a big purchase. What's the largest tire I can fit on my truck (275/60R20 stock) once the 2.5" leveling kit is installed? I've been eyeing 285/60R20 Toyo A/T III, Nitto Ridge Grappler, and BFG KO2.

I love pictures and would appreciate any that show what it is I'm planning to do (Chevy or GMC). Cheers!

Edited October 29, 2020 by brulosopher
clarification

MeltedNorthern · October 29, 2020

I can’t speak to air bags or max racing 2.5 level.
For my 2019 elevation. The rough country 2” was pretty much perfect. The 2.5 would have lifted mine too high in the front by probably 1/4”. But based off what I saw on mine 2.5 wouldnt be too much on the control arms. I think it’s more of a concern if your going over 3-4” from what I understood with my initial research.

Also following on tire size max recommendation. Most truck I’ve seen are for the AT4’s with a level on top of the factory lift.

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willsep · October 29, 2020

I have a 2020 Elevation with the 3.0 diesel. I had the dealer install a 2” leveling and it looks great. Ride is smooth and mpg is great average around 30 per gallon (manual calculation).

Andyh1 · October 30, 2020

Hey all, I switched from a 2019 Tacoma Off-Road to a 2020 Elevation 4x4 a few months ago, my first GM truck and I absolutely love it! I haven't had any of the issues people often complain about online, all smooth sailing, I couldn't be more pleased with my "upgrade." I use my truck to tow a travel trailer and threw some air bags on last month, which I really only use when towing. Onto my questions...

First, I recently picked up a Maxracing 2.5" leveling kit and was planning to install it next week. I was hoping anyone who has experience with this kit might share their insights and perhaps some pics. While the online reviews are generally very positive, some folks say all they needed was a 2" level, and I saw one person claim such a kit could break the control arms. I'm not terribly nervous, just seeking some validation I guess.

If the 2.5" kit bumps the front up a bit higher than the rear, could I level it with my air bags?

My next question is one I trust has been asked a gazillion times here, but again, I just want to be very clear before making a big purchase. What's the largest tire I can fit on my truck (275/60R20 stock) once the 2.5" leveling kit is installed? I've been eyeing 285/60R20 Toyo A/T III, Nitto Ridge Grappler, and BFG KO2.

I love pictures and would appreciate any that show what it is I'm planning to do (Chevy or GMC). Cheers!

I have a 1.5" front level and just put on 285/60/20 Cooper discoverer AT3 XLT... I absolutely love this tire characteristics. I am on the highway 90% of the time.
'20 Elevation

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brulosopher · October 30, 2020

1 hour ago, Andyh1 said:

I have a 1.5" front level and just put on 285/60/20 Cooper discoverer AT3 XLT... I absolutely love this tire characteristics. I am on the highway 90% of the time.
'20 Elevation

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Awesome! I'm highway 90% of the time as well. I'd love to see some pics, if it isn't much of a hassle.

Andyh1 · October 30, 2020

Awesome! I'm highway 90% of the time as well. I'd love to see some pics, if it isn't much of a hassle.

Not the best images, I had just gotten the tires mounted. Will do much better pics on our insta.... Check it out

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Justin Vaughn · October 30, 2020

@andyh1 - looks great@ mind zooming out?! would love a side shot to see how 285/60/20 fills the wells.

11 hours ago, Andyh1 said:

Not the best images, I had just gotten the tires mounted. Will do much better pics on our insta.... Check it out

NICE

Andyh1 · October 30, 2020

@andyh1 - looks great@ mind zooming out?! would love a side shot to see how 285/60/20 fills the wells.

Yes no prob, I will shoot this weekend

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amxguy1970 · October 30, 2020

21 hours ago, brulosopher said:

Hey all, I switched from a 2019 Tacoma Off-Road to a 2020 Elevation 4x4 a few months ago, my first GM truck and I absolutely love it! I haven't had any of the issues people often complain about online, all smooth sailing, I couldn't be more pleased with my "upgrade." I use my truck to tow a travel trailer and threw some air bags on last month, which I really only use when towing. Onto my questions...

First, I recently picked up a Maxracing 2.5" leveling kit and was planning to install it next week. I was hoping anyone who has experience with this kit might share their insights and perhaps some pics. While the online reviews are generally very positive, some folks say all they needed was a 2" level, and I saw one person claim such a kit could break the control arms. I'm not terribly nervous, just seeking some validation I guess.

If the 2.5" kit bumps the front up a bit higher than the rear, could I level it with my air bags?

My next question is one I trust has been asked a gazillion times here, but again, I just want to be very clear before making a big purchase. What's the largest tire I can fit on my truck (275/60R20 stock) once the 2.5" leveling kit is installed? I've been eyeing 285/60R20 Toyo A/T III, Nitto Ridge Grappler, and BFG KO2.

I love pictures and would appreciate any that show what it is I'm planning to do (Chevy or GMC). Cheers!

:banghead: You know better, if it has been asked a gazillion times why ask it again? Why not just go search the different threads and see what the consensus is? You will get more information that way than a new thread...

Tyler

Andyh1 · November 1, 2020

@andyh1 - looks great@ mind zooming out?! would love a side shot to see how 285/60/20 fills the wells.

Here are a couple of side shots before I give her a batch... [emoji28]

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3.0 · November 4, 2020

Just remember as soon as you go to a 10 ply AT you can expect to lose about 5 mpg so heads up. There are a few tires that will get you around 33 inches and keep weight in the 40-45 lb range after that the rubber comes in at the high 50's and some close to 70,and you can watch the fuel mileage drop with the weight of the tire. Just my $ .02

Justin Vaughn · November 10, 2020

Yeah, took the hit on MPG but worth the piece of mind after I've had P rated tires fail...highway/trail, not worth the inconvenience. I'd be taking a hit no matter which engine, so I'm happy I got the efficient one.

Zbass_10 · December 8, 2020

On 11/4/2020 at 1:08 AM, 3.0 said:

Just remember as soon as you go to a 10 ply AT you can expect to lose about 5 mpg so heads up. There are a few tires that will get you around 33 inches and keep weight in the 40-45 lb range after that the rubber comes in at the high 50's and some close to 70,and you can watch the fuel mileage drop with the weight of the tire. Just my $ .02

I've searched everywhere for info on moving up tire sizes from the stock 20" elevation Trailrunner tires and wheels and not getting that 10ply weight hit. Would you be able to share a few of those taller tires that stay in the 45lb range?