lift vs level?

kobra357 · Jun 28, 2023

I have always done a lift instead of a level on my 1500, but these trucks are already 2inch over so what kit is better? If you lift it too high you can cause problems with shifting ,4x4, etc. I will obviously do the UCA as this is a must. I guess Im confused as to how the geometry will effect a lift if its already 2 over. If you use the ready lift 2inch SST lift then you are 4inch over and from my experience this is bad news for wear on the truck unless you use a more in depth lift kit. I don’t know I'm asking thanks

NCB_’22AT4 · Jun 29, 2023

Happy with the outcome / stance by doing just the 1.75” ReadyLift & UCA’s. Went with LT295/70-18 Nitto Recons & 1.25” BORA spacers, with some trimming.

Cocoabean · Jun 29, 2023

I went with the 2” level with UCA’s and love it. Plenty of room for larger tires and cost effective. Also, the dealer said it would not void my warranty like a lift would.

Lemo · Jun 29, 2023

Beautiful truck! Do you need to have a negative offset or could you use the same stock wheels? Thank you.

Run-GMC · Jul 1, 2023

Cocoabean said:
I went with the 2” level with UCA’s and love it. Plenty of room for larger tires and cost effective. Also, the dealer said it would not void my warranty like a lift would.

That looks great. Do you have any rubbing with the front mudflaps still on. Did you do any trimming.

Cocoabean · Jul 1, 2023

Run-GMC said:
That looks great. Do you have any rubbing with the front mudflaps still on. Did you do any trimming.

I did have rubbing. I removed the mudflap bracket and did some trimming. I only rub now on fast right turns into a dip or ramp with 3-4 people in the truck.

poopster · Jul 3, 2023

Cocoabean said:
I went with the 2” level with UCA’s and love it. Plenty of room for larger tires and cost effective. Also, the dealer said it would not void my warranty like a lift would.

I did almost the same thing and now there is NO RUBBING. Those Icon wheels are boss and the tires are great. I've had Toyo tires before and loved them. Between the tires and Bilstein shocks the truck drives and handles like a dream.

These pictures are BEFORE I installed the 3" rear blocks to level the truck.

Here's what I've got:

Factory 2" lift
Bilstein adjustable front shocks
Bilstein rear shocks
Ready Lift 2" Leveling Kit w/UCA's
3" rear blocks
Icon Alloys Compression 17x8.5 -0 offset
Toyo Open Country ATIII 35x12.5x17

BUSTED · Jul 3, 2023

ReadyLift 1.75” leveling kit (with UCA).

Replaced the machined/gunmetal CV35 rims with gloss black, but otherwise they’re the stock rims & tires (18x8.5 with 24mm offset, Duratrac 275/65r18).

1.5” wheel spacers to poke it out to the equivalent of -14mm offset.

Rough Country red caliper covers for a slight pop of color behind the wheels.

kobra357 · Jul 7, 2023

Those look awesome. Was wondering if some of you like the smaller rims 17 vs 20 or 18 vs 20. Benefits etc. thanks.

BUSTED · Jul 8, 2023

kobra357 said:
Those look awesome. Was wondering if some of you like the smaller rims 17 vs 20 or 18 vs 20. Benefits etc. thanks.

To be honest, I usually prefer the look of 20s, but I kept 18s for now based on:

1. I like the look of a decent amount of sidewall
2. I wanted to keep the stock Duratracs, since I had them
3. I hear that more sidewall = more forgiving ride
4. Running the stock (+24mm offset) tire with a spacer gave me the opportunity to evaluate how much offset I could fit with a larger tire in the future, when I’m ready to replace the Duratracs.

I’m really pleased with the stance of the 18x8.5+24 wheel with a 1.5” spacer, coupled with the 1.75” level.

Wakinvol · Jul 8, 2023

Been pondering the black factory wheels too. Looks good.

BigBalco23 · Jul 8, 2023

poopster said:
I did almost the same thing and now there is NO RUBBING. Those Icon wheels are boss and the tires are great. I've had Toyo tires before and loved them. Between the tires and Bilstein shocks the truck drives and handles like a dream.

These pictures are BEFORE I installed the 3" rear blocks to level the truck.

Here's what I've got:

Factory 2" lift
Bilstein adjustable front shocks
Bilstein rear shocks
Ready Lift 2" Leveling Kit w/UCA's
3" rear blocks
Icon Alloys Compression 17x8.5 -0 offset
Toyo Open Country ATIII 35x12.5x17

Where did you get the 3” rear blocks ? I want to a 2” front level as well but want to maintain a little bit of rake .