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Chevrolet Silverado 2014-Present: Lift and Level Modification

So you don't like that "raked" look of the stock Silverado (2WD and 4WD)? Maybe a leveling kit is your answer. But if you're into off-road excitement, or just want to give your truck that "monster" look, a lift kit installation could be in your future.

By Keith MacDonald - July 15, 2015

This article applies to the Chevy Silverado K2XX (2014-Present).

The Big Three designed their trucks for work. This means the rear suspension will be beefier than the front, simply because that's where the payload is sitting when you're in work mode. But many of us don't really need to have that extra rake in our truck's stance. We'd rather see the truck leveled off with an even front-to-rear height and weight ratio, which will also improve 2WD traction–as a percentage of weight is shifted to the rear suspension.

Perhaps you want to level the truck and add some height for off-roading, or in order to fit bigger tires inside the wheel wells? Whichever your end goal is, a full lift kit is your solution. Below are some options to help you decide which is the best fit for your truck.

The Leveling Kits

Here's what a leveling kit does. Compare the front end height on these trucks. (Disclaimer: No tricky Photoshop magic was used in this fabulous exposé.)

  • Figure 1. Stock suspension, no leveling.
  • Figure 2. After leveling, note the front and rear wheel gaps.

While a leveling kit may not sound immediately obvious, a lift kit is exactly what it says on the tin. A lift kit raises the truck up by a specified amount. Common lift kits on the market lift the truck between 3-6". There are different ways to accomplish this, so it's time to read up on your options.

There are three options for leveling your truck's front end: strut spacers, leveling struts, and aftermarket coilovers. We'll stay at 2" max leveling lift since anything higher than 2" will call for additional suspension modifications in order to keep your truck safe.

Spacer Kits

DIY Cost – $114.00 (Ground Force Spacer Kit)

Professional Cost – $250 for spacer kit and 3-4 hours labor

Skill Level – Moderate; you'll need some larger wrenches, sockets, and a mallet to get this job done.

You've seen (many times) how great a woman looks with a little lift in her heels? In reality, high-heel shoes are simply spacers, and spacers are all you need to raise your truck up and level it off.

Let's not call them "high heels for your truck," but they kind of are.

These spacers bolt to the top of your strut. You'll need to trim about a half-inch off the top bolts so you can bolt the spacers down, and then use the included spacer bolts to reattach your struts to the upper tower base. It is literally spacing out the gap between the body of the truck and the suspension.

Most spacer kits offer small amounts of lift (usually between 1-2") as lifting the vehicle substantially via this method is not recommended. Recommended for those who desire a bit of lift and have no wish to do further costly suspension work.

Leveling Struts

DIY Cost – $330.00 (2) Rancho Leveling Struts

Professional Cost – $500-600 parts and labor to R&R

Skill Level – Moderate; you'll need to repeat the same steps as you would to apply a spacer, but this adjustable strut will give you 2" of lift without using spacers.

These are Rancho leveling struts and they will give you a cleaner, more stock-appearing suspension than just adding spacers. The process is simple, drop your control arm bushing and upper ball joint, loosen the lower strut mount nuts, then remove the three top nuts. Go back to remove those lower mounting nuts, slide-out the old strut, and slide-in the new. Reverse the procedure and "BOOM" you're level, happy, and well-adjusted... literally. Recommended for those who desire a factory like look while still gaining aftermarket help.

Coilovers

DIY Cost – $168–$1,200 (from KYBs to Fox Coilovers w/I.F.P. reservoir)

Professional Cost – $350–$1,500

Skill Level – Moderate; a 4-post lift and compressed air ratchet with impact sockets would really simplify your life at this point!

These aftermarket shocks can accommodate a larger range of suspension travel, and offer better ride comfort and traction as opposed to stock shocks with a lift. Recommended as a way to complete or facilitate all manner of lift kit for those who already have suspension mods.

Pro Tip

Got the resources to purchase top-of-the line coilovers? An experienced mechanic could replace your front struts in two hours, while you sit in an air-conditioned customer waiting room, thumbing-through ragged copies of "Popular Mechanics" magazines from 2009.

Comparing the Leveling Shocks (Above)

  • Strut spacer option will get the job done, but remember that you've just raised your truck's center-of-gravity; however, your shock height is still the same. This means the original height shocks are still doing the job, but on a truck that's now sitting higher than the manufacturer intended.
  • For better handling, you should upgrade to leveling struts. The longer shock tube means you've added more spring and better shock movement.
  • Finally, if you're a fan of off-roading, or off-road racing (Like TORC, i.e. "The Off Road Championship), you're going to want the premium coilover struts for maximum performance.

Full Body Lift Kits

DIY Cost – $152–$675 (depends on how comprehensive the kit is)

Professional Cost – $275–$925 (lift kits and 3 hours labor)

Skill Level – Hard; if you've never worked with rear leafs and front struts, you may want to have the work performed at a trusted local repair shop or dealer.

Most suspension lift kits use light tubular control arms (with poly bushings) with upper strut spacers to lift the front of your truck from 2.5" to 4". The rear blocks with extended u-bolts lift the rear 2". New struts or shocks are not required; although, rear shock relocating brackets will be required. Recommended for those who wish to lift the truck higher than 2" and don't mind the time this job will take.

Pro Tip

Remember: when you lift the front of your truck by 4", you will only require a rear lift of 2" in order to level off the truck!

A Less Expensive Alternative

A less expensive alternative includes front end strut spacers, taller rear shocks, and rear blocks.

With taller rear shocks included, you won't need to reposition your shocks on relocating brackets. This a simple spacer application with everything you'll need to raise your Silverado two inches.

Figure 3. For a couple hundred dollars, you can lift your truck by 2" by using spacers, blocks, and a taller shock.

Featured Video: How to Install 5" Lift on Chevy 1500

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