Want to level my '11 z71 Tahoe on 5100s

[mzr2240]

What springs do I need along with the 5100s to get 2" in the front? Are UCAs a must or can I get away with stock on 2"? Also how big of a tire can I fit for actual offroad use? Probably going with 265/70R18, 275/65, or 285/65. Not sure if 32.5 is too big for a just a level.

 

[Dustin Jackson]

@mzr2240 I used the MOOG 81244 springs in the front with my 5100's. Moog 81069 in the rear. That will give you more lift over the factory spring. You could get away with factory arms with that setup. Depending on the wheels you are using and their offset and backspacing will affect the fitment. I'd say you would be able to run 33's with mild rubbing even after a good trimming.

 

[mzr2240]

I was hoping to use the stock 18" wheels if possible. I like the look plus more $ for 5 good tires. What sort of specs should I be looking for if I decide to get new wheels? I love the classic D slot steelies, that would be really cool if I can find some 17s or maybe even 16s in the right spec. Plus they're pretty cheap. Found some cheap 16s with 0 offset and 4.25" backspacing, think that would rub too bad with some 33s with some plastic trimming? I can live with a slightly smaller tire if I'm going to have a lot of poke to run 33s.

 

[swathdiver]

I was hoping to use the stock 18" wheels if possible. I like the look plus more $ for 5 good tires. What sort of specs should I be looking for if I decide to get new wheels? I love the classic D slot steelies, that would be really cool if I can find some 17s or maybe even 16s in the right spec. Plus they're pretty cheap. Found some cheap 16s with 0 offset and 4.25" backspacing, think that would rub too bad with some 33s with some plastic trimming? I can live with a slightly smaller tire if I'm going to have a lot of poke to run 33s.

I don't think you can use 16" wheels on a 900 because of their rotor size. Most factory wheels have a 31mm offset and some of the larger GM Accessory wheels have 24 and 27 millimeter offsets.

I spent the last couple of weeks mulling over the same thing. Strongly considered going with the early Sierra All-Terrain wheel (5366 or RPO RGA) which are 18 x 8 with a 31mm offset.

Then it was on to tire size! I was thinking 265-70-18 and 275-70-18. The former fits no problem with a level because plenty of guys on here have run 285-70-17s which are a tenth of an inch taller. The latter tire is 33.18 inches tall mathematically and would probably require some trimming even if leveled but I'm guessing. My first choice would be to run the 34 x 10.50 x 17 BFG KO2 which are 33.5 inches in diameter but don't know if they would fit either on a leveled truck with no trimming. They are quite expensive.

In addition to cost, they add quite a bit of weight to the truck and take away from its payload. In a KO2, they are 56, 57 and 64 pounds respectively.

In the end, I decided to just run another set of stock size KO2s which cost about the same as Defenders and are just under 46 pounds in a Load Range C tire.

 

[mzr2240]

Well shoot, yeah I was wondering if a 16 would even fit after not finding any pics of a 900 on 16s. Guess that's why. Not a ton of options for cool 17x8 steelies either, probably just going to run the stock wheels. Thanks for the info, the 265/70/18 sounds like it'll fit pretty easy. I'd rather do 285/65/18 for that beefy look but I imagine rubbing would be an issue there.

 

[swathdiver]

I'd rather do 285/65/18 for that beefy look but I imagine rubbing would be an issue there.

Well, I think you can with a level. Remember, lots of guys on here run 285-70-17s with only a level with no rubbing. Mathematically, this is a 32.71 inch tall tire. The 285-65-18 is 32.59 by math so it should fit easy peasy with stock wheels.

@iamdub Hey Chris, no 16 inch wheels on 900s right?

 

[mzr2240]

yeah same height but I was concerned about the extra width considering the stock wheel specs. But hey if that fits that would be awesome.

 

[iamdub]

Well, I think you can with a level. Remember, lots of guys on here run 285-70-17s with only a level with no rubbing. Mathematically, this is a 32.71 inch tall tire. The 285-65-18 is 32.59 by math so it should fit easy peasy with stock wheels.

@iamdub Hey Chris, no 16 inch wheels on 900s right?

Correct! 17" or larger to clear the calipers. There might be a select few aftermarket 16" wheels with a hoop profile that might clear just as well as some aftermarket 17s that WON'T clear.

 

[noobsquared]

@mzr2240 I used the MOOG 81244 springs in the front with my 5100's. Moog 81069 in the rear. That will give you more lift over the factory spring. You could get away with factory arms with that setup. Depending on the wheels you are using and their offset and backspacing will affect the fitment. I'd say you would be able to run 33's with mild rubbing even after a good trimming.

Not to hijack the thread, but do you have any pictures on how this setup looks from the side, and do you ever tow with this setup? I'm in a similar boat as OP. Thanks!

 

[Dustin Jackson]

Not to hijack the thread, but do you have any pictures on how this setup looks from the side, and do you ever tow with this setup? I'm in a similar boat as OP. Thanks!

@noobsquared The first 3 pictures my Tahoe has 5100's and the MOOG springs front and rear. The last 2 pictures are after adding 2.5 inch spacers front and back. I don't tow

 

[noobsquared]

@noobsquared The first 3 pictures my Tahoe has 5100's and the MOOG springs front and rear. The last 2 pictures are after adding 2.5 inch spacers front and back. I don't tow
View attachment 351582

That last picture is $$$$
Love those aggressive tires with that lift!
I have a leveling kit already, so I might just get the springs that you have and 5100s to get a better ride. After 150K miles, these shocks and springs ride terrible lol

 

[Marshall 008]

That last picture is $$$$
Love those aggressive tires with that lift!
I have a leveling kit already, so I might just get the springs that you have and 5100s to get a better ride. After 150K miles, these shocks and springs ride terrible lol

If your interested....im about to remove me 5100's with Moog Springs in the front and 5160's in the rear. I am keeping the rear Moog springs. PM if you want more info.

 

[noobsquared]

If your interested....im about to remove me 5100's with Moog Springs in the front and 5160's in the rear. I am keeping the rear Moog springs. PM if you want more info.

It seems like I can't DM, but only start a conversation. Is that the same thing? lol
After being a lurker for years, I finally joined but I'm still a noob.
You have 5100 in fronts and 5160s in the rear? How many miles on those?

 

[Marshall 008]

It seems like I can't DM, but only start a conversation. Is that the same thing? lol
After being a lurker for years, I finally joined but I'm still a noob.
You have 5100 in fronts and 5160s in the rear? How many miles on those?

I’ll have to check my log book and let you know tomorrow.

 

[noobsquared]

I’ll have to check my log book and let you know tomorrow.

Thank you!!

 

[Marshall 008]

Thank you!!

5,900 miles on them. A couple hundred less on the rears. 90% Florida roads.