New guy with leveling questions

[Caleb01Hoe]

I've read around on multiple different threads before writing this up so i could learn a little bit about what i'm trying to do. So i have a 01 tahoe lt 4x4 and I like to play in the mud from time to time, but this is still my everyday driver. Therefore i thought leveling the truck and adding a little bigger tires would suffice. I reached out to a shop who told me it would run me about $400 to do the level (parts, install, alignment, ect.). What would be the best option to do this? I have looked into ordering 4 bilstein shocks for front/rear as I've seen wonderful things said about them, along with the keys and spacers. I just don't know exactly what to buy. I've seen people say you need different rear bilstein shocks if you get larger spacers and I've seen hundreds of different leveling kits. My question is, what would you guys recommend. This was my grandfathers truck before he passed it on to me and it means a lot to me, therefore i'd like to keep it in good shape. With 175k on it, i'm skeptical of the cheaper ebay parts and such possibly messing up other parts on the vehicle. Simply put, I need a "shopping list". Parts, brands, prices, ect. and all your opinions. Thanks in advance guys, I love this forum and have found it extremely helpful. ~Caleb

 

[tino ramirez]

I'm in the same boat with you, hopefully some people will have some good set ups for you

 

[The 'ER]

I've read around on multiple different threads before writing this up so i could learn a little bit about what i'm trying to do. So i have a 01 tahoe lt 4x4 and I like to play in the mud from time to time, but this is still my everyday driver. Therefore i thought leveling the truck and adding a little bigger tires would suffice. I reached out to a shop who told me it would run me about $400 to do the level (parts, install, alignment, ect.). What would be the best option to do this? I have looked into ordering 4 bilstein shocks for front/rear as I've seen wonderful things said about them, along with the keys and spacers. I just don't know exactly what to buy. I've seen people say you need different rear bilstein shocks if you get larger spacers and I've seen hundreds of different leveling kits. My question is, what would you guys recommend. This was my grandfathers truck before he passed it on to me and it means a lot to me, therefore i'd like to keep it in good shape. With 175k on it, i'm skeptical of the cheaper ebay parts and such possibly messing up other parts on the vehicle. Simply put, I need a "shopping list". Parts, brands, prices, ect. and all your opinions. Thanks in advance guys, I love this forum and have found it extremely helpful. ~Caleb

There is nothing wrong with eBay keys and spacers. I found they hold up better than the Chevrolet parts did. Get your keys and spacers and shock extenders for the front. If you look at the build threads they give parts numbers for what a lot guys run. I have KYB mono max shocks and love them. There are a lot of guys who have gone the Billstein route and they can maybe chime in. With the eBay keys and spacers you will be saving a lot of money as well.

 

[Red_Raider]

Agreed! I just installed mine yesterday plus the 3" lift spindles. I needed put having to install new tie rods in since I over tightened the nut for one. My only suggestion is try and find a key removal tool. I had to use some c-clamps and a pry bar and it was a PIA. Also try and do the work yourself if possible. I would never pay someone to install this set up to the tune of $350-$400 plus alignment.

 

[The 'ER]

Agreed! I just installed mine yesterday plus the 3" lift spindles. I needed put having to install new tie rods in since I over tightened the nut for one. My only suggestion is try and find a key removal tool. I had to use some c-clamps and a pry bar and it was a PIA. Also try and do the work yourself if possible. I would never pay someone to install this set up to the tune of $350-$400 plus alignment.

The torsion bar tool is a must. Very dangerous dropping those keys..... It is a specialty tool that no one rents but a good one online is under $80.

 

[Caleb01Hoe]

There is nothing wrong with eBay keys and spacers. I found they hold up better than the Chevrolet parts did. Get your keys and spacers and shock extenders for the front. If you look at the build threads they give parts numbers for what a lot guys run. I have KYB mono max shocks and love them. There are a lot of guys who have gone the Billstein route and they can maybe chime in. With the eBay keys and spacers you will be saving a lot of money as well.

Okay ill go the ebay route on that. Now by shock extenders, could i just get the bilsteins for the front/rear and call it a day? And what size spacers would your recommend, ive seen multiple different sizes. I want the front and rear the be the same height.

 

[The 'ER]

Okay ill go the ebay route on that. Now by shock extenders, could i just get the bilsteins for the front/rear and call it a day? And what size spacers would your recommend, ive seen multiple different sizes. I want the front and rear the be the same height.

That depends on the length of shock you get. I needed the extensions as I was in between sizes on shocks. As for spacers doing a 1 1/2" with 3" keys cranked will get you close. Each truck is a little different.

 

[Caleb01Hoe]

That depends on the length of shock you get. I needed the extensions as I was in between sizes on shocks. As for spacers doing a 1 1/2" with 3" keys cranked will get you close. Each truck is a little different.

I hear ya. Well will cranking the keys all the way kill my ride? I love how smooth the ride is and was hoping to keep that. Thats why i researched new shocks.

 

[The 'ER]

I hear ya. Well will cranking the keys all the way kill my ride? I love how smooth the ride is and was hoping to keep that. Thats why i researched new shocks.

Cranked and it does firm the ride up. It is a subjective thing. I like the cranked ride as it makes it feel more like a truck.

 

[Mr.Jack]

I am doing the same thing. Some have bought new torsion bars together with the leveling kit.
Is that necessary? And what is the purpose of that?

 

[Claymationzoo]

I am doing the same thing. Some have bought new torsion bars together with the leveling kit.
Is that necessary? And what is the purpose of that?

I had to buy new bars due I the diver side was just worn too bad since they are springs. My build I just finished Sunday. 2001 Tahoe ls new torsion bars RH and LH, rough country z71 keys, z71 rear coils, bils 5100 all around. And as of right now no spacers and its level with a lot of room up front if I wanted to do 1.5 or 1 inch spacers and get level again but it is my dd and I do a lot of traveling to the mountains and beaches so I'm not trying to max tires and lift ATM.
If anyone needs part numbers or anything else let me know. And on the tb removal tool I just bought a 7ton 2jaw puller from sears for $30+tax and it worked great for the job no scares either time about it coming off


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bentleymartin]

Did mine last night and used a 2 jaw puller also. Worked great

 

[Claymationzoo]

Did mine last night and used a 2 jaw puller also. Worked great

Were you able to rent it or did you just pick one up?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bentleymartin]

I just borrowed one from a friends muffler shop

 

[Claymationzoo]

That's great man how's the hoe looking now?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mr.Jack]

I had to buy new bars due I the diver side was just worn too bad since they are springs. My build I just finished Sunday. 2001 Tahoe ls new torsion bars RH and LH, rough country z71 keys, z71 rear coils, bils 5100 all around. And as of right now no spacers and its level with a lot of room up front if I wanted to do 1.5 or 1 inch spacers and get level again but it is my dd and I do a lot of traveling to the mountains and beaches so I'm not trying to max tires and lift ATM.
If anyone needs part numbers or anything else let me know. And on the tb removal tool I just bought a 7ton 2jaw puller from sears for $30+tax and it worked great for the job no scares either time about it coming off


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Are the Z-71 rear coils longer than those on a LT or LS?

 

[Claymationzoo]

Yes the Z71 coils or longer than the LS or LT ones. I believe I gained a little more than 1inch from them and I remember reading somewhere that each one has a 700lbs more load capacity. I will get exact fender height before and after when I get home from work.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mr.Jack]

Cool!
Is this the tool I will need?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/spx-smx-mt

Is this the right or the wrong tool?

 

[Claymationzoo]

Sold By: SEARS
Item#: 00946903000P
Model#: 46903

That's the part I used


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Caleb01Hoe]

I appreciate the feedback fellas this really helps.