2.5/1.5 leveling kit help

[Jnull]

I have a 16 suburban LT 4x4 that I’m looking to level the front 2.5” and bring the rear up 1.5”. IFS is brand new to me as all my other trucks are solid axle. I’ve read about every thread there is on lifts and levels but still don’t know which way to go.

I don’t want to spend more then necessary but also don’t want something just because it’s cheap. I’d like to do things right and keep all the geometry correct as this is our family vehicle that can see long road trips. Any advice on which direction to go is appreciated. Pics below of my stock suspension, I assume this is the regular non magnetic or air assist suspension.

 

[George R]

Correct. That is the standard rear suspension. I would look into suspension maxx, well built products made in the U.S.A.
They have the exact kit you are looking for. 2.5” front/1” or 1.75” rear.

 

[Jnull]

Correct. That is the standard rear suspension. I would look into suspension maxx, well built products made in the U.S.A.
They have the exact kit you are looking for. 2.5” front/1” or 1.75” rear.

I’ll check em out thanks!

 

[STORMIN08]

Jnull,

i am a little **** when it comes to modifying my rides...i want quality at whatever cost. MY Dodge Rams run Carli (check them out).

i am interested in starting a thread with a more in depth look at these suspensions...hence why i will ask this question...

can you measure the following for an update ?

1. front upper arm to bump stop distance ???
2. rear axle pad to bump stop

both preferably with a half tank or more of fuel.


i am looking to aid others like your self with a single thread to aid in making the decision of how to lift and also how much to lift without harming how these rigs perform.

 

[STORMIN08]

now, for a quick answer to your question... a level spacer is a level spacer. real difference being...
1. material choice ( plastic vs metal
2. location of install ( upper strut = more work ) ( lower spacer = easier install )

my first look is ALWAYS at what tire size i want to run for the over all look...then research what it takes. it always good to search these threads and document what you see that you like...write down what they say they have.


personally, i prefer a replacement strut/coil for the front from a reputable maker that increases height, travel and ride...

the rear is slightly different, as not many make replacement coils...but the OE (GM) does offer a few choices that can make a difference.

 

[Jnull]

I run some carli parts on my heavily modified 16 mega cab, along with thuren and DOR for a suspension setup I pieced together from what I thought was the best parts each company offered.

But this isn’t my mega cab, or any other of three second gen cummins trucks. It’s just my wife’s DD/family ride which is why it only needs whats necessary but still done correctly. That’s why I’m asking here, if upper control arms are a must at 2.5” front that’s fine (even tho most don’t seem to run them) but what brand, if diff drop spacers should be used, any other “necessary” modifications, etc...

I know you from CF we’ve talked via PM, I’m the other CWI.

 

[STORMIN08]

small world... in general, as always...go jack up the front to the height you desire. look at the upper arm ball joint angle and distance to bump stop. at a minimum you need to trim the rubber stop if not remove all together...with almost all heights of a level kit.

my 17 burb is the wifes daily, she wants it slightly higher, but i know she wont want to climb into a lifted vehicle everyday. i would prefer the 4" with knuckles and crossmember drop to keep all angles good, but he knuckle generally requires different wheels.


most companies i have spoke with...ICON , FOX, ect... say 2.5" is the safest max level, but recommend upper arms over 2".

 

[Jnull]

I don’t need to jack it up or anything I’ve looked at enough pictures to know a 2.5/1.5 looks great with a set of 295/60R20s. She wants the same just a little taller with a more aggressive look and stance. If it were my daily if certainly do things different.

What UCAs are recommended if one was so inclined to replace them? The ones I looked at briefly said they only fit vehicles with a certain factory style due to ball joints, is that how all of them are?

 

[STORMIN08]

i have been eyeing the Icon or Ready lift..

https://www.readylift.com/blog/2017/07/11/upper-control-arms/

here is a tid bit of info on the arms from GM

 

[Jnull]

Good info. Looking at the picture I posted above it looks like I have the stamped arms. Ready lift are the first arms I’ve seen for stamped factory arms. It doesn’t look like they sell them alone tho only with a 2.25” leveling kit.

Anyone know of arms you can buy by themselves that are meant to replace stamped arms and will work with a 2.5” level?

 

[STORMIN08]

i would call them or a reputable dealer...the Truck arms are the same in most cases and they run 449$ i think

 

[Jnull]

I ordered some parts. Went with a suspension maxx 2.5” front kit, 1.5” rear spacers off eBay that looked to be good quality and the readylift upper control arms. Wheels should be here Tuesday so hopefully I can get everything installed in the next couple weeks

 

[Jnull]

Wheels and 2.5” suspensionmaxx front kit showed up today. Now I’m just waiting on the rear spacers and UCAs.

my tire guy is getting me some prices on the following all in 285/60R20

-Nitto ridge grapplers
-Toyo R/T
-Cooper St maxx

I’ve ran all 3 of these on my ram diesels and my 96 F350 4x4 dump/plow truck is wearing the St maxx. They’re all great tires, my wife’s likes the ridge grapplers best which is what I’m currently running on my 16 mega cab in a 37”.

mambas in a 20x9

 

[nick14226]

Wheels and 2.5” suspensionmaxx front kit showed up today. Now I’m just waiting on the rear spacers and UCAs.

my tire guy is getting me some prices on the following all in 285/60R20

-Nitto ridge grapplers
-Toyo R/T
-Cooper St maxx

I’ve ran all 3 of these on my ram diesels and my 96 F350 4x4 dump/plow truck is wearing the St maxx. They’re all great tires, my wife’s likes the ridge grapplers best which is what I’m currently running on my 16 mega cab in a 37”.

mambas in a 20x9

Nice choices, I ran the suspensionmaxx 2.5 and am running the readyLIFT UCA's now with their SST kit. With 1.5 rear you may want to consider shock extension brackets as well, can always add later though if you notice the shocks running out of travel. Those 20x9's are 0 offset? Cool design with the spokes alternating in and out, has to look wild from an angle.

 

[Jnull]

Nice choices, I ran the suspensionmaxx 2.5 and am running the readyLIFT UCA's now with their SST kit. With 1.5 rear you may want to consider shock extension brackets as well, can always add later though if you notice the shocks running out of travel. Those 20x9's are 0 offset? Cool design with the spokes alternating in and out, has to look wild from an angle.

I was thinking I should probably add shock extensions. They’re +12 offset so should be pretty close to flush with the fender. They’re definitely an interesting design, I gave my wife about 20 wheels to choose from and those are the ones she liked best. All she knew is she wanted black lol.

 

[nick14226]

Haha, well I think she made a good choice on that design.

In case you didn't come across it yet, for the readylift UCA's they recommend 0mm offset to clear. At least that's what they list for the 4" SST lift, they don't seem to reference it on the listing for the UCA's only. @STORMIN08 was trying to figure out if they'd work with his stock offset 22" wheels, so may have more info for you. The +12mm may work, just wanted to give you a heads up in case there's another UCA that might make for a no-worry install with that offset.

 

[Jnull]

Haha, well I think she made a good choice on that design.

In case you didn't come across it yet, for the readylift UCA's they recommend 0mm offset to clear. At least that's what they list for the 4" SST lift, they don't seem to reference it on the listing for the UCA's only. @STORMIN08 was trying to figure out if they'd work with his stock offset 22" wheels, so may have more info for you. The +12mm may work, just wanted to give you a heads up in case there's another UCA that might make for a no-worry install with that offset.

Stormins actually the one that recommended those control arms lol. I had not read that as I didn’t look at the 4” kit but I guess I’ll find out. Hopefully it all works out. It’s hard to find replacement control arms in general for the factory stamped arms.

 

[nick14226]

I hear you, when I was looking for a lift I was coming across the same challenges on the UCA's, I was also stamped.

Took another look, the UCA kit with level they sell for the Sierra's & Silverado's does list +12 for min offset. The suv and pick up front suspension are more or less the same, hate to make an assumption, but it seems you're going to be good to go! Sorry for the false alarm.

https://www.readylift.com/2-25-fron...l-arms-gm-1500-truck-suv-6-lug-2017-2018.html

 

[Jnull]

I actually just got done reading the same thing haha and yea I believe I’m good. No worries.

 

[STORMIN08]

i have seen several statements...ready lifts site has 0, +6 and who only knows.

select a year and it differs. i would guess by looking at the parts and photos of installs, the larger diameter is less of an issue, as the barrel is closer to the wide part of the arm...where as an 18" with hefty tire tends to shove the tire into the control arm.