Lifted/Leveled 2021 - Postem Up

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WVBKW

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Just leveled my 21 Tahoe Z71, 2 in front, had to add 1 in the back. Mounted new KO3 ATs on Z71 20" Rims. Very happy with the look and more importantly the ride, which changed minimally (for once)...
Do you have any additional photos, showing it from further back. Looks great, how are the KO3's, ride and noise?
 

ProfeZZor X

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I've been having buyer's remorse with the 33's I've had for a year now. I originally wanted 35's, but I was afraid I'd have to add a taller lift (than my 3") and not clear some parking structures. My other option is to cut more into my fender for turning clearance, but I haven't decided just yet. My current tires still have a lot of tread, so I have some time to think about it.
 

TXAG07

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Does anyone know what kind of lift you’d achieve if you installed the RC 3.5 without the pre-load spacers and if it would be level or not? I called RC and they said they didn’t know. I tried to get some clarity about the strut spacer sizes but I don’t think the guy knew that either. He said he thought the new 2.5” magride kit shared the same strut spacer as the 2” kit but the strut spacers on the 3.5 were different. If you look at the pictures online that may be correct.

I want a 2.5/1.5 with UCAs and no preload spacers to keep ride from getting stiff. I’ve thought of ordering all 3, comparing, then return what I don’t want to use.
 

nick14226

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Does anyone know what kind of lift you’d achieve if you installed the RC 3.5 without the pre-load spacers and if it would be level or not? I called RC and they said they didn’t know. I tried to get some clarity about the strut spacer sizes but I don’t think the guy knew that either. He said he thought the new 2.5” magride kit shared the same strut spacer as the 2” kit but the strut spacers on the 3.5 were different. If you look at the pictures online that may be correct.

I want a 2.5/1.5 with UCAs and no preload spacers to keep ride from getting stiff. I’ve thought of ordering all 3, comparing, then return what I don’t want to use.
I just had the 2” RC removed and can measure the spacers if it helps you (upgraded to 3” readylift). With the 2” in my Z71 it was nose high. I believe that happens with both the 2” and 3.5” RC on z71 and at4, yet LS and LT Tahoe and SLE and SLT Yukons sit level or have a bit of rake with the same kits. Have to have slight differences in either the front or rear factory struts between the trim levels.

The 3” readylift is a smidge nose high on the z71 too, by maybe 1/2”, but it’s looks much better to my eye. No front preload spacers, does have rears, and I haven’t noticed any ride difference.

When trying to figure this all out I was comparing install instructions and how much strut studs get trimmed for the different spacers. Seemed to me RC uses a slightly taller front for the 3.5 and the same on the rear between the two kits (just guessing).

So long story short, it depends on your trim level, but not feeling good you’d sit level with the 3.5 and no preload spacers…

3” readylift
IMG_3451.jpeg


2” RC
IMG_3300.jpeg
 

REF0603

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Id love to get some measurements of front and rear on 3.5" RC lift. I see some nose high, others level, others with a tiny bit of rake. Supreme offroad make tiny level shims to adjust this.
 

REF0603

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40-3/4” front and back
I'm happy to see that it sits perfectly level. I have been hearing and reading that the RC kit can be taller in the front. have you noticed any settling since you've installed and drove around for a little while?
 

nick14226

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Id love to get some measurements of front and rear on 3.5" RC lift. I see some nose high, others level, others with a tiny bit of rake. Supreme offroad make tiny level shims to adjust this.
I gathered some info from some FB friends who have the 3.5" RC on the 21-up Tahoe group. One Z71 was 40.5" front / 40" rear, the other was 40" front / 40.5" rear. A bit perplexing, even with variables like amount of fuel in the tank at the time of measurement the differences are significant from one to the next. The majority I've seen are nose high though.

Found those shims you mentioned, looks like they're meant to address one side being higher than the other in the front. Yet another variable, haha!
In most of these cases I think rear shims would be what's needed though.
 

TXAG07

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Thank you so much for your reply Nick. That gives me some guidance. I definitely don’t think I should do the 3.5 without the preloads now. Mine is an SLT.

Your rig looks great in both configurations, but think the RL 3” turned out perfect. If it wasn’t so much more expensive than the RC I’d probably do it…..may be a little too tall though still for our family vehicle.
 

nick14226

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Thank you so much for your reply Nick. That gives me some guidance. I definitely don’t think I should do the 3.5 without the preloads now. Mine is an SLT.

Your rig looks great in both configurations, but think the RL 3” turned out perfect. If it wasn’t so much more expensive than the RC I’d probably do it…..may be a little too tall though still for our family vehicle.
You're welcome.

And yes, without the AMP powersteps the wife and kids would not be happy with my decision to go 3" LOL
 

jarrod22

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Got my lift installed a couple weeks back, love how it turned out!

2021 Z71
2” RC Lift
BFG AT TA K02 in 285/60/20
Fuel Flame Wheels, 20” +1
 

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REF0603

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Finally got the Rough Country 3.5” installed. Installer did a fantastic and quick job. Took them one day. Dropped off at open, picked up at close.

20x9 Fuel Rebel 6 +1mm offset
295x60r20 Nitto Ridge Grappler

Minor plastic/wheel well trimming. No rub.

It measures 40.75 up front, and 40.25 in the rear.

I’ll post better pics tomorrow.
 

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TyGriff13

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So my next major “ look into “ is how well the z71 front bumper valance converts to an LT. Sure seems like it’s doable. Upper portion of bodies same. Just lower portion is different. I bet it’s easily modifiable or maybe a direct fit?

It’s hard not to go 3-3.5 and 35” on these new bodies. It’s looks so Good! I’ve had a ******* for a 6” setup for about a decade now and i think it’s time to go FULL send.

White on Tan interior. LT. 6” RC. 20x12 (-44) Black Rhino Black. Arsenal. 37” BFG K02. Chrome delete. Z71 front bumper with black skid plate and tow rings.

I’m doing it!

Everyone running rough country kits says have it powder coated as well right? Chipping and poor factory coat?!

Picture is of details stating Premium Ride Suspension a green light for all major aftermarket lift kits. Magnaride even has some options. It’s the Air Ride Suspension that is a definite no go on all kits. You have to use the Edgymods and air ride z71 bags to achieve any lift and are capped at 3” max and open to all sorts of potential issues with air ride components.

Anyone need some edgymods adjustable links? I’ll donate them to a good cause! First person with a new body z71 and proof will be mailed the Adjustable links valued at over $200+. Please just make a post covering your install and info about lifting and how it goes for reaching 2.5-3”.
Still got those edgy mods?? I’ve got a new body style Escalade and am about to order them!
 

at4kids

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I've been having buyer's remorse with the 33's I've had for a year now. I originally wanted 35's, but I was afraid I'd have to add a taller lift (than my 3") and not clear some parking structures. My other option is to cut more into my fender for turning clearance, but I haven't decided just yet. My current tires still have a lot of tread, so I have some time to think about it.
Hey! I love the look of your truck. Wanting to do 22x12 -44 offset on 33's with a 3'' readylift. Was wondering if there's major trimming that needs to be done at that set up?
 

Jaylowe12399

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Traxda - 2" front / 1" rear lift
Wheels - XF Offroad 20x9 / +12 offset
Tires - Toyo AT3 285/60/20
Poke - No tread really showing but the bulge of the sidewall sticks out and the shoulder of the tire can be seen now. So, some "poke".
Trimming - So far just the front Husky mud flaps needed a little bit of trimming.
Roade noise - Not much at all, these are actually pretty quiet tires for an all terrain.
Raised height - Sorry guys, I was so excited I didn't get the before measurement.

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Looks great could you have fit a 285/65r20?
 

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