Can I level front with bilstein 4600

[Michigan]

I have an 04 Tahoe Z71 with the z71 suspension (springs in the back) no auto ride

It’s a daily driver, mainly freeway, no towing or off-roading.

I just ordered the 4600 series,

Can I still level the front end with this model? If so what is the best way?

Stock torsion keys cranked up or aftermarket keys? I think I read aftermarket keys uncranked.

Can someone post a link to some that would work for my application? Thanks

Is this what I need?

https://www.amazon.com/Extenders-Silverado-Dynofit-Adjustable-Suspension/dp/B078RLGLSW/ref=asc_df_B078RLGLSW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6876458151635042807&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9016974&hvtargid=pla-2281435179258&psc=1&mcid=5afcb35b933535899b21c4044eab0c7b&hvocijid=6876458151635042807-B078RLGLSW-&hvexpln=73

I’m going to be taking it to the shop next week to have the work done

Any recommendations. I’m running 275/55r20 right now but in the future possibly 285/70r17

 

[Trey Hardy]

Aftermarket lift keys uncranked or maybe halfway up with 2-3” shock extenders should be fine that’ll give you clearance to clear 33s and cranked up clear 35s on stock wheels

 

[tooleyondeck]

The torsion key kit you linked will work to level your front end. You may not even need the shock extenders, however...

4600s are typically used for stock height, 5100s for slightly lifted, but I believe they are internally the same so you should be okay with just a 2" level. Maybe someone with more experience with the differences between 4600/5100s can chime in.

285/70R17s are only .8" taller (32.2") and .9" wider (10.8") than your current setup, you should be good to go there.

 

[Michigan]

Thanks for the responses

I’m starting to think I might of made a mistake and just went with the 5100 series since they make them to be fitted from 0-2.5 lift so even at stick height they would have worked and would have had the option to level later or now.

I could still return the 4600 series if I decide I want to level the front. Not sure if I even should level or not. I guess I’ve been doing too much reading on the pros and cons of it

Also I want to avoid shock extenders as I’ve read that they could not be safe. I’m still new to all this suspension leveling and all.

 

[bobsburban]

I'd be curious to know what you've been reading but the only reason I know NOT to level is if you're towing, which you say you aren't. If it was me, I'd level away but with the 5100s, especially if you can exchange. Probably less expensive than 4600s and spacers.

 

[Michigan]

Just a lot of misinformation out there even with the seller that I purchased them through. He says 5100 are for lifted vehicles only and will not fit stock height but if I’m understanding correctly 0-2.5 lift means “0” is stock height correct? And I have read that they are the exact same shock but 5100 are adjustable to accommodate up to 2.5 lift or at least the ones I’m looking at are.

Anyways if I decide on the 5100 and I install aftermarket keys, leaving them un cranked, will the front be leveled with the rear? And not having to do anything to the rear like “pucks” which I don’t know what they are.

What about new springs? I have 200k on mine now. My truck is also 4x4 if not mentioned already


If I go for this leveling kit, is there anything else I have to do to the suspension?

And is wheel oscillating a real thing with this application

 

[Michigan]

Also is it possible to tell if the torsion bars are cranked from these pics? When I purchased it 7 years ago the guy was running 275/60r20 on it so he might of cranked them before. I’m just not sure how to tell exactly

 

[Michigan]

Spoke with 2 shops today that said they actually wouldn’t even touch it with the chance of the keys being rusted in. How bad does this rust look? Or is it just surface rust.

Also for front end leveling was told that I’d need to change the upper control arms and one shop said he’d just leave it alone if it was his because it could turn into a real mess

I already have the 4600 and I’m thinking of just keeping them but also have another question that I can’t find the answer to, how do they 4600 ride compared to the 5100 both being at stock height

 

[Fless]

If you do anything to it, or don't, make sure that the front jounce stops are contacting the lower control arms at ride height.

 

[EOD_Tech Infidel]

I have an '05 Z71 with Bilstein 5100s all around, also these keys. It's almost a perfect level and it rides so much better than stock.

MAXXCam 2: 1"-3" Adjustable Leveling Kit (SMX-MC2) :: SuspensionMAXX

suspensionmaxx.com