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
2” RC