new leveling kit

[Jmonty3314]

Just put on the rough country leveling kit on my 02 z71 Tahoe . The kit recommends 285/70/17 tire size but I feel like I could get by with a little bigger. Any ideas ?

 

[jough]

I would not go over 295/70/17 or 285/75/17s. I am close to the cladding in front and one rear tire will slightly contact the inner fender liner. My wheels are stock. You probably want your front height measurement to be about 1/2" to 3/4" less than the rear with nothing in the back...passengers, gear, trailer, etc. I measure from the ground, thru the center of the wheel, to the bottom of the fender flare.

How do you like the RC shocks? After reading tons of reviews, I got Bilsteins and sold the new never installed RC shocks on Craigslist.

 

[Jmonty3314]

So far so good. Just got everything buttoned up this afternoon. Haven't noticed much difference , but only drove approx 10 miles . For 235 bucks (plus 12 shipping) for everything hard to complain...

 

[BigTahoeDave]

I am looking at ordering this as well but have read a lot about the shocks not being so great. Did you install yourself. If so, was it pretty simple?
Hit any tuff spots or have any pointers?

 

[01Konvict]

I don't like this kit because it's only a rear 3/4" spacer and 1-1.5" front lift keys. The shocks are no way near as good to the 5100s. I built my key and spacer with 5100 for $400. If you can't come up with an extra $200 then stay with the kit. I prefer to get 1.5" rear spacers and lift keys then crank to level the truck. Throw some longer 5100s and ride like a champ. Much tougher stance and accepts bigger tires. Just my thoughts

 

[Jmonty3314]

It wasn't too tough of a job . 5.5 out of 10 ..Granted we had a wide open garage with all tools needed(air tools) , jacks and jack stands and a buddy for xtra hands .. 3hours start to finish with a break or two to drink a cold one ... Had to rent the torsion bar unloading tool at autozone (80$ deposit ) . As for the kit itself ... It brought the front up 2in and still have some room to crank up a touch more if I maxed out the bolts ... The rear is a 3/4 spacer and it leveled up perfectly with the front . (mine is a z71) Like I said for the money so far so good ... Still looking for tires. .. Tryin to post pics but umm technology is apparently hard for me today .

 

[Mudfrog]

I'm running 285's on 17x9 with 3" of lift in the front. I don't rub but it get's pretty close to the front valance.

 

[Crazyhorse]

I put a leveling kit on my 01 Tahoe, 2 in rear and 3 inch's in front, didn't like the shock extensions so I orderd bilsteine shocks for that lift and it made a world of difference, tires, 285 is about all you are gonna get without scrubbing, 2 inch body lift is next option

 

[Jmonty3314]

So the bilstein shocks are that awesome ? What model and such would I need with the RC kit already installed ?

 

[BeenChevy]

So the bilstein shocks are that awesome ? What model and such would I need with the RC kit already installed ?

After some heavy discussion with a 'shockwarehouse' professional awhile back I went with:

Front:
24-186643 F4-BE5-C153-H0 Bilstein 5100 Offroad Racing

Rear:
24-187237 F4-BE5-F265-H0 Bilstein 5100 Racing Offroad

I have no complaints thus far after 12K miles other than they didn't seem to be a HUGE difference over the stock Z71 stocks that came with my 05. Things are still a bit firm yet I leveled 3" up front and 2" in the rear. I'd say the biggest ride improvement was the tires I put on and those are 33x12.50x20 atturo m/t.