Pros & cons of leveling my SSV (Z71)

[Toonces]

While it's likely this has been covered in the past, 15 minutes of searching didn't uncover what I'm after soooo...

I have a 2007 SSV, so low spec 4x4 with Z71 suspension, but no ride height adjustability. I also have a '95 2 door Z71 Tahoe for more serious use, so this guy is street/mud use only, with a possible eye toward towing. I'm a sports car guy, so handling matters, but the roads around here are rough enough it seems more logical to stick to 17" wheels for the taller sidewalls.

What would I gain from "leveling" the front via Bilstein 5100s? I started out thinking that would allow me to run 285/70-17s with no clearance issues, in which case I'd likely do it. But, in looking at the wheel opening, that lift is not going to change the clearance at the front of the wheelwells enough to accommodate 285s. Is this a fair assumption?

If raising the nose slightly doesn't provide more tire width clearance, what's the advantage? I get that some people prefer the look, but I've been around cars long enough to know not to change something unless there's a specific reason to do so.

So... what are the pros and cons of eliminating the factory rake in terms of handling, road feel, tire wear, and other practical concerns?

 

[Trilla_one]

Not sure what others motivations are, but I personally did mine for the look. I'm on 285/45/22 and have no cons at all.

Gm really only put the rake for towing purposes, which if you tow alot can be resolved by other methods.

 

[Toonces]

"Gm really only put the rake for towing purposes"

Thanks. I hadn't considered that. I was thinking it was for aero/fuel economy.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Lots of folks here have leveled their trucks, most likely for appearances, but I don't think that it detracts from the truck's operation. If better handling is what you are looking for, get yourself a pair of Hellwig sway bars, and you will virtually eliminate any body roll in the truck.

 

[Toonces]

<If better handling is what you are looking for, get yourself a pair of Hellwig sway bars>

Thanks, Joseph. I've read enough good things about them here to be sold on them but there are other items to be addressed before I start installing optional parts. At this point I'm just trying to decide on tire sizes and ride height, since that determines which parts I'll use to address the pressing issues.

At this point I'm thinking maybe leave the ride height alone and just install Bilstein 4600s instead of going with the 5100s? I'm a long-time car guy & compulsive modder, but the '07 is car #9 of the fleet, so maybe simplicity is a virtue in this instance. Is there an easy way to drop the rear to better match the front visually?

Thanks for the response! I've spent many hours reading old threads here and have learned a lot.

 

[j91z28d1]

it's my understanding too that rake helps aero as well in just about all cars/trucks. but also starting from level will make it have more sag towing as well if you don't have air bag level option.

being in tx just about the first thing anyone does with their truck is throw in 2in spacers to "level" it. it's pretty much my pet peeve in life at this point. all they are doing is making their truck look like an a s s dragger anytime they are accelerating onto an interstate. throw in everyone here has to have their mirrors folded out all the time. they looks like a dog that's hurt running away with its tail between it's legs.

unless you have a good reason, just don't do it it's a silly mod. it's like the Honda ricer kids from the 90s but old enough to know better and enough credit debit to roll around in $80k trucks

 

[Marky Dissod]

At this point I'm thinking maybe leave the ride height alone and just install Bilstein 4600s instead of going with the 5100s?
I'm a long-time car guy & compulsive modder, but the '07 is car #9 of the fleet, so maybe simplicity is a virtue in this instance.

(I also a compulsively modified LT1 B- & D- cars, so I get where you're coming from.)
Even though I'll begrudgingly admit that 4600s work well for who they seem to be intended,
I regret deciding on these instead of 5100s. I'm accustomed to 9C1 & P71 suspensions.
If you prefer better handling and crisper responses the 4600 will leave you disappointed and wanting.
It's easily possible to leave ride height alone with 5100.