08 Silverado Leveling - spacer or Bilsteins?

[C_M_L]

p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 120%; } Hi guys. I scanned the posts on leveling but didn't really find an answer to my question so maybe those of you with some experience can help me out. I have an '08 Z71 Silverado with no mods, yet. I have been wanting to level it for the past number of years and finally decided to do it. From what I have read, anything more than a 2” lift will cause suspension problems with ball joints, etc. The options that I have explored are the 2” spacers that install below the shock and replacing the factory shocks with Bilsteins.


Is one method better than another? Does one method have less impact on related suspension components than the other?



Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[Zembonez]

Spacers are a good way to go. A spacer that will get you 2 inches of lift will NOT be 2 inches thick though. Suspension geometry...

 

[C_M_L]

Thanks Zembonez. The spacers were my first choice since they were less expensive. With only 24k on the truck, the factory shocks are still in pretty good shape.

 

[1BADSS396]

I put a 2-1/2" leveling kit in mine when nearly new (1" taller blocks in rear).

I had all four ball joints replaced at about 40K miles.

GMT900's and leveling kits = new ball joints. The OEM's are made in China and will not hold up. Uppers require entire CA.

I put in Moogs.

 

[drperry]

Or take out the lift blocks in the rear...

 

[C_M_L]

Never gave that a thought drperry. The first thing that crossed my mind is how would that affect hauling and towing. I never looked at the block so I guess I'll do that this evening.

Thanks for the response.

 

[C_M_L]

Does anyone think that there is an advantage between the lower strut spacer vs. the upper spacer?

 

[drperry]

Never gave that a thought drperry. The first thing that crossed my mind is how would that affect hauling and towing. I never looked at the block so I guess I'll do that this evening.

Thanks for the response.

Never had an issue towing my toy hauler with my old truck, that I pulled them out of... Even my 1200lb quad didn't hit the bump stops very often, before I installed air bags

 

[C_M_L]

Thanks. I talked to a few gutys that knew a few guys locally and no one seemed to have any issues with a 2" leveling with reference to suspension. Of course that is what they may admit too.

I promise to post pics before you blast me too much.