Level an 2008 Silverado

hey guys. I need some help some here. Whats the best way to level my 2008 Regular Cab Silverado. Its 4 wheel drive.

Is it easiest to drop the back or lift the front. I say it has a 3 inch nose drop.

Id like it to be an easy installation and also decent on the wallet lol, but still maintain a smooth ride. Thanks for all that helps. : )

My understanding is its either drop in spacers or bilstein makes an adjustable shock. make sure you get an alignment anytime you change you ride height.

hey guys. I need some help some here. Whats the best way to level my 2008 Regular Cab Silverado. Its 4 wheel drive.

Is it easiest to drop the back or lift the front. I say it has a 3 inch nose drop.

Id like it to be an easy installation and also decent on the wallet lol, but still maintain a smooth ride. Thanks for all that helps. : )

with the 4wd you should have torsion bars. these are adjustible. after my vehicle had 10,ooomiles the front dropped..you adjust the height slightly on each torsion bar adjusting stud equally ...then bounce the vehicle a few times..the front drive shafts must be straight..this is the best way to get this correct..too high/low these CV joints will have an angle then they will soon fail..no angle they will last much longer.

with the 4wd you should have torsion bars. these are adjustible. after my vehicle had 10,ooomiles the front dropped..you adjust the height slightly on each torsion bar adjusting stud equally ...then bounce the vehicle a few times..the front drive shafts must be straight..this is the best way to get this correct..too high/low these CV joints will have an angle then they will soon fail..no angle they will last much longer.

07+ generation of trucks have coil sprung struts, they eliminated T-bars and coil springs all together that the 99-07classic trucks had.

CCM (I think a couple others make them too) makes a 2.5" front end level kit IIRC. You can also drop the back with a 2" drop shackle plus taking out the factory 1" block.

Take the blocks out first and you can see what you need to do from there.

somebody makes quick struts with the level already built in, i think they are 250 a side. They also make spacers that go ontop of the mounts.

so is the shackles the best way to go?

Grab set of new U bolts for the rear and take the lift blocks off that are on the back, between the axle and the leaf springs.

Grab set of new U bolts for the rear and take the lift blocks off that are on the back, between the axle and the leaf springs.

Would it effect the ride any. And would I have any problem installing them.

I don't think it should. You are decreasing the length the rear shocks need to travel so your ride should be pretty good.

07+ generation of trucks have coil sprung struts, they eliminated T-bars and coil springs all together that the 99-07classic trucks had.

CCM (I think a couple others make them too) makes a 2.5" front end level kit IIRC. You can also drop the back with a 2" drop shackle plus taking out the factory 1" block.

Take the blocks out first and you can see what you need to do from there.

check this out ..coil springs are on non 4wd trucks..

http://www.readylift.com/c-37-chevy-silverado-15002500hd-2000-2010-2wd-4wd-8-lug-25.aspx



66-3050 - Custom torsion key adjusting bolts are included that prevent the installer from over-cranking the torsion key, which affects ride. The kit may be dialed up with the stock adjusting bolts, but which may also affect ride quality. 2008-2010 year HD trucks will need to use the factory bolt to achieve the desired 2.5" of lift.
66-3050 - A heavy duty shock extension bracket replaces the OEM bracket to keep the correct piston travel on the already short stock shock

tackett07, do you have a 1500 or 2500HD?

You'll be better off going to GMFullsize.com forums and asking about the level kits. I'm on there...There is tons of GREAT information.
check this out ..coil springs are on non 4wd trucks..

http://www.readylift.com/c-37-chevy-silverado-15002500hd-2000-2010-2wd-4wd-8-lug-25.aspx



66-3050 - Custom torsion key adjusting bolts are included that prevent the installer from over-cranking the torsion key, which affects ride. The kit may be dialed up with the stock adjusting bolts, but which may also affect ride quality. 2008-2010 year HD trucks will need to use the factory bolt to achieve the desired 2.5" of lift.
66-3050 - A heavy duty shock extension bracket replaces the OEM bracket to keep the correct piston travel on the already short stock shock

You have completely misinterpreted that information, and my post. I meant the struts were on the 1/2-ton trucks from 2007 to present - that was assuming the OP has a 1/2-ton truck. And I said that 1999-2007 Classic trucks had T-bars (4WD, some 2WD), and coil springs (2WD).

Just like how some extended cab trucks have the super short bed that the crew cab trucks have - which is factory.

07+ HD trucks have t-bars, 2WD or 4WD.
07+ 1/2-ton trucks have coil sprung/coil over struts, 2WD or 4WD.

Please, please do your homework on the GMT900 series trucks.

tackett07, do you have a 1500 or 2500HD?

You'll be better off going to GMFullsize.com forums and asking about the level kits. I'm on there...There is tons of GREAT information.


You have completely misinterpreted that information, and my post. I meant the struts were on the 1/2-ton trucks from 2007 to present - that was assuming the OP has a 1/2-ton truck. And I said that 1999-2007 Classic trucks had T-bars (4WD, some 2WD), and coil springs (2WD).

Just like how some extended cab trucks have the super short bed that the crew cab trucks have - which is factory.

07+ HD trucks have t-bars, 2WD or 4WD.
07+ 1/2-ton trucks have coil sprung/coil over struts, 2WD or 4WD.

Please, please do your homework on the GMT900 series trucks.


I don't understand what you mean ?

I'm saying all 2008 4wd 1500 or 2500 silverado have t bars.

non 4wd / 2wd have springs ...

your saying some 4wd silverado trucks don't have t bars ..? me thinks this is not correct..

perhaps this member can clarify if he does have springs , with this 4wd silverado .................................................. .

no, new body style have struts, like the trailblazers. t-bars are on hd's and 2500's.

I don't understand what you mean ?

I'm saying all 2008 4wd 1500 or 2500 silverado have t bars.

non 4wd / 2wd have springs ...

your saying some 4wd silverado trucks don't have t bars ..? me thinks this is not correct..

perhaps this member can clarify if he does have springs , with this 4wd silverado .................................................. .
The GMT900 Series trucks which started in 2007, including 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 are completely different than the GMT800 series trucks which range from 1999 to 2007 (classic)

no, new body style have struts, like the trailblazers. t-bars are on hd's and 2500's.

Yep.

its 1500 4 wheel drive

its 1500 4 wheel drive

Alright there's the answer. You have struts. CCM and ReadyLift make level kits for your truck. But I think a couple other companies like Rough Country make kits also.

its 1500 4 wheel drive

thanks for the posting with your issue of front end drop.

I was considering replacing my 2000 sil. LT 4WD ext cab with a new one.

your post brought out something that has changed with these 1500 silverado trucks . I made calls and even went to the dealership asking about this suspension change ..

what I found is , in 2007 when they changed the body style , these 1500 silverado 4wd vehicles no longer have T bars..

since this is the way they are made, I will not consider buying this vehicle.

your problem. I have no idea how you are going to correct..2008 should be under warrantee..If it has dropped 3 inches the springs must be defective.

your problem. I have no idea how you are going to correct..2008 should be under warrantee..If it has dropped 3 inches the springs must be defective.

Not necessarily. All of our trucks come with a "rake" which is having the front end further down than the rear. The rake is supposed to be like that, for towing purposes. It's just more prominent on the 2007+ trucks. The 4WD trucks have something like 1" blocks on the rear axle. So once that is taken out, the rear of the truck will sit 1" lower in the back. There is always at least 2" of rake on stock trucks. My 1999 had about 2" of rake. I first put 2" coil spacers, which leveled it out completely. But after having had them for almost 2 years, I took them out. Still with about 2" of rake. I put 2" drop shackles on the rear, which leveled it out.

You don't see the rake much in the trucks made from 1999-2006, it's not as easily seen.

Not necessarily. All of our trucks come with a "rake" which is having the front end further down than the rear. The rake is supposed to be like that, for towing purposes. It's just more prominent on the 2007+ trucks. The 4WD trucks have something like 1" blocks on the rear axle. So once that is taken out, the rear of the truck will sit 1" lower in the back. There is always at least 2" of rake on stock trucks. My 1999 had about 2" of rake. I first put 2" coil spacers, which leveled it out completely. But after having had them for almost 2 years, I took them out. Still with about 2" of rake. I put 2" drop shackles on the rear, which leveled it out.

You don't see the rake much in the trucks made from 1999-2006, it's not as easily seen.

I did some looking on this this issue, it appears the use of strut shims are used to jack up the front end 2-3 inches..

beyond that it is alot more work/money..

this strut shim has reportedly made the vehicle bounce more.

so.. will someone answer this question

Is it more easier to drop the rear or raise the front to get it level out.
Thanks

so.. will someone answer this question

Is it more easier to drop the rear or raise the front to get it level out.
Thanks

I did the shackles under my carport with some basic hand tools, few jackstands and a good jack.

However, I'm not sure how easy it will be for the front. I know when I had spacers on my coils (though this is a 99), it was a pretty horrid job.

From what I can see, I don't think the spacer job for your struts will be very difficult. Being you have a 4WD, I would lift the front up.

I don't know about easier but why would you lower a 4wd? The spacers are only like a hundred bucks or maybe just over for the kit so why not just raise the front.

I don't know about easier but why would you lower a 4wd? The spacers are only like a hundred bucks or maybe just over for the kit so why not just raise the front.

Why do people lift 2WDs? :p

In all seriousness...I would go with the spacers. The job can't be that bad. Grab a buddy and some beer, and a few hand tools.

so.. will someone answer this question

Is it more easier to drop the rear or raise the front to get it level out.
Thanks

since I was at the dealership checking this out yesterday , I can say that these vehicles are not 3inches lower in the front when new.

your vehicle a 2008 is 3 yrs old . the struts and strut spring is most likely in need of replacement. when this is installed add some shim kit to it. then after running a few hundred miles align the front end when all this breaks in.

I found complaints like yours on other forums [your year] could be that strut had some spring issues or leakage.

ok, I ended up gettin 2 inch drop shackles.

Has anyone on here installed them before. how hard are they to install?

ok, I ended up gettin 2 inch drop shackles.

Has anyone on here installed them before. how hard are they to install?

after you install these drop shackles make sure the front end is checked for proper alignment.


IT HAS BEEN REPORTED WHEN THESE COIL SPRINGS SAG THE CORRECT ALIGNMENT SPEC IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE.......

ok, I ended up gettin 2 inch drop shackles.

Has anyone on here installed them before. how hard are they to install?


CHANGING the shakles on a vehicle like yours should not be too rusted siezed up..I did shakles on a 1994 S10 with the original shakles , this was a #10 PITA...I don't want to do that again !

ok, I ended up gettin 2 inch drop shackles.

Has anyone on here installed them before. how hard are they to install?

They arn't hard at all to install...A few hand tools and sockets, a couple jackstands, at least a 2 or 3-ton jack, and a level surface.

I did shackles on my truck. Very easy to do actually.


1. Loosen lugnuts on rear wheels...You'll want to take them off
2. Lift truck with jack (on the differential housing) to where tires come off the ground
3. Remove wheels (You have more room to work with after removing the wheels, and also helps in not making you work so hard to get everything together)
4. Put jackstands underneath a secure part of the frame IN FRONT of the leaf springs. Do not put the jackstands underneath the axle.
5. Drop the truck down on the jackstands
6. The load on the leafs is lessened so you can work with the shackle easier.

You'll want your jack underneath the differential housing..Lift the axle or drop it down as you see fit to pull the bolts.

7. Unbolt the top bolt on the shackle
8. Do one side, then the other
9. Unbolt bottom bolt on shackle
10. Again, do one side, then the other

Drop the axle with the jack. You should be able to pull the factory shackles off and out with ease.

11. Install new shackles.
12. This is the tricky part, the bushing on the new shackles might make for a tight fit into the hanger. You'll have to work with the shackles, jack, pry baar, and the bolts to make everything drop right in.

After that, tighten everything up as best as you can, lift the truck back up, bolt your wheels on...take everything out from under the truck and enjoy the view of being leveled!

Why do people lift 2WDs? :p

In all seriousness...I would go with the spacers. The job can't be that bad. Grab a buddy and some beer, and a few hand tools.

You know in select markets they offer the z71 2wd trucks? From what i've learned in the south west in like arizona and new mexico you dont really need 4wd like us up here in the snow belt.

Personally I would have bought the quick lift struts, easier to install and looks better too. I have found that the 4wd chevys sit too low compared to everyone else. That why when I level mine i'm going with keys and blocks to improve my stance.

You know in select markets they offer the z71 2wd trucks? From what i've learned in the south west in like arizona and new mexico you dont really need 4wd like us up here in the snow belt.

Personally I would have bought the quick lift struts, easier to install and looks better too. I have found that the 4wd chevys sit too low compared to everyone else. That why when I level mine i'm going with keys and blocks to improve my stance.

Yeah I know the 2WD Z71 trucks are around. I checked in an 09 Silvy Z71 2WD in at the Chrysler dealership I work at as a used car. I believe the trend started in 2005?