I have several questions about upgrading suspension of a gmc Sierra 1500 5.3 and if it's worth it. I'd like to upgrade my truck for off-roading and fairly heavy towing and hauling.

10

Asked by Rickdoogler Apr 23, 2014 at 02:03 PM about the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500

Question type: Car Customization

Would a lift kit or leveling kit be more
beneficial? Do the kits come with the
coils, torsion bars, or added leaf
springs to beef up the suspension
too? Would a kit increase truck
weight and how much? Would a
1500 with a 5.3 be able to handle the
heavy towing if the weight of the
truck was not an issue?

3 Answers

95

There are many kits out there to lift your truck. I would only lift it the height you need to accommodate the tires you have to install. I would definitely "Level" the truck with the lift kit you choose so it docent have a bull dog look. I would also avoid lifting blocks over 3 inches in height and strongly recommend adding a lief the the lief to lief springs and longer coil springs instead of blocks. You can find kits designed for your truck that will provide all the parts needed and provide the height you need. You are much better off with a name brand kit for to be safe, provide a good ride and resale value not to mention it will be easier and is the right thing to do. Do your shopping and read forums they really help and will point you in the right direction. Needless to say I have seen many trucks ruined by a poor lift-sloppy steering-harsh ride-compromised suspension and made the truck unsafe.

2 people found this helpful.
95

On your truck you could replace the front coils and add a lief the the rear lief springs if you want to increase your towing capabilities but remember its only going to increase the height. The axles, bearings and tires are going to have the same weight rating. I would defiantly level the truck. That will be beneficial to the trucks ride and handling especially with a load on the truck. Hope that helps

1 people found this helpful.
12,645

to level the front you would put a spacer on top of the factory coil spring.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Sierra 1500

Looking for a Used Sierra 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 6,893 nationwide Sierra 1500 listings starting at $3,975.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    yetilikesbeer
    Reputation
    12,810
  • #2
    dragonflyoffshore
    Reputation
    11,740
  • #3
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    11,690
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
229 Great Deals out of 5,924 listings starting at $3,995
Used Ford F-150
313 Great Deals out of 15,424 listings starting at $1,954
Used GMC Sierra 2500HD
23 Great Deals out of 1,649 listings starting at $12,900
Used RAM 1500
555 Great Deals out of 15,547 listings starting at $5,000
Used Toyota Tundra
43 Great Deals out of 1,175 listings starting at $5,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
26 Great Deals out of 1,204 listings starting at $8,999
Used GMC Yukon
22 Great Deals out of 719 listings starting at $5,998
Used Dodge RAM 1500
7 Great Deals out of 73 listings starting at $4,000
Used Toyota Tacoma
51 Great Deals out of 1,040 listings starting at $8,708
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
16 Great Deals out of 717 listings starting at $5,995
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
28 Great Deals out of 1,180 listings starting at $8,995
Used GMC Canyon
24 Great Deals out of 1,266 listings starting at $7,495
Used RAM 2500
53 Great Deals out of 2,188 listings starting at $14,998
Used Chevrolet Colorado
32 Great Deals out of 1,407 listings starting at $6,800

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.