Silverado Leveling Kit vs Lift Kit: Which One Is Right?

A Silverado leveling kit raises the front of a Silverado or Sierra 1500, usually up to 2 or 2.5 inches, so it sits flat instead of nose-down. A lift kit raises the whole truck 4 inches or more, with new suspension parts front and rear.

On our store, Silverado leveling parts cost $72.99 to about $780, with Belltech leveling coilover kits at $775 to $778.80. Belltech lift kits run from $957 for a 4-inch kit to $3,482 for a 7-inch system. Shop Silverado and Sierra lift and leveling kits, or read the general leveling kit vs lift kit guide.

Know your generation

Kits are listed by year range, 2WD or 4WD, and sometimes cab or trim. Check all of them.

Kits for 2021 and newer trucks often also fit the Tahoe and Yukon, and the listing will say so. Trail Boss, AT4, ZR2 and AT4X trucks often need their own parts. Zone Offroad, for example, sells a leveling kit just for those trims at $653.99. Buy only parts that name your trim.

Leveling options

• Basic front leveling kit. The cheapest way to level a 2007-2018 truck is a front leveling kit for 2007-2018 GM 1500 at $72.99.
• Leveling struts. Belltech's 0 to 2 inch front leveling strut for 2014-2018 trucks is $155.40, and the 2019 lifting strut is $149. You get a new strut built for the height instead of a spacer.
• Bilstein 5100 adjustable fronts. Snap-ring grooves let you set the spring seat height with your factory spring. On our store they cost $176 each for 2014-2018 (0 to 1.9 inches) and $181 each for 2019-2024 (0 to 2.5 inches).
• Leveling coilovers. Belltech's kits replace the front strut and spring with a preassembled coilover. The 2019+ kit, for example, comes with matched springs, bump stops, dust boots and top mounts. They cost $775 to $778.80.

Lift kits

Belltech 4-inch lift kits for 2007-2020 4WD trucks cost $957 to $2,032 on our store, depending on shocks and sway bars. Bigger 6 to 9 inch kits cost $2,295 to $3,482 and rework the front suspension so the CV axles and steering keep a usable angle. A lift changes the truck much more than a level: ride, fuel use, step-in height and highway manners.

Leveling kit vs lift kit at a glance

Install time and cost

A basic leveling kit or leveling strut is a few hours of work if you are comfortable removing the front struts. Leveling coilovers come preassembled, so you skip the spring compressor. A 4 inch lift is a longer job, and a 6 to 9 inch kit is usually a full day at a shop. AmericanTrucks puts most lift installs at 4 to 8 hours or more. Add an alignment to any of them, and budget for new tires if you are going bigger.

How to decide

• Level if you want the truck to sit flat, fit one tire size bigger and keep the ride close to stock.
• Lift if you want much bigger tires, more ground clearance off-road, or the look of a lifted truck.
• Tow often? The factory rake is there so the truck sits level when loaded. A leveled or lifted truck sits nose-high with a heavy trailer. Rear helper bags fix that. See Silverado and Sierra towing air bags.

What else to plan for

• Alignment after any level or lift.
• Tire and wheel fit. Check diameter and speedometer change with the tire size calculator and offset with the wheel offset calculator.
• End links and sway bars on bigger lifts. Belltech sells front sway bars sized for its 6 and 7 inch kits. See sway bar end links.
• Headlight aim. Leveling points the beams higher.

Common mistakes

• Wrong shocks option. Belltech's 2019+ leveling coilovers do not fit trucks with ARC or Magnetic Ride shocks.
• Leveling a factory-lifted trim. Belltech notes that Trail Boss and Elevation trucks with the 2 inch factory lift will not gain the extra height from its 0 to 2 inch kit.
• Skipping the alignment. Toe changes with height and wears tires quickly.

Our picks

• Front leveling kit, 2007-2018 GM 1500, $72.99. The lowest-cost level for older trucks.
• Bilstein 5100 0 to 2.5 inch front shock, 2019-2024, $181 each. Level and upgrade damping together.
• Belltech 2 inch leveling coilover kit, 2019+, $778.80. The best ride of the leveling options.
• Belltech 4 inch lift kit, 2019-2021 4WD, $957. An entry lift for owners who want more than a level.

FAQ

How much lift does a Silverado leveling kit give?

Most leveling parts we carry are listed for up to 2 or 2.5 inches at the front.

Do I need an alignment after leveling?

Yes. Raising the front changes camber and toe.

What size tires fit a leveled Silverado?

Usually about one size bigger than stock, but it depends on wheel width and offset. Check your exact wheel and tire combination before buying.

Will a leveling kit fit my Trail Boss?

Only if the listing names it. Trail Boss trucks already have a factory lift, and some kits will not add height on them.

Sources

• Belltech: 2019+ GM 1500 leveling coilover kit 15103
• Bilstein: B8 5100 ride height adjustable
• Wikipedia: Chevrolet Silverado generations
• AmericanTrucks: Lift kit vs leveling kit guide