JustAnswer > Chevy
Ask A Question|Register|Login|Help
JustAnswer

Chevrolet

Ask a Chevy Question, Get an Answer ASAP!

Have your own Chevy question?

21 Chevy Mechanics are Online Now
characters left:
Not a Chevy Question?

Related Cheverolet Topics:

  • Add
  • ,
  • Amp
  • ,
  • Arm
  • ,
  • Gmc
  • ,
  • Kit
  • ,
  • Nut
  • ,
  • Map
  • ,
  • Pay
  • ,
  • Set
  • ,
  • Top
Bookmark and Share

Question

2500HD SIERRA GMC. IS THERE A WAY TO LEVEL THE TRUCK SUSPENSION WITH OUT A LIFT KIT?

Submitted: 686 days and 2 hours ago.
Category: Chevy
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
+
Read More

Optional Information

Optional Information:
2005 GMC 2500hd

Already Tried:
nothing yet

Posted by john 686 days and 2 hours ago.

Info Request

Hello XXXXXXXX,

When you ask about leveling the trucks suspension are you refering to the body height?Does your truck not sit level?

686 days and 1 hours ago.

Reply

Reply to john's Post: because of the weight of the duramax my truck sits lower in the front I want to put bigger tires a/t bf goodrich LT315/70R17's I have found info on torsion bar leveling kits...will this be sufficiant to gain the clearance without hindering the geometry of the suspension?

Accepted Answer

Hello XXXXXXXX,

The best way to be sure on your steering cleanance is to mount 2 tires & install them on your vehicle & go for a drive.Pay close attention to a full lock steering turn in a bounce situation.I believe the tires will work for you.but I am sending some information that should assist you.

 

Trim Height Inspection

Trim Height Measurements

Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height. Incorrect trim heights can cause bottoming out over bumps, damage to the suspension components and symptoms similar to wheel alignment problems. Check the trim heights when diagnosing suspension concerns and before checking the wheel alignment.

Perform the following before measuring the trim heights:

  1. Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface, such as a alignment rack.
  2. Remove the alignment rack floating pins.
  3. Set the tire pressures to the pressure shown on the certification label. Refer to Label - Vehicle Certification, Tire Place Card, Anti-Theft and Service Parts ID in General Information.
  4. Check the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to simulate a full tank.
  5. Make sure the rear compartment is empty except for the spare tire.
  6. Close the doors and hood.

Z Height Measurement

Important: K models only the Z height must be adjusted before the alignment.

The Z height dimension measurement determines the proper ride height for the front end of the vehicle. Vehicles equipped with torsion bars use a adjusting arm in order to adjust the Z height dimension. Vehicles without torsion bars have no adjustment and could require replacement of suspension components.

    Important: All dimensions are measured vertical to the ground. Cross vehicle Z heights should be within 12 mm (0.47 in) to be considered correct.

    Place hand on the front bumper and jounce the front of the vehicle. Make sure that there is at least 38 mm (1.5 in) of movement while jouncing.

  1. Allow the vehicle to settle into position.
    Object
    View Full Image

    Click
    View Full Image

  2. Measure from the pivot bolt center line (2) down to the lower corner (5) of the steering knuckle (1) in order to obtain the Z height measurement 4).
  3. Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
  4. Use the highest and the lowest measurements to calculate the average height.
  5. The true Z height dimension number is the average of the highest and the lowest measurements. Refer to Trim Height Specifications .

Z Height Adjustment


    Object
    View Full Image

    Click
    View Full Image

  1. For vehicles equipped with a torsion bar suspension turn the bolt (1) that contacts the torsion arm clockwise to raise the and counterclockwise to lower the height adjustment. One revolution of the bolt (1) into the nut increases the Z height by approximately 6.0 mm (0.2 in).
  2. For vehicles without torsion bars, replace damaged or worn components as necessary.

D Height Measurement

Important: There are no specified trim heights specifications on leaf spring vehicles because it is not an adjustable feature. The height of the suspension will depend on the option content of the vehicle as well as the aftermarket equipment that is placed on the vehicle. The measurements are used for comparison only and should be within 15 mm with the vehicle at curb and no accessories.

  1. With the vehicle on a flat surface, lift upward on the rear bumper 38 mm (1.5 in).
  2. Allow the vehicle to settle into position.

    Important: Measure the metal to metal contact points of the rear axle to the frame on the inboard side of the leaf springs.


    Object
    View Full Image

    Click
    View Full Image

  3. Measure the D height by measuring the distance between the bumper bracket and the top of the rear axle tube.
  4. Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
  5. Use the highest and lowest measurements to calculate the average height.
  6. The true D height dimension number is the average of the highest and the lowest measurements.
  7. If these measurements are out of specifications, inspect for the following conditions:
    • Sagging front suspension--Refer to Front Coil Springs Replacement or Torsion Bar Replacement in Front Suspension.
    • Sagging rear leaf/coil springs--Refer to Leaf Spring Replacement in Rear Suspension.
    • Improper tire inflation--Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.
    •
    • Improper weight distribution
    •

    Collision damage

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Trim Height Specifications

    Drive Type/Model

    Service Allowed

    Service Preferred

    Z Trim Height: Models with torsion bar suspension must be adjusted before aligning the vehicle.

    C1500

    86-98 mm (3.3-3.8 in)

    92 mm (3.6 in)

    C1500 w/RPO's B4V/B2E

    90-102 mm (3.5-4.0 in)

    96 mm (3.7 in)

    K1500 w/RPO B4U

    90-102 mm (3.5-4.0 in)

    96 mm (3.7 in)

    K1500

    C/K2500

    C/K3500

    C/K3600

    110-122 mm (4.3-4.8 in)

    116 mm (4.5 in)

    C/K2500 w/RPO ZW9

    100-112 mm (3.9-4.4 in)

    106 mm (4.1 in)


Picture
Expert: john
Pos. Feedback: 99.7 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 1/6/2008

Master A.S.E Automotive technician

A.S.E MasterTechnician A1-A8 w/L1,38 years experience General Motors Master Technician

+
Read More

Related Chevy Questions

  • Where is the signal and hazard light fuse located in a 1995 ...
  • car wont go into 4 wheel drive
  • catera 99 i have heat on one side of car and not ...
  • where is the radiator drain plug on a 1999 astro van with aw...
  • when coming to a full stop, car is fine. when pulling out .....
  • I have a 2005 Pacifica 3.5 liter that just started ...
  • Do I need to totally remove the dash to replace a heater ...
  • how do i unlock the front latches on my hard top? the back ...



Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.
Question List | Become an Expert | Terms of Service | Security & Privacy | About Us
© 2003-2009 JustAnswer Corp.