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