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.
12,665

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 64,113 nationwide Sierra 1500 listings starting at $1,400.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2011 GMC Sierra 1500

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    yetilikesbeer
    Reputation
    12,890
  • #2
    dragonflyoffshore
    Reputation
    11,830
  • #3
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    11,780
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,267 Great Deals out of 116,968 listings starting at $1,537
Used Ford F-150
6,398 Great Deals out of 176,337 listings starting at $1,900
Used GMC Sierra 2500HD
557 Great Deals out of 21,670 listings starting at $2,995
Used RAM 1500
4,003 Great Deals out of 84,796 listings starting at $1,018
Used Toyota Tundra
1,087 Great Deals out of 25,572 listings starting at $4,488
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
1,074 Great Deals out of 38,639 listings starting at $2,995
Used GMC Yukon
748 Great Deals out of 11,890 listings starting at $2,985
Used Dodge RAM 1500
58 Great Deals out of 1,481 listings starting at $2,944
Used Toyota Tacoma
2,081 Great Deals out of 52,460 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,355 Great Deals out of 27,395 listings starting at $1,445
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
1,252 Great Deals out of 49,384 listings starting at $2,999
Used GMC Canyon
347 Great Deals out of 10,537 listings starting at $3,995
Used RAM 2500
1,162 Great Deals out of 32,071 listings starting at $6,995
Used Dodge Charger
877 Great Deals out of 17,514 listings starting at $1,775

Used Cars for Sale

2025 GMC Sierra 1500 For Sale
7 Great Deals out of 35,659 listings starting at $27,590
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 For Sale
293 Great Deals out of 7,986 listings starting at $29,389
2023 GMC Sierra 1500 For Sale
263 Great Deals out of 3,256 listings starting at $25,711
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 For Sale
167 Great Deals out of 1,888 listings starting at $18,000
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 For Sale
298 Great Deals out of 3,459 listings starting at $18,999

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.