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1999-2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 Leveling Kit

Lifting A '99 GM 1/2-Ton On A Budget

By Robin Stover, Photography by Robin Stover

Driving Impression
With the newly improved stance, the truck felt confident as we drove into corners at speed. We didn't feel any headlight adjustments were required after the leveling kit was installed, though you should always check this, as sometimes they may require adjustment. The new larger tires ran smooth and quiet for their size, and the speedometer only read 3 mph off of what our GPS showed. Speedo recalibration kits are available via the aftermarket to restore accurate speedo readings. In the end, the owner of our donor truck was extremely pleased with the upgrades, and commented that he wished he'd performed them sooner.

  • The owner of our donor truck purchased a set of 285/75/16 Dick Cepek Radial F-C II tires, which measure out at 32.8 inches tall. The American Racing wheels were purchased used from a buddy and required some minor air-dam trimming to ensure full steering with the suspension compressed.
    The owner of our donor truck purchased a set of 285/75/16 Dick Cepek Radial F-C II tires,
  • Before: This stocker was in dire need of some leveling-love.
  • After: With a new set of tires and wheels, this Silverado stands out.
  • Before modifications: Ride height from the ground to the wheel well opening: 35 3/4 inches.
    Before modifications: Ride height from the ground to the wheel well opening: 35 3/4 inches
  • After the leveling kit was installed (with factory tire and wheel package), ride height from the ground to the wheelwell opening measured 38 1/2 inches. Net gain in ride height: 2 3/4 inches.
    After the leveling kit was installed (with factory tire and wheel package), ride height fr
  • After the leveling kit was installed (with 285/75/16 Dick Cepek tires), ride height from the ground to the wheelwell opening measured 39 1/4 inches. Net gain over stock: 3 1/2 inches.
    After the leveling kit was installed (with 285/75/16 Dick Cepek tires), ride height from t
SOURCES
Bilstein
14102 Stowe Drive
Poway
CA  92064
858-386-5900
http://www.bilsteinus.com
Off Road Unlimited (Burbank)
300 N. Victory Boulevard
Burbank
CA  92504
818-848-2020
www.offroadunlimited.com
By Robin Stover
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Halosight12
Did you end up getting the same length of shocks as the original ones or longer ?
John Cappa
Nope, no rear blocks. It's a leveling kit. only lifts the front. You can call Bilstein or go to the website for the correct shocks for you application: 858-386-5900
http://www.bilstein.com.
Halosight12
Hi , did you use rear blocks too and if so how big and what is the model number of the bilstien shocks you used ?? Also did you have to get an alignment ?
seantopps
Where the shocks longer than stock? Iv heard when you put different keys on a truck that its better to install shocks with the same added amount of length as the amount lifted to prevent less wear and better ride quality.
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