Hey everyone, first post for me. I own a 2002 GMC 1500 Sierra 2WD-totally stock at present. I would like to get some larger tires since the stock tires are almost worn out. I was told to look into a leveling kit for the front end in order to fit some larger tires. The other option I have been considering is a modest lift kit for the truck (<= 6". I am looking for opinions on what you think would be the best choice. The truck will not be heavily driven off road but it would be nice to have some more clearance when driving back roads (I live in AZ). Ideally, I would like to spend less than $1000 for the tires, kit and wheels if necessary. Ledt me know what you think (best brands to consider, online stores to check out, prices I can expect to pay etc).

Thx in advance,
Joe

CLIFFS
1) leveling kit vs. lift kit
2) less than $1000 for whole project
3) Good places to buy/shop that you have used

To keep your project under $1000, your only option is a levelling kit, or a body lift kit. A suspension lift for an IFS truck will run you over $1000 for just the kit, let alone time, and other parts you may need to complete the lift (brake lines, shocks, new factory susp parts like ball joints, etc).

A levelling kit is easy to install and will allow you to run 33" tall tires easily. Don't forget to get your speedo re-programmed as your computer relies on vehicle speed information to make the truck run properly.

Your tires will likely eat up anywhere from $500-$900 of your budget depending on what brand you are planning on. That doesnt leave you a whole lot to work with to lift the truck.

good luck.

Thx for the input. I have looked around a bit and found a leveling kit for my year sierra but its for the 2500 HD. Off Road Unlimited makes the parts but apparently only for this model. Anybody know where a leveling kit can be purchased for a 2002 GMC 1500 2WD Sierra?

Thx,

Joe

Just a few links..

The leveling kit for the 500 HD is pictured here (looks sturdy)

http://www.offroadunlimited.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=22_84_62&products_id=123

The leveling kits for a range of years can be seen here (looks cheap)

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/scan/fi=products/st=db/co=1/sf=category/se=Leveling%20Kits/op=eq/nu=0/sf=veh_make/se=Chevy%20%3A%3A%20GMC/op=eq/nu=0/sf=model/se=%3Cb%3E1999-2003%3C%3A%3Ab%3E%20-%20Chevy%20Leveling%20Kits/op=eq/nu=0/ml=25/tf=category/to=x/tf=veh_make/to=x/tf=model/to=x/tf=description/to=r.html

Any consensus on this difference? Are leveling kits just spacers?

Joe

Daystar makes coil-spring spacers for your truck out of urethane or polyurethane. They come in 1" (or 1 1/4") and 2". These cost $90 or less for the 2" and maybe 70 for the 1". These spacers lift only the front. (If you drive over rough terrain, get the shorter leveling spacers because the more you lift with a spacer, you get the spring riding stiffer and lose a bit of wheel travel)

If you need room for 33's I'd go with a body lift. You should be able to get a 2" or 3" lift for under $200, probably under $150.

So up to this point it should be under $300.

If your truck'll fit 15" rims on it, you can save money by going down to that size. (For some weird reason all tires on 16" rims are usually much higher priced)

Buy some steel wheels and oversized tires. A company called "High-Tec Retreads" sells dirt cheap tires and you can get 33x12.5-15s or 265/75R-16's for under $70 a piece! I've heard some people think they work even better than name-brand offroad tires like BFG or Michelin.

If you don't need a lot of floation stick with narrower tires. 2wd trucks have a narrower "track" than 4x4 trucks so if you want a wide tire like 33x12.5 you'll need to order wheels with even less backspacing than a 4x4 which'll make your tires stick out more and wear your steering out faster.  BFG makes a 33x9.50-15 and a 33x10.5-15 and the 285/75R-16 is as tall as a 33x12.5 but it's an inch narrower.