If you’re deciding between a leveling kit and a full lift on your GMT800, here’s the honest breakdown on what each actually does to how the truck drives.
Leveling Kit (1.5"–2.5" front lift)
A leveling kit raises the front of the truck to sit level with or slightly higher than the rear. On GMT800s, these trucks sit nose-down from the factory, so a level kit corrects that rake.
What it does to ride quality: Minimal impact when done right. Most leveling kits on GMT800s use either coil spring spacers or strut spacers. A quality spacer kit (Rough Country, Supreme Suspensions, ReadyLift) does not significantly change the ride character. A cheap stamped-steel spacer can add harshness.
What changes:
- CV angles increase slightly — not an issue at 1.5"–2" lifts
- Factory control arm geometry is preserved
- No alignment issues beyond a front toe adjustment
- Tires: Most 1500s can run 285/70R17 or 33" tires with a leveling kit, sometimes with minor trimming
Pros:
- Low cost ($50–150 for most kits)
- DIY-friendly, 2–3 hour job
- Retains factory ride quality
- No UCAs needed
Cons:
- Limited lift — 2.5" is about the max before CV wear becomes a concern
- Doesn’t do much for ground clearance compared to a full lift
- Can’t run 35s+ without rubbing on most GMT800s
6 Inch Lift Kit
A 6" lift is a system — typically involving new struts, top plates, control arms, and sometimes adjustable lower control arms and new shocks all around.
What it does to ride quality: This is where it gets real. A proper 6" lift on a GMT800 (think Bilstein 5100/6112 setup with aftermarket UCAs) can actually ride quite well — better than stock in some cases if the shock valving is right for your weight and use. A cheap coil spacer + add-a-leaf “6 inch lift” with stock shocks is harsh and should be avoided.
What changes:
- UCAs (upper control arms) are required at 6" — factory UCAs can’t handle the geometry at that height without binding or premature wear
- Alignment needs to be done carefully — some shops won’t align lifted trucks, find one that will
- CV angles are steep enough to accelerate wear if geometry isn’t corrected
- Tires: 35s are very doable at 6", 37s possible on long-travel setups with trimming
Pros:
- Significant ground clearance
- Aggressive stance
- Can run 35"–37" tires depending on setup
- Better off-road capability
Cons:
- Cost: $1,500–4,000+ installed depending on kit quality
- Increased wear on ball joints, CV axles, and wheel bearings over time
- Alignment is critical and needs attention every 1–2 years
- Highway manners suffer slightly — high-speed steering feel is less planted than stock
Ride Quality Head to Head
| Factor | Leveling Kit | 6" Lift (quality kit) | 6" Lift (budget) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday comfort | Essentially stock | Good to excellent | Harsh |
| Highway stability | Stock | Slightly reduced | Reduced |
| Off-road performance | Minor improvement | Significant | Moderate |
| Tire clearance | 33" max (most trucks) | 35"–37" | 35" |
| Cost | Low | High | Moderate |
| DIY feasibility | Easy | Moderate-hard | Moderate |
Recommendation
If you want a clean, level look and don’t need to run 35s: leveling kit. It’s 90% of the look for 10% of the cost.
If you’re running 35s or bigger, need ground clearance, or want a true off-road setup: 6" lift with quality UCAs and shocks. Don’t cut corners on the kit — a budget 6" lift is the worst of both worlds.
Drop your year, current setup, and what you’re trying to accomplish — happy to point you in a direction.