GMT900 Leveling Kit Guide — What Fits and What Rides Best
Leveling your GMT900 is one of the most popular and visible modifications owners do. Done right, it improves stance, clears larger tires, and can actually improve ride quality over a worn or over-cranked factory setup. Done wrong, it destroys front-end components and rides like a brick.
Here’s what you need to know before spending any money.
Setup Options
1. Torsion Key Leveling (4x4 trucks only)
The GMT900 4WD trucks use a torsion bar suspension in the front. The simplest “leveling” approach is to crank up the torsion bars using an adjustable key.
The problem: Over-cranking the factory torsion bars raises the truck but also preloads the front suspension, reducing travel, stiffening the ride, and rapidly wearing CV axles, ball joints, and tie rod ends.
Better option: Replace the factory torsion keys with adjustable aftermarket keys (Rough Country, Tuff Country, etc.) that allow proper ride height with correct geometry.
2. Strut Spacer Leveling (2WD trucks)
2WD GMT900 trucks use a traditional coil-over strut setup. Leveling is done via a spacer that sits above the strut.
- Easiest method to install
- 1.5"–2" spacers are most common
- Ride quality is slightly stiffer but generally acceptable
- Best paired with new shocks for optimal ride
3. Full Coilover Replacement
The best and most expensive option. Replaces the factory strut with a fully adjustable coilover:
- Best ride quality at any height
- Fully adjustable for different loads or setups
- Works well with 2"–3" of lift
- Bilstein 5100 series is the most popular choice for the GMT900
Ride Quality Comparison
| Setup | Ride Quality | Cost | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over-cranked torsion keys | Poor | Very low | Poor (kills parts) |
| Adjustable torsion keys | Fair-good | Low-medium | Good |
| Strut spacers | Fair | Low | Good |
| Bilstein 5100 coilovers | Excellent | Medium-high | Excellent |
Tire Fitment Guide
- 2" level: Clears up to 33" tires with a mild offset wheel — no trimming required in most cases
- 2.5"–3" level: Can run 33"–35" tires depending on offset — may require trimming the inner fender on full lock
- Offset matters: A +25 to +18 offset wheel gives you better clearance. A wider wheel pushed outward keeps tires away from UCA and fender
Important: Always verify fitment with your specific cab size, bed length, and wheel/offset combo.
What to Avoid
- Over-cranking factory torsion bars — This is the most common mistake on GMT900 4WD trucks. It stresses the entire front suspension and causes premature wear across multiple components.
- Cheap foam bump stops — Won’t hold up
- Skipping alignment — Mandatory after any leveling work. Budget for a 4-wheel alignment.
- Ignoring CV axle angles — On 4WD trucks, excessive lift stresses the CV joints. Stay within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
Bottom Line
If you’re on a budget: go with quality adjustable torsion keys (4WD) or a quality 2" spacer kit (2WD) from a reputable brand. Don’t crank your factory keys.
If you want the best result: pair the leveling kit with Bilstein 5100s dialed to your preferred height and get a 4-wheel alignment. You’ll have better ride quality than stock.
Recommended Products