Drive down Artesia Boulevard and you'll see plenty of them. A Silverado with the nose sitting low and the rear sitting high. Chevy builds it that way so the truck sits level when the bed is loaded. If you rarely haul anything heavy, leveling it takes that slope out and opens up room for a bigger tire.
The Silverado 1500 uses coil-over struts up front, so there are two ways to level it. A strut spacer bolts on top of your factory strut. It's the cheapest option, and it rides close to stock at 2 inches if your struts are in good shape. The other way is an adjustable shock, like the Bilstein 5100, where you set the front height with the spring seat. It costs more up front, but you're paying labor to pull the struts either way. On a truck past about 60,000 miles, replacing them in the same visit usually makes more sense. Our Bilstein vs. Fox guide covers the two shock brands we get asked about most.
A note on trims. The Trail Boss already comes with a factory 2-inch lift, and the ZR2 uses special Multimatic shocks. If your truck has an electronically controlled suspension, the kit has to be made for it. Tell us your trim when you ask for a quote.
What tire fits a leveled Silverado 1500
These are common sizes on 2019-and-newer trucks with a 2-inch level. The real fit depends on wheel offset, the tire's actual width, and your trim, so treat this as a starting point.
| Wheel | Common size | About | Fit with a 2-inch level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 in. | 285/70R17 | 32.7 in. | Usually fits |
| 18 in. | 275/70R18 | 33.2 in. | Usually fits |
| 20 in. | 275/60R20 | 33.0 in. | Usually fits |
| 20 in. | 275/65R20 | 34.1 in. | Often fits, may rub at full lock |
A wider wheel with negative offset pushes the tire out toward the fender, so rubbing gets more likely. We check the combination before we order anything. You can also put the kit, wheels, and tires together in one package and get the whole job quoted at once.
After the install, the truck needs an alignment. That part isn't optional, because the front camber and toe change as soon as it goes up. Get the headlights re-aimed too. On a 4x4, keep an eye on the front CV boots at each oil change, since the axles now run at a steeper angle. And if your truck has lane-keep or forward collision alert, ask whether the camera needs a calibration check after the height change.
Call us at 562-422-4449 with your year and trim, or stop by Cherry Ave or Paramount Blvd. Still deciding between a level and a lift? Read leveling kit vs. lift kit first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much leveling does a Silverado 1500 need?
Most 2019-and-newer Silverado 1500s sit roughly 2 inches lower in front than in the rear from the factory. A 2-inch leveling kit is the most common choice and gets the truck close to level with an empty bed. Kits taller than about 2.5 inches put more strain on the front CV axles and upper ball joints.
What size tire fits a Silverado 1500 with a 2-inch leveling kit?
Most leveled Silverado 1500s clear a 33-inch tire, such as a 275/60R20 or 275/70R18, on wheels with close to factory offset. A 34-inch tire like a 275/65R20 often fits too, but it can rub at full steering lock depending on wheel offset and tire width. We check the exact combination before ordering.
Should I level a Silverado Trail Boss or ZR2?
Be careful with both. The Trail Boss already comes with a factory 2-inch lift. The ZR2 uses special Multimatic shocks tuned for its suspension. Either one can be modified, but only with a kit made for that trim. Talk to us before buying anything.
Do I need an alignment after leveling my Silverado?
Yes. Raising the front changes camber and toe, and a leveled Silverado on the old alignment wears the edges of its front tires quickly. Truck alignments at Ochoa's start at $125, and lifted and extra-large trucks start at $145. Alignments are done at our Cherry Ave shop.
How long does a Silverado leveling kit install take?
Call to schedule. If the parts are in stock, a leveling kit on a Silverado 1500 is usually done within a day, alignment included. If we find a worn part during the install, like a ball joint or tie rod end, we call you before doing anything about it.
Have this problem right now? Our Cherry Ave shop is open 7 days a week and Paramount is open Monday through Saturday. No appointment needed for most services.