How do I lower/level rear of 2011 GMC 4X4? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JAG66 · 01-29-2012, 06:00 PM

Need to lower my father in-laws 2011 GMC 4X4 about 1.5" - 2" in the rear to level the truck. Anyone done it and what do you recommend?
I assume longer shackles, but looking at it, the factory shackle bolt heads face the frame and I don't see how I could get the bolts out of the shackles.

Anyone removed the bottom leaf overload spring and how much does it drop?
Anyone remove the 1" thick block that is under the leaf pack?

Thanks, Jeff

**LEEVON** · 02-06-2012, 04:15 PM

Start with the block, it will get you 1.5".

67ChevyRedneck · 02-06-2012, 06:12 PM

Put a heavy trailer behind it

They're set up that way for better towing distribution. Ever noticed the GM trucks sit level with a big load and the Fords are "nose up"? When they're nose up you lose a little bit of steering control. Of course, if you have no plans to tow with it, they do look better sitting level.

JAG66 · 02-07-2012, 11:57 PM

Installed the drop shackles Saturday and lowered the rear 1.625" for a better look. Front and rear tires now same distance from wheel well. Thanks.

01-29-2012, 06:00 PM	#1
JAG66 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Goldsboro, NC Posts: 179	How do I lower/level rear of 2011 GMC 4X4? Need to lower my father in-laws 2011 GMC 4X4 about 1.5" - 2" in the rear to level the truck. Anyone done it and what do you recommend? I assume longer shackles, but looking at it, the factory shackle bolt heads face the frame and I don't see how I could get the bolts out of the shackles. Anyone removed the bottom leaf overload spring and how much does it drop? Anyone remove the 1" thick block that is under the leaf pack? Thanks, Jeff

02-06-2012, 04:15 PM	#2
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: How do I lower/level rear of 2011 GMC 4X4? Start with the block, it will get you 1.5". __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

02-06-2012, 06:12 PM	#3
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: How do I lower/level rear of 2011 GMC 4X4? Put a heavy trailer behind it They're set up that way for better towing distribution. Ever noticed the GM trucks sit level with a big load and the Fords are "nose up"? When they're nose up you lose a little bit of steering control. Of course, if you have no plans to tow with it, they do look better sitting level. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

02-07-2012, 11:57 PM	#4
JAG66 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Goldsboro, NC Posts: 179	Re: How do I lower/level rear of 2011 GMC 4X4? Installed the drop shackles Saturday and lowered the rear 1.625" for a better look. Front and rear tires now same distance from wheel well. Thanks.



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