The GMC Sierra AT4 is a robust and popular truck, praised for its off-road capabilities and stylish design. However, awareness of potential issues is necessary for those considering enhancing their vehicle’s appearance and performance with a leveling kit.
Installing a leveling kit can affect various aspects of the truck’s performance and safety, making it essential for owners to be well-informed about the possible challenges.
1. Suspension Issues
Installing a leveling kit on the GMC Sierra AT4 can significantly alter its suspension geometry. This change often results in a stiffer ride, which many owners find uncomfortable during everyday driving.
The factory shocks are typically designed for the truck’s original height and geometry. When a leveling kit is installed, these shocks may not be adequately tuned to handle the new configuration, leading to less effective shock absorption.
Many owners report that their ride becomes noticeably harsher after installing a leveling kit, particularly on rough terrain. The altered suspension geometry can increase stiffness, making daily driving less comfortable.
Some leveling kit manufacturers suggest upgrading the shocks to ones specifically designed to work with the new suspension setup.
This upgrade can help lessen ride quality issues by providing better shock absorption and more consistent performance.
Car reviewers on MotorTrend and Car and Driver have also noted that while leveling kits can improve the truck’s stance and off-road capabilities, they often compromise ride comfort.
The stiffer suspension can make the truck less enjoyable to drive daily, especially over long distances or rough roads. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on ride quality before installing a leveling kit.
2. Steering and Handling Problems
Leveling kits can introduce significant steering and handling challenges. One common issue is increased steering effort, making the vehicle harder to control, especially at higher speeds.
This problem often arises from alignment issues post-installation. When a leveling kit is installed, it disrupts the factory alignment settings, leading to improper tire angles and increased steering effort.
Many users have discussed experiencing difficulties with steering and handling after installing a leveling kit. They report that the truck requires more effort to turn the wheel and feels less stable, particularly at high speeds. This increased effort can make driving more tiring and potentially more dangerous.
Raising the truck’s front end also changes its center of gravity, which can negatively impact handling dynamics. The altered center of gravity can make the truck feel less balanced, especially when cornering or driving on uneven surfaces.
Manufacturers recommend performing a thorough alignment after installing a leveling kit to handle these issues. This alignment ensures that the tire angles are correct, which helps maintain proper handling and steering characteristics.
Automotive experts from sources like AutoGuide emphasize the importance of professional installation and alignment checks. These steps can help reduce handling issues and ensure the vehicle remains safe and easy to drive.
3. Tire Wear and Alignment Issues
Uneven tire wear is a common problem associated with leveling kits. Improper alignment after installing a leveling kit can cause the tires to wear unevenly. This issue often leads to accelerated wear on the front tires, which can be costly to replace frequently.
Drivers frequently report noticing uneven tire wear after installing leveling kits. They often observe issues such as feathering or cupping on the front tires.
These problems are typically caused by incorrect alignment, which results in uneven contact between the tires and the road surface. As a result, the tires wear out more quickly and unevenly, reducing their lifespan and increasing maintenance costs.
The altered suspension geometry from the leveling kit places additional strain on the suspension components. This strain can lead to faster wear and tear, further exacerbating the issue of uneven tire wear.
Regular alignment checks and adjustments are essential to prevent premature tire wear. By ensuring that the alignment is correct, owners can maintain even tire wear and extend the lifespan of their tires.
Reviewers on Tire Rack emphasize the importance of maintaining proper alignment to avoid excessive tire wear. They recommend performing regular alignment checks, especially after installing a leveling kit.
Proper alignment ensures that the tires wear evenly, which helps maintain traction and handling performance.
4. CV Joint and Axle Strain
Installing a leveling kit increases the operating angles of the CV joints and axles. This increased angle places additional strain on these components, leading to potential failure. The extra strain can accelerate wear on the CV joints and axles, increasing the likelihood of failures.
Users on forums like Diesel Place and Silverado Sierra frequently report CV joint failures and increased axle wear after installing leveling kits.
They often observe that the CV joints and axles wear out more quickly due to the increased operating angles. This wear can lead to premature failure, which can be costly to repair.
Some leveling kit manufacturers recommend installing CV joint spacers or upgraded axles to deal with these issues. These components are designed to handle the increased angles and reduce the strain on the CV joints and axles. By installing these upgrades, owners can help reduce the risk of premature wear and failure.
Technical reviews from sources like Four Wheeler advise regularly monitoring the CV joints and axles for signs of wear. They recommend inspecting these components frequently and replacing them as necessary to maintain vehicle reliability.
5. Impact on Warranty and Insurance
Modifying the suspension with a leveling kit can potentially void certain aspects of the vehicle’s warranty and lead to increased insurance premiums.
Many vehicle owners have faced challenges with warranty claims after installing leveling kits, as discussed on forums like GMC Owners and Silverado Nation.
When modifications are made to the suspension, manufacturers may view these changes as altering the original design and functionality, potentially voiding the warranty for related parts.
Vehicle owners should review their warranty terms before installing a leveling kit. Consulting with the dealer can clarify which warranty aspects might be affected. Certain parts of the warranty may remain intact in some cases, while others may be voided due to the modification.
Also, changes to the vehicle’s height and handling characteristics can affect insurance coverage. Modifying the suspension can lead to increased insurance premiums, as insurers may view the vehicle as higher risk due to the altered handling and increased potential for damage.
Industry reviews from sources like Consumer Reports suggest checking with your insurance provider before modifying. Knowing how these changes might impact your insurance policy can help you avoid unexpected increases in premiums or coverage issues.
6. Installation Complications
If not done correctly, the installation process for leveling kits can be complex and prone to mistakes. Many users on DIY forums and YouTube comment sections report difficulties with self-installation, such as alignment problems and improper fitment.
Leveling kits often require specific tools and expertise to install correctly. Improper installation can lead to further mechanical issues and safety concerns.
Some manufacturers provide detailed installation guides to help owners with the process. However, even with these guides, mistakes can happen.
Issues like misalignment or incorrect torque on bolts can lead to significant problems down the line. To avoid these complications, some manufacturers recommend professional installation. Professional installers have the tools and expertise to install the leveling kit correctly and safely.
Reviews from Jalopnik and Top Gear advise considering professional installation to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
By opting for professional installation, owners can avoid the common pitfalls of DIY installation and ensure their vehicle remains safe and reliable.
Professional installation can also provide peace of mind, knowing that the job has been done correctly and that the vehicle’s performance and safety are not compromised.
Conclusion
Installing a leveling kit on your GMC Sierra AT4 can enhance its stance and off-road capabilities but also introduces several potential issues.
These include suspension discomfort, steering and handling problems, uneven tire wear, CV joint and axle strain, and potential impacts on warranty and insurance.
Also, the installation process can be complex and prone to mistakes. To reduce these issues, consider professional installation and regular maintenance checks to ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable. Knowing these potential issues can help you decide if a leveling kit suits your vehicle.