A factory rake on a 2017 Silverado might look intentional from the assembly line, but the nose-high stance leaves the rear squatting and the front wheel gap looking unfinished. Leveling the truck restores visual balance, improves clearance for larger tires, and eliminates that unloaded tail-high look that bothers so many owners.
I’m Amir — the founder and writer behind Four Wheel Ask. My work focuses on digging through specification sheets, analyzing material quality and design tolerances, and synthesizing owner feedback across forums to identify which suspension components deliver lasting results without introducing ride issues.
After carefully evaluating seven distinct leveling solutions, I identified the top performers to help you choose the best 2017 chevy silverado leveling kit for your truck.
How To Choose The Best 2017 Chevy Silverado Leveling Kit
Selecting a leveling kit for a 2017 Silverado comes down to three primary decisions: how much lift you want, which suspension system your truck has, and whether you prefer a simple spacer or a complete strut assembly. Each choice affects installation effort, ride comfort, and long-term reliability.
Lift Height and Suspension Geometry
Most leveling kits advertise a lift height between two and three and a half inches. The actual rise at the wheel is not a one-to-one ratio with the spacer thickness due to suspension leverage angles. A kit marketed as three inches typically uses a spacer around two inches thick. Going beyond two and a half inches of true lift may require additional components like longer upper control arms to keep geometry within factory specifications and avoid premature ball joint wear.
Material and Build Quality
Billet aluminum is the most common material for strut spacers because it resists corrosion and can be CNC machined to tight tolerances. Cast iron or forged steel options appear on heavier-duty kits for 2500HD and 3500HD trucks with torsion bar front suspensions. The grade of hardware — typically 10.9 or 12.9 — determines clamp load and long-term fastener integrity. Powder coating adds another layer of corrosion protection for trucks exposed to road salt and moisture.
Installation Method
Spacer-style kits that sit above or below the strut assembly can be installed without compressing the coil spring, which makes them accessible to a competent DIY owner with basic hand tools. Loaded strut assemblies replace the entire front shock and coil in one pre-assembled unit, eliminating the need for a spring compressor but requiring removal of the factory strut. Torsion key kits apply only to 2500HD and 3500HD models with torsion bars and require careful adjustment after installation.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rough Country N3 Loaded Struts | Strut Assembly | Complete front suspension upgrade | 2″ lift, nitrogen gas charged, pre-loaded coil | Amazon |
| ReadyLift SST 69-3920 | SST Kit | AT4 and Trail Boss models | 2″ front, 1″ rear, cast iron construction | Amazon |
| Richeer 3″ Front + 2″ Rear | Complete Kit | Front and rear leveling | 3″ front, 2″ rear, 6061-T6 aluminum | Amazon |
| MZS 3.5″ Combo Spacers | Spacer Kit | Maximum front lift | 3.5″ true lift, upper and lower spacers | Amazon |
| MotoFabLifts CH-2 | Billet Spacer | Simple two-inch level | 2″ lift, billet aluminum, USA made | Amazon |
| KSP 3″ Leveling Kit | Spacer Kit | Budget three-inch lift | 3″ lift, aircraft-grade billet aluminum | Amazon |
| dynofit Torsion Keys | Torsion Key | 2500HD and 3500HD trucks | 1-3″ adjustable, forged steel, 4WD only | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts
The Rough Country N3 loaded strut assembly replaces the entire front strut and coil spring in one unit, eliminating the need for a spring compressor or any disassembly of the factory components. Each strut is nitrogen gas charged with a 1 3/8 inch bore, which improves ride consistency and reduces shock oil aeration during extended driving. The hardened chromed piston rod resists corrosion far better than standard painted rods, a meaningful advantage for trucks in salt-belt regions.
Designed specifically for the 2014-2018 Silverado 1500, this kit lifts the front by a true two inches while maintaining suspension travel and bump-stop clearance. Owners report that the ride quality stays close to factory comfort, with firmer damping during cornering but no harshness over typical road imperfections. The included coil spring is pre-calibrated for the lifted height, so there is no added stress on the strut mount or lower control arm.
Rough Country backs the struts with a limited lifetime replacement warranty, which reflects confidence in the build quality. The trade-off is that installation requires removing the factory strut assembly, which takes longer than a simple spacer install. For a Silverado owner who wants a complete front suspension solution with no spring modification and a dependable ride, this kit delivers the most integrated package available.
What works
- Complete pre-assembled strut and coil unit simplifies installation
- Nitrogen gas charge improves damping consistency and ride comfort
- Limited lifetime warranty provides strong long-term coverage
What doesn’t
- Requires full strut removal which adds labor compared to spacer kits
- Only available for 2WD and select 4WD configurations
2. ReadyLift 69-3920 2.0″ Front with 1.0″ Rear SST Lift Kit
ReadyLift positions the 69-3920 as a suspension-specific solution for 2014-2018 GM 1500 trucks equipped with the factory Z71, AT4, or Trail Boss packages. The kit uses a 2.0 inch front spacer paired with a 1.0 inch rear block to level the truck without exceeding the geometry limits of the stock upper control arms. Cast iron construction gives the spacer exceptional compressive strength, which matters for trucks that see frequent off-road use or heavy payload cycles.
The SST (Suspension Specific Technology) designation means the spacer is engineered to maintain factory ball joint angles and axle CV clearance at the lifted height. Owners consistently report that alignment specs come back within range after installation, which reduces the need for aftermarket control arms. The rear block includes extended U-bolts and a tapered design that keeps the leaf spring pack properly seated.
Installation follows a straightforward bolt-on process with no cutting, drilling, or spring compression required. The trade-off is weight — the cast iron components add noticeable mass over aluminum alternatives. For a Silverado owner who prioritizes durability and suspension geometry accuracy over weight savings, the ReadyLift kit represents a thoroughly engineered leveling solution with proven real-world reliability.
What works
- Engineered specifically for Z71, AT4, and Trail Boss packages
- Maintains factory ball joint angles and CV clearance
- Includes rear block for complete leveling front to rear
What doesn’t
- Cast iron components add significant weight over aluminum
- Higher price point reflects the specialized engineering
3. Richeer 3″ Front and 2″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit
The Richeer kit addresses both ends of the truck with a three-inch front lift paired with a two-inch rear block, creating a level stance that works well for Silverado 1500 owners who want to fit 33-inch or larger tires. The front spacers are CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, which offers a strong strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. Each spacer uses pre-installed 12.9 grade heat-treated studs, reducing the risk of fastener fatigue over time.
A notable design detail is the two-piece front spacer configuration that stacks upper and lower components to reach the full three-inch lift. This approach spreads the load across the strut mounting points and reduces the bending moment on the strut bolts. The rear kit includes extended square U-bolts that accommodate the added block height without splicing or modifying the factory leaf pack.
Owners highlight the straightforward installation that takes one to two hours with basic hand tools and no spring disassembly. The kit requires an alignment after installation, which is standard for any lift over two inches. For a Silverado owner looking to level both front and rear simultaneously with quality aluminum hardware at a reasonable investment, this kit offers balanced coverage at a fair value.
What works
- Includes both front and rear components for complete leveling
- CNC machined 6061-T6 aluminum with 12.9 grade studs
- Quick bolt-on installation with no spring compression needed
What doesn’t
- Three-inch front lift may require longer upper control arms
- Rear block height may not suit trucks with factory overload springs
4. MZS 3.5″ Front Leveling Kit Upper+Lower Lift Strut Spacers
The MZS kit is designed for owners who want maximum front lift without switching to a full suspension system. It combines a two-inch upper spacer with a 1.5-inch lower spacer to achieve a true 3.5 inches of front rise, which is among the tallest spacer-only options available for the 2007-2026 Silverado and Sierra 1500 platform. The billet aluminum construction is precision CNC machined and powder coated for corrosion resistance.
Compatibility covers 2WD and 4WD configurations across Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, and Avalanche models in addition to the Silverado and Sierra. The kit does not fit TrailBoss, AT4, MagneRide, or 2014-2018 Denali models, so confirming suspension type before purchase is essential. The two-piece design spreads the lift load across both the upper strut mount and the lower clevis bracket, which helps maintain alignment stability compared to a single tall spacer.
Installation takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours with basic tools and no spring compression, though a front-end alignment is mandatory after this much lift. Owners report that the aggressive stance improves clearance for 35-inch tires with minor trimming. The trade-off is that a 3.5-inch lift pushes the upper ball joint and CV axle angles beyond ideal specifications, so aftermarket control arms may be needed for long-term durability.
What works
- Offers the tallest true lift in a spacer-only format
- Upper and lower spacer design spreads load evenly
- Fits a wide range of GM 1500 models and configurations
What doesn’t
- Does not fit MagneRide, AT4, or Trail Boss models
- Requires aftermarket control arms for optimal geometry
5. MotoFabLifts CH-2 2″ Front Leveling Lift Kit
MotoFab Lifts has a strong reputation in the truck leveling market for producing simple, durable spacers at accessible price points. The CH-2 kit raises the front of a 2007-2025 Silverado or Sierra by a true two inches using a single-piece billet aluminum spacer that sits above the strut. Each unit is CNC machined in the USA and powder coated black to match the factory suspension components.
The kit is designed for installation without strut or coil disassembly, which means the factory spring remains fully compressed inside the strut assembly. This approach cuts installation time to around 1.5 hours for a competent DIY owner and eliminates the need for specialty spring compressors. The included hardware and instructions are straightforward, and the lifetime warranty provides peace of mind beyond most competitors at this price tier.
Owners consistently note that the two-inch lift maintains factory ride quality because the spacer does not alter spring rate or damping characteristics. The limitation is that a two-inch front lift with no rear block leaves the truck slightly lower in the front than the rear on most 1500 models, though this is a true leveling effect that matches the factory rake angle. For a Silverado owner who wants a proven, USA-made spacer with a lifetime guarantee and minimal installation hassle, the MotoFab kit is a solid performer.
What works
- Billet aluminum construction with black powder coat finish
- Installation does not require strut or coil disassembly
- Lifetime warranty and USA manufacturing
What doesn’t
- Two-inch lift may not fully level trucks with heavy rear leaf packs
- Single spacer design limits adjustability
6. KSP 3″ Front Leveling Kit for Silverado 1500
The KSP leveling kit offers a three-inch front lift using spacers forged from aircraft-grade billet aluminum with 12.9 grade solid bolts, which are among the strongest fasteners available for automotive suspension use. The powder coated finish provides protection against corrosion from road salt and moisture. Compatibility covers 2007-2026 Silverado and Sierra 1500 models in both 2WD and 4WD configurations across old and new body styles.
The engineering focus is on safety under extreme riding conditions, with the forged aluminum structure rated to handle off-road impacts without cracking or deforming. KSP provides a 12-month free replacement service and a 30-day refund option, which is standard for entry-level pricing but still offers basic purchase protection. The kit includes all necessary hardware and instructions for a straightforward installation.
Owners report that the three-inch lift creates an aggressive stance that accommodates larger tire and wheel combinations, though an alignment is mandatory after installation. The primary consideration is that suspension geometry at three inches of lift places additional stress on the upper ball joints and CV axles, particularly on 4WD models. For a Silverado owner who wants a budget-friendly route to a three-inch front lift with quality hardware, the KSP kit delivers the essentials without overcomplicating the design.
What works
- Aircraft-grade billet aluminum with 12.9 grade fasteners
- Fits both 2WD and 4WD configurations across multiple model years
- Powder coated finish for corrosion resistance
What doesn’t
- Three-inch lift may accelerate ball joint and CV axle wear
- Limited warranty compared to lifetime-backed alternatives
7. dynofit 1-3″ Torsion Keys with Shock Extenders for 2500HD 3500HD
The dynofit kit is purpose-built for 2011-2019 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD trucks with torsion bar front suspension and 8-lug hubs — it will not fit 1500 models. Instead of strut spacers, this kit uses two forged steel torsion keys that replace the factory cast keys, allowing adjustment from one to three inches of front lift by rotating the torsion bar. The forged construction is reported to be 40 percent stronger than the stock cast keys, which reduces the risk of fatigue failure under heavy loads.
The kit includes two shock extenders that maintain proper shock absorber travel after the ride height is increased. Installation takes one to two hours with basic tools and no specialty equipment, though the torsion bar adjustment process requires careful measurement to achieve consistent left-right height. The powder coated surface provides corrosion protection, and the two-year manufacturer warranty covers material and workmanship defects.
Owners of heavy-duty Silverado trucks appreciate that this kit allows incremental height adjustment without needing to purchase multiple spacer sizes or replace the entire front suspension. The downside is that cranking torsion bars to the maximum three-inch lift stiffens the front ride noticeably because the bar is pre-loaded beyond its factory setting. For a 2500HD or 3500HD owner who needs adjustability and upgraded key strength, the dynofit kit delivers a tailored solution for torsion bar trucks.
What works
- Forged steel keys are stronger than factory cast components
- Adjustable lift range from one to three inches
- Includes shock extenders to maintain damper travel
What doesn’t
- Only fits 2500HD and 3500HD 4WD models with 8-lug hubs
- Maximum adjustment stiffens front ride quality noticeably
Hardware & Specs Guide
Lift Height and Spacer Thickness
The advertised lift height on a leveling kit is not equal to the physical thickness of the spacer. Suspension geometry creates a leverage ratio where a 2-inch thick spacer typically produces 3 to 3.5 inches of lift at the wheel. Always verify the true lift height from owner reports rather than relying solely on the product title. Kits that advertise 3.5 inches of lift often use spacers around 2 to 2.5 inches thick. Exceeding 2.5 inches of true lift on a 1500 Silverado usually requires aftermarket upper control arms to keep ball joint angles within specification.
Material Comparison: Aluminum vs. Steel
Billet aluminum (typically 6061-T6) is the dominant material for strut spacers because it is lightweight, corrosion resistant, and can be CNC machined to precise tolerances. Cast iron and forged steel are used primarily for torsion keys and lower spacer blocks on heavy-duty trucks where compressive strength and impact resistance are priorities. Aluminum spacers are suitable for daily driving and light off-road use, while steel components are better suited for HD trucks that carry heavy payloads or tow frequently. Powder coating adds a protective layer that extends service life in wet or salty environments.
Bolt Grade and Fastener Integrity
Fastener grade is a critical but often overlooked spec on leveling kits. Grade 10.9 bolts are standard for most automotive suspension applications, while 12.9 grade bolts offer roughly 20 percent higher tensile strength. Higher-grade bolts resist stretching and loosening under repeated suspension cycling. Kits that include pre-installed studs or captive nuts simplify installation and reduce the risk of cross-threading. Always torque fasteners to the manufacturer specification during installation and re-check after the first 100 miles of driving.
Loaded Struts vs. Spacers
Loaded strut assemblies replace the entire front strut and coil spring with a pre-assembled unit calibrated for the lift height. This approach eliminates the need for spring compression and maintains factory-like ride quality because the spring rate and damping are matched to the new ride height. Spacer-style kits retain the factory strut and coil, adding a block above or below the strut mount. Spacers are cheaper and easier to install but do not change the damping characteristics, which can lead to a firmer ride at higher lift amounts. For lifts above 2.5 inches, loaded struts provide better ride control and durability.
FAQ
Will a leveling kit affect my factory ride quality?
Do I need an alignment after installing a leveling kit?
What size tires can I fit after leveling my 2017 Silverado?
Will a leveling kit void my factory warranty?
Can I install a leveling kit on a 2WD Silverado 1500?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most buyers, the best 2017 chevy silverado leveling kit winner is the Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Struts because it delivers a complete front suspension upgrade with pre-assembled coils and nitrogen-charged damping. If you want maximum adjustability for a heavy-duty truck, grab the dynofit Torsion Keys. And for a straightforward two-inch spacer with a lifetime warranty and USA manufacturing, nothing beats the MotoFabLifts CH-2.
Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering
Education: Mechanical engineer
Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA
Md Amir is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.