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How to Level a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 With ReadyLift

Jason Mulligan . September 23, 2026 . How to . JASON MULLIGAN
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Leveling the Front of a 2014 GM Truck with ReadyLift

OEM manufacturers continue to innovate and redesign their truck platforms every few years as technology improves, styles change and to attract potential buyers. Recently, General Motors completely redesigned its popular 1500 series trucks from the ground up, inside and out. More aero-dynamic, quieter cabs, a new EcoTec3 range of engines backed by six-speed automatics were the highlights touted by the manufacturer. The question many enthusiasts and companies asked was whether or not the suspension and chassis design had changed. When the crew cab trucks hit the lots, it was a race to see what changes were made and if any current parts were compatible. The frames are an all-new, boxed design for added strength, while some of the front suspension components were changed and are now produced from aluminum.

We caught wind that the crew over at ReadyLift Suspension had gotten their hands on a brand-new ’14 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD truck. They set out to test and develop their popular leveling, lift and mid-travel suspension kits on the new platform. The first step was for ReadyLift to install its popular 2.25-inch front leveling kit (66-3085) on the new platform. The kit consists of two strut spacers. The upper SST billet spacer mounts on top of the factory strut providing 1.5 inches of lift. A lower strut spacer is installed as well to provide the additional ¾-inch of lift to level the truck. Utilizing two spacers helps keep the factory geometry, steering and ride intact. This is especially important to minimize stress on the ball joints and 4WD CV joints.

As with any suspension modification, factory wheels and tires are tossed aside. Heck, they could have been left at the dealership this time. The ReadyLift kit is designed to work with 33- inch-tall tires with no trimming necessary. A set of Nitto Trail Grappler M/T 305/55/20 tires was mounted to a set of Ultra Wheel Magnus 20 x 10- inch matte black wheels. With the leveling completed and an aggressive look achieved, the new ’14 GM trucks are on the right track. Check back for more on the new truck platform as products are developed for the redesigned chassis, body and engine. ST

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READYLIFT LEVELING SPACERS

ReadyLift
[01] Here is the factory ’14 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD. The large wheel well openings lend themselves perfectly to larger tires and an off-road look.
ReadyLift
[02] The front end sits 2 ¼ inches lower than the rear. As it is with most trucks, the OEM’s have hauling needs in mind. For us, a level look with aggressive wheels and tires is on our mind.
[03] The factory ’14 GM 1500 front suspension features aluminum control arms and reversed anti-sway bar mounting compared to the previous trucks. The strut spacers from ReadyLift can be installed in minutes.
ReadyLift
[04] The first step is to disconnect the ABS line and brake line mounts.
[05] Then the end links of the anti-sway bar are unbolted. The upper control arms are loosened as well. This makes installing the struts and spacers easier.
ReadyLift
[06] To remove the strut, it’s unbolted from the lower control arm.
[07] The ABS clip is removed from the upper bolt and the nuts are removed.
ReadyLift
[08] The strut is removed through the upper control arm.
ReadyLift
[09] The 1 ½-inch billet ReadyLift SST spacer is slipped on the upper strut mount.
[10] To make it easier to reinstall the strut and spacer, the upper control arm is removed from the spindle. The lower assembly is supported with a jack and the brake link clip is removed. The nut on the upper ball joint is removed and a hammer is used to knock the ball joint from the spindle.
ReadyLift
[10a]
ReadyLift
[10b]
[11] The strut and spacer are slipped back in place.
[12] After the upper bolts are located in the pocket and loosely secured, the ¾-inch lower spacer is slipped between the control arm and strut.
[13] New upper strut mount nuts are supplied in the kit, the threads are hit with Loctite for security and the strut is bolted back in place.
[13a]
[14] The upper ball joint, end links and lines are reinstalled. The jack and pry bar will help reconnect the spindle and ball joint. After the suspension is cycled and placed on the ground at ride height, the upper control arm mounts are tightened back up before heading to the alignment shop.

WHEELS & TIRES

[15] Time for the rolling stock, the 20 x 10-inch Ultra Wheel Magnus matte black wheel has been wrapped in 305/55 Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires.
[16] The Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires blend the off-road aspects of a mud tire with the quiet comfort and performance needed for on road driving with an aggressive look.
[16a]

READYLIFT SUSPENSION
Readylift.com

NITTO TIRES
Nittotire.com

ULTRA WHEELS
Ultrawheel.com

 

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