RocknRick

I'm seeking some advice on what brand of rims, tires and leveling kit you guys have had the best luck with. I really don't mind the stock rims, but I appreciate the "custom" look of after market rims. I have Colorado Custom Rims on my Yukon(D.D.) They have really held up good the last 15 years, other than polishing the aluminum every Spring, I have no complaints. They are expensive(Rims were on truck when I bought it) Here's what I was thinking.

1) American Racing Rims AR708- Painted chrome finish(whatever that is)
2) Nitto tires-285/75/17( If I stay with stock rims) 285/75/18 after market
3) Leveling Kit ???? I have no idea where to start.

I'm not looking for the "monster truck" look. I just want the Truck to sit level with a taller/wider stance. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Rick
11' 2500 SLT

Jezzhuntin

You have a lot more options than I did for leveling systems (mine 2014). Depends on budget....but if you just want to go the cheap route:

Daystar leveling system, Bilstiens. But there are tons of options for your 2011, this just what I did due to limited options for the moment.

I am running AR 20's with 295 70 20 Toyo MT's. No rub and I love the stance.

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RocknRick

Thanks Jezzhuntin. I'll check out Daystar. Do you have issues slinging rocks across your new paint with your setup? I live on a gravel road, not good for rock chips, mud, etc.

SOhappy

If you just do a 1.5 or 2" from Tuff Country or Hell Bent Steel it'll cost you about $200 installed (don't do this one yourself, not worth it IMHO). No track bar, no new shocks required.

For the money, a modest level and airbags are about the best two mods out there on these trucks.

RocknRick

Thanks SOhappy. I'll check'em both out.

RocknRick

Jezzhuntin. Work Servers don't allow pics. Viewn thread at home. Nice lookn cummins diesel! I have a question or two. Really like your brush guard bumper. Who made it? Are you runnin BFG? Thanks

SOhappy

Ditto! Very nice looking truck Jezz...

Jezzhuntin

It's a Fab Fours. They are really pricey, but I did a lot of research and this is what I liked the best. It's fit and finish is awesome, I liked several other bumpers, but didn't like how far forward they stuck out. I had a Fusion on my 03, which held up great to the NW weather, rocks, etc. After 7 years it had no chips, rust or peeling.

I plan on keeping this truck another 10-11 yrs as I did with my 03, so I figured I better buy what I want and what will withstand abuse.

As far as rock chips, I can't fit front mud flaps as they will more than likely rub in certain situations. I am leaning towards having some of that clear 3m rocker panel put on the DS and PS side and see how it does, leery though as it will more than likely still dent, but at least won't cause rust after a rock chip. I am also considering to linex the rockers. These tires do not stick out as far as my 03 did, so I haven't thus far heard a lot of rocks smacking the side. I had chrome rocker panels on the 03 and granted they had some definite dings/dents, but held up extremely well and still looked good after 11 years. But I didn't want anymore chrome on this truck, already has too much.

So many decisions.

Oh.. No they are not BFG's. Toyo MT's

Ikeland

I Linex-ed my rocker panels myself. Turned out great, looks awesome and does the job. I just bought the Rustoleum brand do-it-yourself roll on bedliner. It's a two part mix and comes with everything you need to do it. Take a Saturday afternoon and do it yourself. The kit costs about $80 + a roll of wide blue painters tape.

First, strike a line with chaulk line (used in construction) right down the center of the rocker panel groove.

Next, run painters top along the top edge of that chaulked line. If you think you'll be sloppy with the brush and/or roller, add another row of tape to be safe.

Then just lightly scuff the area to be lined with the sanding block provided in the kit and go to town.

I actually did the same thing on my bed rails and all the plastic parts on the exterior of the truck (door handles, sideview mirror casings, bumper trims, tailgate handle, the plastic trim around the fog lights, and the "honey comb" grill) and it looks badass! When you grip the door handles to get in, and you feel that gritty lumpy feel, it just makes you feel like you're about to step foot in a real man's rig!

Ikeland

Oh, and for the doubters of the quality of the Wal-Mart product, I've had it on there for three years and it looks like I just did it yesterday. I'll be getting a bumper grill guard custom made that kinda looks like Jezzhuntin's and I'm gonna coat the entire thing that stuff after powder coating.

RocknRick

Thanks Jezz, Fab Fours will be on my wish list for now(wife wants basement finished) It's only been 10 years I have mud flaps, so I'm hoping 17" or 18" rims won't rub. Sorry about the questions. I noticed after the fact that you stated both answers in first post,with your signature Again, nice lookn Truck.
Take Care

Rick

RocknRick

Ikeland, Good info. I'd like to see some pics of your Truck. I'll look into Linex. Would love to get rid of the mud flaps! Thanks

Ikeland

[IMG]<a href="http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/Ikeland88/media/Truck_zpscf059d83.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag272/Ikeland88/Truck_zpscf059d83.jpg" border="0" alt="half photo Truck_zpscf059d83.jpg"/></a>[/IMG]

This is obviously my '03 half ton. But I'll be doing the exact mods on my new [to me] 2500 Cummins. Photos to follow. Sorry, it's a little hard to see the Linex from this photo. Would look better if the truck was silver instead of gray.

Jezzhuntin

Ikeland, you are way braver than me. No way I have the confidence to sand/tape /roll on do it yourself linex on my truck. But good for you. Your pictures don't show up.

Thanks to all on the compliments. I think it turned out pretty good. Although it seems we are never done. I am having some AMP steps installed in a week. It's just too tall and I am dragging my big but across my leather seats. Plus the wifey has to hike up her skirt to climb in showing all her jewels. So that is more the reason.

Ikeland

I don't mind doing that kind of stuff. I'm a general contractor and am pretty mechanically inclined and like to work with my hands. It's really not that hard. The hardest part is honestly just chaulking the line and that's only because you need two people lol