Nothing Fancy Here...

Hey fellas, let me start off by saying that I am known to write novels in threads & I'm an engineer so I overthink everything, but I am a HUGE gearhead and can't leave anything stock.

I sold my Audi, drove 2 hours away to trade in my Silverado on a '23 MGM Platinum Non TRD. I had my family with me, so our first experience with the truck was a 2 hour road trip home.

I will say that compared to the 2 cars I had, the stock ride on this truck is awesome! I travel a decent amount for work and family road trips so I want something comfortable, but I want rugged looking (the stock geolanders definitely are not).

Here is a pic of the day I got her...

 

Congrats and welcome! This is a good place to learn about your truck and all the things you don’t need but will spend your money on.

 

As I type this, I have owned the truck exactly 1 week... I couldn't help myself so I found a good deal and picked up a set of 3rd gen TRD OR red bilsteins (300 miles on them) and a black Westcott kit.

I am really torn on what to do with the suspension. I have read so many reviews on Westcott and others that my head is swimming. Again, I am focused on a comfortable ride with a rugged look. So I am thinking about a subtle leveling kit and some lightweight/quiet all terrains.

Ready for my analysis paralysis?

• I have the standard black shocks, I figured the red shocks would be valved better (found a thread on this but it died years ago)
• I don't have to use the full Westcott kit, I could use the top spacer only or the preload collar only (but the preload collar would impact ride quality?)
• I've seen the cognito motorsports feedback and leveling kit which is interesting to me (they call out Westcott in their description)
• Run a mild AT tire because this truck will see pavement, grass fields (soccer dad), maybe not even a load range E to help with ride.
• Keep stock wheels, I like them
• Add some 20mm spacers depending on look after tires
• 34-35" tire (I know there are a few different tire size options)

I know I can fit a larger tire at stock height, and I might try this first so I can see how to adjust for the look/performance I want.

Talk to me fellas... thoughts?

 

They get some hate, but if you’re happy with the suspension, a spacer lift/level is a good option. That will give you 50-100k miles to figure out your next steps (exactly which full suspension lift you want to go with) while you use up the OEM suspension.

 

A member here hooked me up with his spacers and OR suspension. Very generous of him. I believe this is a 2” spacer lift. I am running 18” Icon wheels and Toyo tires. Mileage took a hit, but not as bad as expected. I love the look and am still exploring options for a full lift. But this is doing the job and am very happy with the look and ride. Take your time. I went back and forth between just swapping out my tires, to wanting to do a full suspension swap, to ending in just doing the blocks.

 

Load range E tires will have a very stiff sidewall. So it's going to reduce the plush ride you're looking for.

As far as tires my vote is for KO3's in load range C.

 

Following this thread as I’m in the exact same boat. Ive been considering Bilstein adjustable up front to add 2”. Then a cornfed rear spacer 1” in rear. They make one specifically for the auto leveling rear that I’m guessing you have like me.

https://cornfedsuspension.com/cornfedtundrarears/

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

 

Welcome to Tundra life. You must be a different breed from the engineers i deal with. Civils!!!!

 

Welcome, & nothing fancy here either. I don't like stickers & decals etc. Just plain Jane. 1.5" level on front, 1/2" in rear.

 

Yeah, I know that 10 ply is going to be stiff. I do pull a trailer with my SxS's and my boat, so I need some decent load bearing capacity.

Ha, I am the regional manager for a civil firm. I hope you don't think any less of me now!

 

Wellll....maybe because I've only been working fresh batch of engineers!!!! They will get better.