Blog

While there are some distinct advantages to shopping on the pre-owned market, customization isn’t usually one of them. Used vehicles can represent a real bargain, allowing you to enjoy models, trims, and features that might otherwise be outside of your budget, but if you want to build a bespoke ride, you might have to take matters into your own hands. more Say you’re on the hunt for a used Chevy Silverado for sale. Our inventory of pre-owned models might be a great starting point, but if you’re looking to create a one-of-a-kind pickup, you might have to supplement your used Silverado with a few aftermarket upgrades. From LED light bars and towing hitch receivers to tonneau covers, winches, and bed liners, aftermarket parts and accessories can transform a run-of-the-mill used pickup into your dream ride. While these components can go a long way toward improving a truck’s functionality and style, lift kits and upsized tires represent two of the most popular aftermarket upgrades for a Chevy Silverado. So, why are these enhancements so important, what are some of the potential downsides, and how much of an investment are they? We’ll explore all that and more as we take a quick look at some tire- and lift-related upgrades... Lifts Lift kits come in two distinct flavors: body lifts and suspension lifts. While they might sound similar, body and suspension lift kits employ a totally different approach when it comes to adding height. These differences are more than cosmetic, which is why it's so important to know what you're getting into before you take the plunge. Let’s compare and contrast body and suspension lift kits and finish up with a quick look at a third option in leveling kits... Body Lift Kits Cost: $100 to $750 (plus $200 to $600 for professional installation) Time: 2 to 7 hours Difficulty: Low Maximum Lift: 5 inches We’ll start with body lift kits, which represent the less expensive and drastic of the two systems. True to its name, a body lift kit simply elevates the body of the truck away from the frame by installing spacers or blocks between the two. These spacers or blocks can be made of plastic, metal, or urethane, but all have the same effect: lifting the body of the truck while keeping the frame at the factory height. Once the spacer or blocks are installed, the body and frame are rejoined with longer bolts in a process that typically adds between two to five inches of ride height. This added height doesn’t have an impact on a pickup’s overall ground clearance, so why bother with a body lift kit? For most drivers, it comes down to a matter of increased visibility and the ability to accommodate larger tires—and then there’s handling. While a suspension lift kit can have a big impact on ground clearance and off-road capability, it can present some real downsides in handling; a suspension lift kit will increase a vehicle’s body roll, which can not only cause oversteer or understeer but can also make for an uncomfortable ride. Body lift kits don’t present the same sort of body roll issues and also have less of an impact on a truck’s center of gravity. A three-inch body lift will only increase a vehicle’s center of gravity by 0.6 inches, whereas a three-inch suspension lift translates to a three-inch increase. A higher center of gravity can present some real issues regarding stability and rollover potential, which is another reason why it’s vital to choose wisely when weighing your lifting options. Suspension Lift Kits Cost: $300 to $2,000 (plus $400 to $2,500 for professional installation) Time: 10 to 15 hours Difficulty: High Maximum Lift: 12 inches If your goal is to maximize ground clearance, a suspension lift kit is the way to go. While suspension lift kits are a good deal more complex than their body lift counterparts, there’s no substitute for the advantages they can provide when it comes to improving a truck’s off-road capability. A suspension lift kit increases ride height and ground clearance by adding lengthier suspension components to the mix. These longer shocks and springs lift both the frame and the body of the truck, which confers a number of advantages to ensuring off-road success. A suspension lift kit not only allows for the installation of larger wheels and tires but also maximizes visibility and ride comfort while allowing for easier access to underbody components. That said, suspension lift kits can be a real project. Not only are they significantly more expensive than body lift kits, but they also often require drivers to simultaneously upgrade a number of related components like the driveshaft, brake lines, and exhaust. As we mentioned above, a suspension lift kit can also have a noticeable impact on handling and safety with increases to both a vehicle’s body roll and center of gravity. While these might be deal-breakers for some drivers, others will see them as a small price to pay for the ability to add as much as a foot to a truck’s ground clearance. Leveling Kits We should also take a moment to mention leveling kits, which represent a more affordable alternative to the standard suspension and body, with an average price of around $250. Of course, this affordability does come with its downsides. While body and suspension lift kits can increase a vehicle’s overall height, leveling kits are a little more limited. Like a suspension lift kit, leveling kits do improve ground clearance and allow for upsized tires, but as the name implies, they’re only really intended to level the height between a truck’s front and rear end. Leveling kits are typically limited to two inches of lift or less, making them a slightly less practical—if cheaper—substitute for a body or suspension lift kit. Tires Throwing a new set of tires on your pre-owned Chevy Silverado is one of the easiest upgrades in the book. Whether you’re looking to make a switch for performance- or style-related surprises, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a new set of tires for your Chevy Silverado. From tire size and type to the long-running debate between up-sizing and plus-sizing, we’ll examine a few factors you’ll need to consider when swapping out the tires on your Chevy Silverado. Tire Size The first and most obvious factor when choosing a new set of tires is to make sure they’re going to fit. Most drivers are familiar with the recommended factory tire size, which can be found stamped into a tire’s sidewall, displayed in the owner’s manual, or displayed on the door jamb sticker along with correct inflation, tow rating, and other relevant information. A typical tire size might read something like P 255/70R17—but what does that jumble of letters and words mean? We’ll start with the letter P, which is short for passenger. Most of today’s cars, trucks, and SUVs come with P-rated tires, which, while grippy and comfortable, don’t hold up so well in off-road scenarios. If you need a more rugged sort of rubber, you might consider switching the factory P tires for a Light Truck (LT) set, which offers some real benefits when it comes to stiffness, weight capacity, and off-road performance. As far as the rest of the tire size code goes, the number 255 refers to the tire’s width in millimeters, while 70 indicates the aspect ratio of the tire’s sidewall. R points to radial construction while the number 17 indicates the diameter of the wheel the tire should be affixed to. When choosing new tires, drivers need to make sure they match the recommended size unless they’re also performing a body or suspension lift that will allow for a larger set. Tire Type Drivers have three choices when it comes to aftermarket tires. All-terrain (A/T) tires are the most popular and versatile choice, offering well-rounded performance for both on- and off-road driving. Want to use your Chevy Silverado as both a daily driver and a weekend adventure rig? All-terrain tires are probably the way to go. If you’re trying to build a dedicated off-road rig, mud-terrain (M/T) tires should be a good fit. These tires put an emphasis on traction, which can come in handy when you’re navigating dirt, mud, gravel, and sand. Mud-terrain tires are built with a more aggressive tread pattern than all-terrain tires, allowing them to offer superior grip no matter what the trail might throw at you. Finally, there are highway terrain (H/T) tires. If you’re the type of driver who rarely finds themself wandering off the beaten path, H/T tires are a solid choice. Featuring the least aggressive tread pattern of the three options mentioned here, H/T tires emphasize efficiency and ride comfort above all else. Plus-Sizing vs Up-Sizing The ability to install a new set of larger tires is one of the major advantages of performing a suspension or body lift. The added ride height allows drivers to up-size their tires, allowing their truck to ride on bigger tires than it could otherwise accommodate. While larger tires offer some substantial benefits for traction and increased ride height, there are also some disadvantages to the practice. Up-sizing can reduce fuel economy and cause certain powertrain and brake components to wear out at an accelerated rate. Larger tires often require a vehicle’s speedometer to be reprogrammed, as the larger diameter can lead to an inaccurate reading. If you’re looking to change the appearance of your tires and wheels without performing a suspension or body lift, consider a little plus-sizing. This practice involves installing larger-diameter wheels coupled with lower-profile tires, which can dramatically alter the appearance of your ride without actually requiring increased clearance. Plus-sizing doesn’t provide the same off-road benefits as up-sizing, and while it improves cornering and handling, it’s most often performed as a pure appearance upgrade. In the Market for Mods? The Chevy Silverado is already one of the most rugged, capable, and reliable full-size pickups on the market, so why bother with upgrades? It all comes down to customization. With the Silverado series, Chevy has provided drivers with a blank canvas that presents the perfect starting point to create the pickup of your dreams. Are you looking for a little extra visibility without breaking the bank? A body lift kit is one affordable option. If off-road success is a priority, a suspension lift kit can go a long way toward helping you achieve your goals, improving ground clearance while allowing you to install larger, grippier tires. Up-sizing your tires can have a similar effect, while plus-sizing will lend your Silverado a stylish new look. Activity-specific mud-terrain or highway-terrain tires can improve off-road performance or efficiency and ride comfort, while a leveling kit can improve ground clearance at a fraction of the cost of a pricey suspension lift. It’s hard to improve on the time-tested Silverado formula, but a few mods can make all the difference in crafting your one-of-a-kind pickup.

When it comes to versatility and accomplishing nearly impossible tasks, many drivers have come to rely on the Chevy Silverado 1500 as the gold standard of capability. From pulling trailers across state lines and employing this pickup on job sites as the ideal workhorse, there’s very little that the 2024 Silverado 1500 can’t accomplish when it’s put to the test. more If you’re looking for an affordable vehicle that can deliver the goods, then a new or used Chevy Silverado for sale will surely be the best tool for the job. Today, we’ll be breaking down what each variation of the Silverado 1500 can tow based on powertrain and drive configuration; this way, you can judge what incarnation of Chevy’s flagship product will suit you best. Towing Capacities By Powertrain The 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 has four different powertrain options, each with unique advantages regarding towing capacity. Right now, we'll be taking the time to break down each one and their capabilities. Later on, we’ll review the different packages that you can employ to enhance your towing experience with the Silverado 1500. 2.7L TurboMax As the standard engine on the Silverado 1500, the newly rechristened “TurboMax” delivers a turbocharged punch in the performance factor with 310 hp and the capability to generate 430 lb-ft of torque. Its best workplace capabilities are when your pickup is equipped with 2WD, as it possesses this model's highest payload rating of 2,260 lbs, and it can easily pull 9,500 lbs. Even with 4WD, this vehicle is still highly capable, with a towing capacity of 9,300 lbs and a slightly diminished payload capacity of 2,140 lbs. The TurboMax engine is the only one of the four to be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as the others will have a ten-speed automatic, getting you noticeably smoother shifting between gears. 5.3L V8 The first of two V8 engines available on the 2024 Silverado 1500, the 5.3L V8 has the second highest amount of power output (at 355 hp) and can pull 11,300 lbs in 2WD or 11,000 lbs when equipped with 4WD. Drivers looking for a higher towing rating than the TurboMax will be pleased with the 5.3L V8, and it still gets a significant payload limit as it can hold 2,180 lbs in 2WD or 2,110 lbs in 4WD. It’s the perfect combination of towing prowess and payload with ample performance. 6.2L V8 The second available V8 for the 2024 Silverado 1500 is heavy on power, with 420 hp and the ability to generate 460 lb-ft of torque. While the 6.2L V8 is a 4WD-exclusive vehicle, it has the highest towing capacity of the three gas-fueled engines, with a maximum rating of 13,300 lbs. While it can still provide a decent payload of 1,980 lbs, it has the second-lightest capability of the four engines. The 6.2L V8 is perfectly formulated for high performance and exceptional towing strength. 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel Diesel powertrains have been enjoying a renaissance in the past several years, much of which is owed to GM’s 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel six-cylinder, a highly capable piece of machinery that generates 305 hp and an impressive 495 lb-ft of torque. Despite having the lowest payload limits of this model—at 1,970 lbs in 2WD or 1,960 in 4WD—its towing prowess matches the 6.2L V8 with the ability to pull 13,300 lbs in 2WD or 13,300 lbs in 4WD. The Duramax is ideal for drivers with plenty to tow and long distances to travel, as it offers exceptional fuel economy. Chevy's Max Trailering Package If towing and trailering are what you live for, then it's imperative that you have the right equipment for any job. The Max Trailering package is one of the best things you could consider when upgrading your 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500. Not only does this outfit make your vehicle a more powerful workhorse from the ground up, but the towing capabilities of each powertrain option are expanded. One of the additions to the Silverado 1500 that heightens its performance is a rear automatic locking differential that forces both rear wheels to run in unison. As any experienced tower attests, this ability is invaluable when exerting control while hauling or carrying a heavy load through tenuous, soft, unsteady ground. Other notable adjustments to this truck include tuned shock absorbers, a heftier rear axle, an enhanced radiator (to relieve some of the pressure on the engine while in use), and a trailer brake controller to allow for safer and more efficient transportation. Increase Your GCWR Rating Knowing your vehicle's GCWR is one of the most critical items when doing any towing task. The GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is the total combined weight of the truck, trailer, and passengers. Knowing this allows you to comprehend how much total weight your vehicle can handle, which is imperative when you're coming close to that figure. With the Max Trailering package and 20-inch wheels, the 2.7L four-cylinder version’s GCWR increases from 14,000 to 14,500 lbs. To maximize the towing limit of 9,500 lbs, a Regular Cab, long bed, and 2WD are required. The 5.3L V8 considerably improves its GVWR with the Max Trailering package, increasing from 15,000 to 16,800 lbs. To pull its maximum weight of 11,300 lbs, a Double or Crew Cab and 2WD are required. As previously mentioned, the 6.2L V8 and 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engines grant the most potent towing strength. Opting for the Max Trailering package with either of these extends capability far beyond expectation. The GCWR of the Silverado 1500—when equipped with a 6.2L V8—goes from 15,000 to 17,800 lbs, and an RST trim with 20-inch wheels further increases this capacity to 19,100 lbs. Both the short and standard bed of the Crew Cab can pull 13,200 lbs, and a standard double bed can pull 13,300 lbs with minimal difficulty. As for the 3.0L Duramax, its GCWR rating (with the Max Trailering package) is nearly identical to the specs of the 6.2L V8 with the RST trim, being 19,000 lbs compared to 19,200 lbs. When equipped with the Max Trailering package and 20-inch wheels, the Duramax outfit is easily the most accessible for getting the best towing ratings. With a short bed, 2WD, and Crew or Double Cab configuration, you'll get 13,300 lbs of towing capacity, making the Duramax the ideal means of towing prowess. Towing Has Never Been Easier Than With the Chevy Silverado 1500 In an age where many manufacturers have taken to streamlining their lineup, Chevy still cares that diverse drivers have diverse needs, especially when it comes to towing and trailering. Thus, you can turn the 2024 Silverado 1500 into a lean, mean towing machine with the right engine and the Max Trailering package. Getting into a Chevy Silverado 1500 and hitching your load is easy when you shop with the experts at North Park Chevrolet. We have new and used versions of the Silverado 1500, as well as larger, heavy-duty Silverado models and the midsize Chevy Colorado. We know you have a lot of hard work ahead of you, and we want to work extra hard to ensure that you get into the pickup truck that'll allow you to accomplish what other trucks might find impossible.