2017 Chevy Silverado 1500
Chevy introduced only a handful of changes for their 2017 SIlverado 1500, but most notably is the best-in-class towing capacity of up to 12,500lbs and a max payload of 2,250lbs when properly equipped. With three cab configurations, three bed lengths and eight trim levels, this model year offers extensive customisation. Coming as standard is a 4.3L 285 horsepower and 305lb-ft of torque V6 engine and six speed automatic transmission, with either rear or four-wheel drive. Either of the two available V8’s paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission is the better combination for towing and hauling: the 5.3L V8 standard on LTZ and High Country trim models produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft torque, while the 6.2L V8 outputs 420 horsepower and 460ft-lb of torque.
Enhance Off-Roading Utility
If you’re looking to take your Chevy out onto the trails, you’ll want to ensure you can easily clear rocks and tree stumps and reduce the likelihood of getting high-centered. A lift kit is one of the more common modifications to increase a Silverado’s off-roading utility, and whether you’re looking for a small bump in height or want to fully maximise your ground clearance, there are a range of different options to choose from.
- Levelling Kits: This type of kit will ‘level out' your truck, usually by raising the frontend (between 1-3.5inches) but keeping the factory height at the rear. This modification will allow you to install slightly larger tires - up to 33inches in some cases -- and at a reasonable price too. A levelling kit is most often a set of strut spacers that mount to the factory locations, for a straightforward install.
- Body Lift Kits: Body kits will also use blocks or spacers to elevate the whole body away from the frame, though the frame stays in the same position and does not affect ground clearance. This is a great option for Chevy’s owners who are looking for more of a cosmetic rather than functional mod.
- Suspension Lift Kits: Unlike the other two, a suspension kit will suspend the entire frame, including the engine and powertrain, in order to increase the distance between the chassis and the axles. These kits will swap out the shocks and front and rear leaf springs and thus add more height than a levelling or body lift kit, from between 2inches to a huge 9 inches in height. They can accommodate much larger tires as well, up to 37inches depending on the kit. The trade-off though is that this is the most expensive type of lift and more often than not is better suited to a professional installation.
When it comes to lift kits, a 4inch lift is pretty standard and won’t affect manoeuvrability or gas mileage. A 6-inch and above lift kit can be very costly, and in some states, may also be illegal.
Close the Gap on Lifted Rigs
Particularly useful for any lifted Silverado’s are the addition of wheel well liners, as they will conceal the gap between the truck body and frame that is created by a lift. Left uncovered, that gap will naturally attract dirt, mud and other debris that can potentially damage the wheel wells. Instead, a wheel well liner is a barrier that will effectively prevent any damage to your wheel wells while also helping to dampen road noise as you won’t feel any small stones or debris hitting bare metal. Manufactured from durable polyethylene, wheel well liners are molded into a single unit precision-cut for an exact fit. They are mounted to the stock holes in the wheel housing and are very straightforward to clean. Even for non-lifted rigs, wheel well liners provide extra protection, and a cleaner, more polished look.
