Real-World Owner Feedback on the BDS 2-Inch Leveling Kit for the 2022 GMC Sierra

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 is a capable truck straight from the factory, but many owners push it further into off-road territory. One of the most common modifications to improve its trail manners is adding a leveling kit. Among the options, BDS Suspension has a strong reputation for quality. But does their 2-inch leveling kit genuinely translate to better off-road performance? We dug into detailed feedback from Sierra owners who have installed this specific kit on their 2022 models to separate hype from real-world results.

This article compiles their experiences, examines the engineering behind the kit, and outlines considerations you need to know before Bolting one on. We focus on measurable improvements in ground clearance, approach angles, tire fitment, and overall handling on uneven terrain.

What the BDS 2-Inch Leveling Kit Actually Does

Before jumping into owner reviews, it helps to understand the hardware. The BDS 2-inch leveling kit for the 2022 GMC Sierra (models with independent front suspension) replaces the factory strut spacers or preload spacers to lift the front of the truck by exactly two inches. This brings the front bumper height in line with the rear, eliminating the factory rake. Key components typically include:

  • Precision-machined aluminum or steel spacer blocks
  • Extended hardware (bolts, nuts, washers) for proper fitment
  • Instruction manual with torque specs and alignment recommendations

The kit does not replace the shocks or springs; it simply repositions the strut assembly to gain lift. BDS uses high-grade materials and includes a limited lifetime warranty, which many owners cite as a trust factor. The design maintains factory suspension geometry as much as possible, but as we'll see, alignment adjustments are necessary.

For a deeper look at the manufacturer’s specs, see BDS's official product page for the 2022 GMC Sierra leveling kit.

Owner-Reported Gains in Off-Road Performance

Measurable Ground Clearance Improvement

The most praised benefit across multiple forums and review sites is the increased clearance under the front differential, lower control arms, and steering components. Owners report that after installation, the front axle center sits about 1.8 to 2 inches higher than stock. One detailed review from a Sierra owner on GM-Trucks.com noted:

“Before, my front bumper would scrape on moderate two-track roads. With the BDS leveling kit, I now have enough room to tackle deep ruts without feeling like I’m dragging the belly. The skid plate still hits occasionally, but the frame and oil pan are much safer.”

Several owners who run rocky trails in Moab or the Rockies specifically mentioned that the extra clearance let them pick better lines without worrying about high-centering the front end.

Approach Angle and Departure Angle Enhancement

Another consistent finding is the improvement in approach angle. The 2022 Sierra has a factory approach angle of around 20-21 degrees. Lifting the front by two inches increases that angle by roughly 2-3 degrees, depending on tire size. Owners climbing steep ledges or loose gravel hills experienced fewer bumper strikes. One guy on a Sierra owner’s Facebook group wrote:

“I used to have to two-foot every steep entry. Now I can crawl over obstacles without the front end hitting. The BDS kit made a real difference for technical crawling.”

While departure angle is less affected by a front-only level, some owners also pair the kit with a rear lift block or add-a-leaf for a full 2-inch lift to improve rear clearance. But even alone, the front lift helps on downhill transitions.

Tire Clearance and Traction Upgrades

Leveling the front creates room for larger tires, which is a primary goal for off-roaders. Most owners report that a 2-inch level allows fitting 33-inch tires (e.g., 275/60R20 or 285/70R17) with minimal rubbing on the stock wheels. Some even squeezed 34-inch tires with minor trimming or aftermarket wheels with different offset. The payoff is better traction on loose surfaces and a more aggressive footprint. One owner who installed 295/70R18 tires stated:

“Going from the stock 32s to 33.6-inch mud-terrains after the leveling kit transformed the truck on sand and mud. I can air down to 20 psi without worrying about sidewall damage. The BDS kit gave me the tire clearance I needed.”

Larger tires also increase the effective ground clearance of the differential, compounding the benefit. However, owners cautioned that tire weight and size affect braking and acceleration slightly—more on that later.

Suspension Articulation and Ride Quality

Contrary to some cheap leveling kits that cause a harsh ride, many owners found the BDS kit maintains good ride quality. Because it uses a spacer above the strut rather than compressing the spring beyond design limits, the suspension geometry stays close to stock. Several owners reported that the off-road ride became slightly firmer but still composed over washboards. One long-distance overlander noted:

“I drove 500 miles of dirt roads in Baja. The kit kept the front end from bottoming out on whoops, and the truck felt planted. The improvement in articulation was noticeable—the front tire now droops enough to keep contact on uneven trails.”

That said, articulation gains are modest compared to a full long-travel suspension system. Some owners with heavy front bumpers or winches noted the front squats a bit more under load, so they recommend heavier-duty springs or the BDS extended-travel coilovers for serious rock crawling.

Installation and Alignment Considerations

Owner reviews highlight that installation is manageable for a skilled DIYer but requires proper tools and a good alignment afterward. Many opted for a professional install costing $200-$400. The most common post-install note: get a front-end alignment immediately. BDS provides alignment specs, but owners found that the camber and caster needed adjustment to prevent premature tire wear. Some shops didn’t have the right specs for a raised 2022 Sierra, so bringing a printout of BDS’s recommended alignment helped.

Another consideration is that the leveling kit may slightly increase the load on the CV axles, especially at full droop. Owners who frequently run at full suspension extension on extreme climbs reported accelerated CV boot wear. This is a known trade-off of using a spacer-leveled suspension. BDS addresses this by recommending that the truck not be lifted more than 2 inches without also modifying the upper control arms. Some owners upgraded to aftermarket UCAs for added clearance and improved ball joint angles.

For a detailed installation guide, BDS provides installation instructions for all their kits.

Comparing the BDS 2-Inch Kit to Other Leveling Kits

Owner feedback often compares BDS to budget brands like Rough Country or Zone. The consensus: BDS materials and machining are superior. The aluminum spacers are anodized, and the hardware is zinc-plated, resisting corrosion in salt environments. Owners with trucks driven in winter climates appreciated that the BDS bolts didn’t rust after a few years. Additionally, the BDS limited lifetime warranty covers the spacers and hardware against defects, which budget kits rarely offer.

However, some owners noted that the BDS kit is more expensive (around $150-$250 versus $60-$100 for basic spacers). The extra cost is justified by the peace of mind and ease of installation—the supplied hardware fits perfectly and the instructions are clear. One owner said: “I’d rather pay for quality than have a spacer crack on a rough trail.”

Potential Downsides and Compromises

No modification is without trade-offs. Here are the most common complaints from 2022 GMC Sierra owners after installing the BDS leveling kit:

Fuel Economy Hit

Many owners reported a drop of 1-2 mpg, mainly due to the added frontal area and larger tires. The leveling kit itself adds negligible weight, but the combination of larger rubber and altered aerodynamics (the truck sits more nose-up) reduces efficiency. Owners driving mostly highway noticed it more than those doing mixed driving.

Headlight Aim Changes

Lifting the front raises the headlight beam pattern. Several owners had to re-aim their LED headlights downward to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. This is an easy adjustment, but it’s frequently overlooked. BDS includes a note about it in their instructions.

Increased NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness)

With larger tires, road noise increases. Some owners reported a slight vibration at highway speeds if the alignment wasn’t perfect. This is not specific to BDS but is a common result of leveling any independent suspension truck.

Warranty Concerns

While the BDS kit itself is warrantied, installing it may affect the factory warranty on suspension components. Many owners reported that their dealerships didn’t void the warranty as long as the installation was done properly and didn’t cause damage. Still, it’s worth checking with your dealer.

Real Owner Quotes: Who Should Buy This Kit?

We sifted through dozens of reviews on sites like Silverado Sierra Forum, Reddit’s r/gmctrucks, and product pages. The consensus recommendation from owners:

  • For weekend trail runners and overlanders: The BDS 2-inch leveling kit is an excellent value. It improves off-road capability without breaking the bank or ruining on-road manners.
  • For daily drivers who want a better stance: It works great but be prepared for the tire upgrade to really transform the look and performance. Many owners said the level alone isn’t enough; pairing it with 33-inch all-terrains is the sweet spot.
  • For hardcore rock crawlers: Consider a full lift with upgraded control arms and shocks. The spacer kit has its limits in articulation and droop travel.

One owner summarized it well: “If you want a truck that looks mean, drives well, and actually works off-road for 90% of the trails you’ll encounter, the BDS leveling kit is the way to go. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s the right way to do a simple lift.”

Conclusion: Is the BDS 2-Inch Leveling Kit a Good Investment for Off-Road Performance?

Based on real owner reviews, the answer is a clear yes—within reason. The BDS 2-inch leveling kit delivers tangible improvements in ground clearance, approach angle, and tire clearance on the 2022 GMC Sierra. It transforms the truck’s off-road demeanor, especially when paired with larger, more aggressive tires. The quality of the kit is widely praised, and installation is straightforward with basic tools and alignment.

However, it is not a magic bullet. It does not turn a stock Sierra into a trophy truck. Owners should anticipate minor compromises in fuel economy, the need for headlight adjustment, and possible CV joint wear over the long term. For the vast majority of off-road enthusiasts who venture on moderate trails, forest roads, and overland trips, this kit offers an excellent cost-to-benefit ratio. If you are in that group, the BDS 2-inch leveling kit is a smart upgrade that has earned its positive reputation.