Choosing the Best Lift Kit for a 2019–2023 GMC Sierra 1500

Start Here: What Size Lift Kit Is Best for a 2019–2023 GMC Sierra 1500?

Before choosing a brand or shock package, start with lift height.

2-Inch Lift / Leveling Kit: Best for Daily Driving and Mild Off-Road Use

A 2-inch lift or leveling kit is ideal if you want a cleaner stance without dramatically changing the truck. This is a great option for daily drivers, highway commuters, light trail use, cottage roads, gravel roads, winter driving, and customers who want improved ride quality without going to a full crossmember lift.

A strong premium option is the BDS 2-Inch Lift Kit with FOX 2.0 Snap Ring Struts for 2019–2023 Chevy Silverado / GMC Sierra 1500 4WD. This kit is designed as a premium leveling system and includes BDS tubular upper control arms, high-strength ball joints, FOX Performance Series front coilovers, and FOX rear shocks. It provides a 2-inch front lift while keeping the rear at factory height, making it a great choice for customers who want performance without excessive height.

Best for: daily drivers, mild off-road use, better stance, premium ride quality, and customers who want FOX suspension without a tall lift.

3.5-Inch Lift Kits: The Best Balance for Most Sierra 1500 Owners

For many 2019–2023 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, a 3.5-inch lift kit is the sweet spot. It gives the truck a noticeably more aggressive stance, improves ground clearance, and allows for larger tire fitment without going as tall as a 6-inch system.

The Rough Country 3.5-Inch Lift Kit with N3 Struts for 2019–2023 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD/4WD is a strong all-around choice. It includes forged aluminum upper control arms to help correct suspension geometry, POM (Polyoxymethylene) ball joints for improved range of motion, fabricated rear blocks, and Rough Country N3 shocks. Rough Country lists this kit as providing a 3.5-inch front lift and 2.5-inch rear lift, with tire clearance up to 295/55R20.

For customers who want a more premium shock package, the Rough Country 3.5-Inch Lift Kit with Vertex/V2 for 2019–2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offers the same practical lift height but with a more performance-focused shock setup. This is a better fit for owners who spend more time on rough roads, trails, logging roads, washboard surfaces, or mixed highway/off-road driving.

The Rough Country 3.5-Inch Lift Kit with M1 Struts/M1 for Mono Leaf Rear GMC Sierra 1500 is another important option, especially because some Sierra 1500 configurations require attention to rear leaf spring style. This product is built for specific crew cab short bed Sierra 1500 models and offers similar 3.5-inch lift benefits, forged aluminum control arms, POM ball joints, and fabricated rear blocks.

Important 3.5-Inch Fitment Notes

Fitment matters on 2019–2023 Sierra 1500 trucks. Some 3.5-inch Rough Country kits do not fit AT4 models because AT4 trucks already come with a factory 2-inch lift. Some also do not fit Denali or Denali Ultimate models because those trims are equipped with Adaptive Ride Control. Diesel fitment may also be restricted depending on the strut package. Always confirm year, trim, engine, suspension type, cab configuration, bed length, and whether the truck has Adaptive Ride Control before ordering.

Best for: daily drivers, weekend trail use, bigger tire fitment, aggressive stance, overland/camping builds, and customers who want more than a level but less than a 6-inch lift.

Adaptive Ride Control / Denali Lift Kit Option

Denali and Denali Ultimate models require extra care because many standard lift kits do not fit Adaptive Ride Control trucks. For these models, the Rough Country 3.5-Inch Lift Kit for Adaptive Ride Control Chevy/GMC 1500 is designed specifically for trucks equipped with Adaptive Ride Control.

This kit provides a 3.5-inch front lift and 2-inch rear lift, includes strut spacers, upper control arms, POM ball joints, rear fabricated blocks, U-bolts, and hardware. It is intended for models with Adaptive Ride Control and is a great option for Denali owners looking for a lifted stance with the right kit configuration.

Best for: Denali and Denali Ultimate owners who want a lifted stance while keeping the correct Adaptive Ride Control-compatible kit.

4-Inch Lift Kits: Best for GMC AT4 Owners and Mid-Height Builds

A 4-inch lift kit is a great choice for owners who want more height and tire clearance than a 3.5-inch kit, but do not want the full size, cost, or installation complexity of a 6-inch lift. For GMC AT4 owners, this category is especially important because AT4 trucks already come with a factory lift and require AT4-specific kits.

The Rough Country 4-Inch Lift Kit for AT4 / Trail Boss with N3 Struts is designed for 2019–2023 Chevy/GMC 1500 AT4 and Trail Boss applications. It lifts and levels the truck and includes pre-loaded coils, cast knuckles, front and rear crossmembers, a skid plate, fabricated blocks, and N3 shocks.

For a more premium Rough Country setup, the Rough Country 4-Inch Lift Kit for AT4 / Trail Boss with M1/M1 upgrades the shock package while keeping the same practical 4-inch AT4/Trail Boss lift layout. This is a better option for drivers who want improved ride control compared to a basic shock package.

For customers who want Rough Country’s more advanced ride quality, the Rough Country 4-Inch Lift Kit for AT4 / Trail Boss with Vertex/V2 is the better choice for rougher terrain, more demanding off-road use, and buyers who want a stronger performance suspension feel.

BDS also offers strong 4-inch AT4 options. The BDS 4-Inch Lift Kit for Chevy Trail Boss / GMC AT4 1500 includes a high-clearance crossmember design, upper control arms, steel crossmembers, differential relocation brackets, skid plates, steering knuckles, replacement tie rod ends, sway bar drops, CV spacers, rear lift blocks, U-bolts, and shock options.

For an upgraded BDS performance option, the BDS 4-Inch Lift Kit with FOX 2.5 Coil-Overs for Chevy Trail Boss / GMC AT4 adds FOX 2.5 coilovers with remote reservoirs for better heat control, off-road comfort, and performance over rough terrain.

Best for: GMC AT4 builds, 35-inch tire setups, aggressive daily drivers, weekend off-road trucks, and customers who want a serious stance without jumping to a 6-inch system.

6-Inch Lift Kits: Best for Maximum Stance, Clearance, and 35-Inch Tire Builds

A 6-inch lift kit is the right choice for Sierra 1500 owners who want the biggest visual transformation, the most clearance, and a true lifted truck stance. This is the best category for customers who want 35-inch tires, a show-style truck, a trail/camping build with maximum clearance, or a more aggressive wheel and tire setup.

The BDS 6-Inch Lift Kit for 2019–2023 Chevy Silverado / GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Gas is a strong foundation for a serious build. It uses a crossmember lift design with high-clearance steel crossmembers, differential relocation brackets, skid plates, steering knuckles, replacement tie rod ends, sway bar drops, CV spacers, rear lift blocks, U-bolts, and shock options.

For a higher-performance 6-inch setup, the BDS 6-Inch Lift Kit with FOX 2.5 Performance Elite Coil-Overs is the premium choice. It includes FOX 2.5 Performance Elite coilovers, high-clearance crossmembers, skid plates, steering knuckles, replacement tie rod ends, rear lift blocks, and FOX rear shocks.

Important 6-Inch Fitment Notes

Many 6-inch lift kits are more involved than smaller lift or leveling systems. Depending on the kit, installation may require cutting, drilling, frame bracket modification, aftermarket wheel requirements, and professional alignment. Some kits also do not fit models equipped with Adaptive Ride Control. Always confirm your truck’s trim and suspension package before ordering.

Best for: 35-inch tire builds, aggressive stance, lifted street trucks, trail builds, overland/camping trucks, and customers who want maximum visual impact.

Rough Country vs BDS: Which Brand Should You Choose?

Rough Country Lift Kits

Rough Country is a strong option for customers who want value, style, practical tire clearance, and a wide range of shock packages. For the 2019–2023 GMC Sierra 1500, Rough Country offers 3.5-inch options for standard Sierra models and 4-inch options for AT4/Trail Boss trucks.

Choose Rough Country if you want:

• A strong price-to-feature ratio
• Multiple shock options such as N3, M1, V2, and Vertex
• A clean daily-driver or weekend trail setup
• A kit focused on stance, clearance, and practical off-road use
• A 3.5-inch lift for a standard Sierra 1500
• A 4-inch lift for an AT4

The Rough Country GMC Sierra 1500 lift kit collection is a great place to compare available Rough Country options.

BDS Suspension Lift Kits

BDS is a strong choice for customers who want a more heavy-duty crossmember lift system, premium suspension geometry correction, FOX shock options, and higher-end off-road performance. BDS kits often include high-clearance crossmembers, skid plates, steering knuckles, differential relocation, and FOX shock upgrades depending on the kit.

Choose BDS if you want:

• A premium suspension system
• Strong off-road protection
• FOX 2.0, FOX 2.5, or FOX Performance Elite shock options
• A 4-inch AT4 kit with more serious hardware
• A 6-inch lift kit for a major stance and tire upgrade
• Better support for rough roads, trail use, and heavier off-road driving

You can compare all available options in the BDS Suspension GMC Sierra 1500 lift kit collection.

Zone Offroad and Other Brands

For shoppers who want another reliable route, the Zone Offroad GMC Sierra 1500 lift kit collection is worth browsing. Zone is often a good fit for customers looking for dependable lift systems at a practical price point.

Performance-focused shoppers can also browse Eibach, Belltech, ICON, MaxTrac, and Rancho lift kit options, depending on whether they want ride quality, handling, leveling, stance, or off-road performance.

Best GMC Sierra 1500 Lift Kit by Use Case

Best for Daily Driving

For daily driving, the best choice is usually a 2-inch or 3.5-inch kit. These give the truck a better stance without making it overly tall or difficult to live with.

• BDS 2-Inch Lift Kit with FOX 2.0 Snap Ring Struts
• Rough Country 3.5-Inch Lift Kit with N3 Struts

Best for Weekend Trails and Cottage Roads

For mild-to-moderate off-road use, a 3.5-inch kit with upgraded control arms and better shocks is a great setup. It improves clearance while keeping the truck practical.

• Rough Country 3.5-Inch Lift Kit with Vertex/V2
• Rough Country 3.5-Inch Lift Kit with M1 Struts/M1

Best for GMC AT4 Owners

Because the AT4 already has a factory 2-inch lift, AT4 owners should choose an AT4-specific kit.

• Rough Country 4-Inch Lift Kit AT4/Trail Boss with N3 Struts
• Rough Country 4-Inch Lift Kit AT4/Trail Boss with M1/M1
• BDS 4-Inch Lift Kit for GMC AT4 1500
• BDS 4-Inch Lift Kit with FOX 2.5 Coil-Overs

Best for Denali / Adaptive Ride Control

Denali owners need to be careful because many GMC Denali and Denali Ultimate trucks are equipped with Adaptive Ride Control, so they require a compatible lift kit.

• Rough Country 3.5-Inch Lift Kit for Adaptive Ride Control Chevy/GMC 1500

Best for 35-Inch Tires

For 35-inch tires, a 4-inch AT4 kit or 6-inch standard Sierra kit is usually the right direction, depending on your truck model and wheel setup.

• Rough Country 4-Inch Lift Kit AT4/Trail Boss with N3 Struts
• BDS 4-Inch Lift Kit for GMC AT4 1500
• BDS 6-Inch Lift Kit for GMC Sierra 1500
• BDS 6-Inch Lift Kit with FOX 2.5 Performance Elite Coil-Overs

Best for High-Speed Rough Roads

If your truck sees fast gravel roads, rough backroads, desert-style terrain, washboard surfaces, or long-distance off-road driving, prioritize shock performance.

• BDS 6-Inch Lift Kit with FOX 2.5 Performance Elite Coil-Overs
• BDS 4-Inch Lift Kit with FOX 2.5 Coil-Overs for AT4
• BDS 3.5-Inch Lift Kit with FOX Factory Race 3.0 IBP Coilovers

The BDS 3.5-inch FOX Factory Race 3.0 IBP kit is one of the highest-performance options available for non-Trail Boss / non-AT4 GM 1500 trucks. It includes FOX Factory Race Series 3.0 Internal Bypass coilovers, rear 3.0 IBP shocks, heavy-duty tubular upper control arms, DSC adjustment, and internal bypass technology designed to improve damping control in rough terrain.

Tire and Wheel Fitment: What to Know Before Ordering

Lift height is only part of the equation. Tire size, wheel width, offset, backspacing, trim level, and suspension package all affect fitment.

• Some kits require aftermarket wheels.
• Some kits do not allow factory 17-inch or 18-inch wheels to be reused.
• Some 4-inch and 6-inch kits require frame bracket modification.
• Some kits do not fit Adaptive Ride Control.
• Some kits do not fit AT4, AT4X, Denali, diesel, or 2019 Classic models.
• Tire clearance can depend heavily on wheel offset and backspacing.
• Minor trimming may be required with wider tires or aggressive wheel offsets.

Before ordering, confirm your truck’s year, trim, drivetrain, engine, suspension package, cab size, bed length, and whether it has Adaptive Ride Control, composite leaf springs, mono-leaf rear springs, or factory lift components.

Final Recommendation: Which Lift Kit Should You Buy?

For most 2019–2023 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, the best overall choice is a 3.5-inch lift kit. It gives the truck a more aggressive stance, adds practical ground clearance, and keeps the build daily-driver friendly.

For AT4 owners, a 4-inch AT4-specific kit is usually the best path because the truck already comes with a factory lift. Rough Country is a great choice for value and stance, while BDS is ideal for customers who want a more premium crossmember system and FOX shock options.

For customers who want the biggest look and clearance for 35-inch tires, a 6-inch BDS lift kit is the strongest choice. If budget allows, the FOX 2.5 Performance Elite version is the premium option for ride control, off-road performance, and adjustability.

Shop the full 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 lift kit collection at Off-Road Canada and compare 3.5-inch, 4-inch, and 6-inch lift kit options for your build.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best lift kit size for a 2019–2023 GMC Sierra 1500?

For most owners, a 3.5-inch lift kit is the best balance of stance, clearance, tire fitment, and daily drivability. A 4-inch kit is ideal for AT4 owners, while a 6-inch kit is best for maximum stance and 35-inch tire builds.

Can I fit 35-inch tires on a 2019–2023 GMC Sierra 1500?

Yes, many 4-inch and 6-inch lift kits are designed around 35-inch tire clearance, but fitment depends on the exact kit, wheel width, offset, backspacing, and truck trim. Always confirm tire and wheel specs before ordering.

Do GMC AT4 trucks need a different lift kit?

Yes. GMC AT4 models already come with a factory 2-inch lift, so they typically require AT4-specific lift kits. Standard Sierra 1500 lift kits may not fit AT4 models.

Do Denali models need a special lift kit?

Many GMC Denali and Denali Ultimate trucks are equipped with Adaptive Ride Control, so they require a compatible lift kit. The Rough Country 3.5-inch Adaptive Ride Control kit is designed for these applications.

Is Rough Country or BDS better for a GMC Sierra 1500?

Rough Country is a strong choice for value, stance, and practical off-road use. BDS is better for customers who want a more premium suspension system, FOX shock options, heavier-duty crossmembers, skid plates, and improved off-road performance.

Will a lift kit affect ride quality?

Yes, ride quality depends on the lift height, shock package, tire size, and wheel setup. Premium shock options like FOX 2.0, FOX 2.5, FOX Performance Elite, Rough Country M1, V2, or Vertex can improve ride control compared to basic spacer-style kits.

Do I need an alignment after installing a lift kit?

Yes. A professional alignment is recommended after installing any lift kit or leveling kit to help correct suspension geometry, improve handling, and reduce uneven tire wear.

Should I install a lift kit myself?

Some leveling kits are easier to install, but many 4-inch and 6-inch crossmember lift kits are more advanced and may require cutting, drilling, specialty tools, or frame bracket modification. Professional installation is recommended for most full suspension lift kits.