If you own a 2020–2026 Chevy or GMC 2500HD or 3500HD, you already know what these trucks are capable of. But straight from the factory, they carry that familiar nose-down rake — a factory stance that prioritizes payload capacity over looks and tire clearance. Leveling the front end fixes that, and Kryptonite has built three distinct stages for the 2020–2026 GM HD platform to cover every budget and build goal, from a simple budget-friendly torsion key setup all the way up to a full Fox 2.0 Performance Series shock system.

One important note before diving in: none of these setups fit AT4X or ZR2 models equipped with DSSV shocks. If that's your truck, check with us on fitment before ordering.

Here's what each stage includes, what it does, and which one might be right for your build.

Stage 1

The Stage 1 is the most straightforward leveling option Kryptonite offers for the 2020+ GM HD. It's built around a set of torsion bar keys and shock extenders that bring the front of the truck up 2" over base model height — clean, simple, and affordable. If you're on a budget and you want to fit a bigger tire without a major investment, this is the place to start.

The Stage 1 will clear a 35" tire with no trimming, or a 37" with some trimming. It's a direct bolt-on install and is backed by Kryptonite's no fine print lifetime warranty.

Includes: Torsion Bar Keys (1 set), Shock Extenders (1 set)

Stage 2 

Stage 2 is where leveling gets serious. This isn't just a key and spacer setup — it's a complete system built to level your truck the right way, with strength, geometry, and ride quality all accounted for.

At the core of Stage 2 are Kryptonite's forged torsion keys, which are 25% stronger than OEM and allow for a precise 1"–2" front lift. But what really sets this stage apart is the inclusion of Kryptonite's boxed upper control arms with pre-installed bolt-in ball joints, polyurethane bushings, and sleeves. Stock upper control arms weren't designed with added lift in mind — they limit suspension travel and introduce geometry issues once you start raising the front end. Kryptonite's boxed arms correct that, restoring proper geometry and improving articulation.

The Stage 2 also includes shock extension brackets that allow you to keep your factory shocks, saving money while maximizing travel. It's the ideal upgrade for work trucks, daily drivers, and anyone who wants to safely run larger tires without committing to a full shock overhaul.

Includes: Kryptonite Upper Control Arm Pair, Control Arm Sleeves (4), Polyurethane Control Arm Bushings (8), Upper Bump Stops (2), Kryptonite Bolt-In Upper Ball Joints (2), Forged Torsion Keys (2), Shock Extension Kit, Complete Hardware Package

Stage 3

Stage 3 takes everything in Stage 2 and adds Fox 2.0 Performance Series shocks front and rear — tuned specifically for GM HD trucks and built to deliver fade-free, race-proven damping on and off the pavement.

The forged torsion keys provide the same 1"–2" of front lift, and the Kryptonite boxed upper control arms with bolt-in ball joints and polyurethane bushings are included just as in Stage 2. What changes is the shock package. Where Stage 2 retains factory shocks via extension brackets, Stage 3 replaces them entirely with Fox 2.0 Performance Series hardware — a meaningful upgrade in ride quality and damping performance, especially for trucks that see regular off-road use or carry heavy loads.

Stage 3 clears a 35" tire with no trimming and can accommodate a 37" with some trimming. It's the right choice for owners who want the full geometry correction and a proven shock upgrade all in one bolt-on package.

Includes: Kryptonite Upper Control Arm Pair, Control Arm Sleeves (4), Polyurethane Control Arm Bushings (8), Kryptonite Bolt-In Upper Ball Joints (2), Hardware Package, Forged Leveling Keys (2), Fox 2.0 Performance Series Front Shocks (2), Fox 2.0 Performance Series Rear Shocks (2)

Don't Forget the Supporting Components

Leveling your GM HD changes the geometry of your steering and suspension. If the components underneath aren't up to spec, you'll run into handling issues, premature wear, and in some cases, safety concerns. The good news is Kryptonite makes everything you need to do it right.

The steering system on the 2020+ GM HD is only as strong as its weakest link. The Kryptonite SS Center Link and Tie Rod Package is the most comprehensive steering upgrade available for 2011–2025 GM HD trucks — replacing the factory centerlink and tie rods with oversized, heavy-duty components built to handle the added stress of a leveled front end and larger tires. If you want to address the whole steering system at once, this is the package.

If you're just targeting the tie rods, the Kryptonite Tie Rods are a direct upgrade over factory units — thicker, stronger, and built to last significantly longer under real-world conditions.

The Kryptonite Pitman Arm and Kryptonite Idler Arm are two more components worth addressing during a leveling install. Both are critical to steering stability and accuracy, and both are common failure points on high-mileage GM HD trucks — especially once the suspension geometry has changed with added lift.

Finally, if your ball joints are due for replacement, the Kryptonite Upper and Lower Ball Joint Package is worth doing at the same time. Fresh ball joints matched to new control arms and a leveled front end means everything underneath is dialed in from the ground up.

A leveled truck with properly upgraded steering and suspension components is a completely different experience than one that's just been raised and left alone. The lift gets you the stance and the tire clearance — the supporting components make sure it handles the way it should.

Which Stage is Right for You?

If you're on a budget and want to correct the factory rake and run a bigger tire, Stage 1 is a clean, affordable starting point. If you want to do it right with corrected suspension geometry and upgraded control arms, Stage 2 is the smart move. And if you want new shocks in the package, Stage 3 with Fox 2.0 shocks delivers the full system.

All three stages are covered by Kryptonite's no fine print lifetime warranty. Race it, jump it, off-road it — if you can break it, they'll replace it.