OEM+ Chevy Silverado Build Guide
A practical OEM+ Silverado build — leveling, protection, lighting, wheels and tyres done in the right order so you never buy the same solution twice.
What OEM+ means in practice
OEM+ is not a specific parts list — it is a build philosophy. The goal is a truck that looks like a factory performance variant rather than an aftermarket build. Parts should fit cleanly without gaps, rattles or body modifications. Wiring should be routed properly and protected. The ride quality should be usable daily, not punishing. And the truck should be at least as reliable and easy to service as it was from the factory.
The OEM+ build is also intentionally sequential. Doing steps out of order creates rework — a leveling kit changes fender clearance, which affects tyre choice, which affects wheel offset. Getting the foundation right first prevents buying the same solution twice.
The build sequence
| Priority | Upgrade | Why it comes here |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maintenance and tyres | Foundation for everything else — traction, safety, fuel economy |
| 2 | Leveling kit and alignment | Sets stance and tyre clearance before wheels are chosen |
| 3 | Running boards and bed protection | Daily use improvements that fit the leveled height |
| 4 | Lighting and cargo | Function upgrades that do not affect fitment choices |
| 5 | Wheels and exterior details | Completes the visual build once clearance is confirmed |
Step 1 — Tyres first
The most impactful single change on a Silverado 1500 is tyres. OEM all-season tyres on most trim levels are a compromise — adequate but not optimised for either on-road dynamics or light off-road use. Upgrading to a quality all-terrain tyre improves wet grip, gives the truck a more purposeful stance and opens up the leveling and wheel fitment options. Do this before the leveling kit so your alignment can be set with the actual tyres that will live on the truck.
Step 2 — Leveling kit
A 2-inch front leveling kit removes the factory rake and creates clearance for a 33-inch tyre on most 1500 trims without cutting. It changes the front suspension geometry, so an alignment is mandatory after installation — do not skip it. The alignment also sets the baseline for tyre wear across the life of the upgrade, so spending the extra on a four-wheel alignment rather than a front-only alignment is worthwhile.
Strut spacer leveling kits are the common OEM+ choice over coilover replacements — they preserve factory ride quality better and are less likely to interfere with GM's MagneRide damper system on equipped trucks.
Step 3 — Protection and access
Running boards should be fitted to the leveled height, not OEM height — there is a small dimension difference and some boards require height-specific brackets. Bed protection (liner or mat) should go in immediately after the truck is new or newly maintained — bed damage from untreated use is irreversible. A tonneau cover improves fuel economy modestly and keeps the bed dry; the BAKFlip MX4 is the benchmark for OEM-looking function.
Step 4 — Lighting
Fog light upgrades and bed lighting are the most practical lighting changes for a daily-driven Silverado. LED fog lights in the factory housing are a plug-and-play improvement on most 1500 trim levels — no wiring changes required. Bed LED strips make overnight loading practical without a separate work light.
Step 5 — Wheels
Wheels come last because their offset and width need to be chosen around the leveled height, tyre size and any spacers. A common OEM+ combination is 17 or 18-inch black or machined face wheel running a 265/70R17 or 275/60R20 all-terrain tyre — large enough to fill the arch without requiring fender trimming and practical enough to not create noise or MPG penalties on a daily commute.
Frequently asked questions
Will a 2-inch level affect my warranty? An aftermarket leveling kit does not automatically void the entire warranty; a related claim can still depend on whether the modification caused the failure and on the written warranty. However, if a suspension failure occurs after leveling, expect scrutiny. See our warranty guide for more detail.
Can I run 35-inch tyres on a 2-inch level? On most 1500 trims, 35s require additional trimming or a larger lift than 2 inches. The OEM+ approach stays with 33-inch tyres on a 2-inch level to avoid modifying bodywork.
Does the leveling kit affect towing capacity? A properly installed strut spacer does not reduce rated towing capacity. Aggressive lifts and suspension geometry changes can — which is another reason the OEM+ approach uses conservative leveling.
What is the best wheel finish for an OEM+ Silverado? Satin black, gloss black or machined face with a black window are the most common choices. All three look factory-adjacent without being flashy.
Where to Go Next
If you are planning a Silverado build, use the guide that matches the decision you are making rather than jumping between unrelated upgrades.