Top 5 Upgrades for a 2007-2014 Used Chevy Suburban

2″ Rough Country Leveling Kit

2″ Rough Country Leveling Kit, it was a perfect fit on my LTZ Sub. There are other brands that are basically a restamped version but the one I installed was the 2″ Rough Country Leveling Kit.

Anyone can do this at home. My one PRO brokanic tip that I’ve never seen anyone do in any of the videos I’ve watch is the ole’ jack in the wheel well. On whichever side you are installing the puck, you basically put a scissor jack or any jack between the top of the tire and the top of the wheel well. (I’d recommend a piece of wood between the jack and the top of the wheel well. Open the jack up, to give you enough clearance to slide the puck in. This saves so much time and heartache. You don’t have to mess with wedging a breaker bar. EZ PZ!

K&N Cold Air Intake

K&N Cold Air Intake. Although you might be taken back about the price, this is the most expensive thing I have purchased for my Sub but it was well worth it. I would only recommend it for light off roading but mainly street use. What you see pictured on the very left is the 07-08 Model (57-3058). The picture to the right of it is the 09-14 Model (57-3070). Very important as the difference is the placement of the MAF sensor. Order through Amazon and you won’t have to worry about returns like I did. I purchased the wrong one on eBay and wasted $40 having to ship the wrong one back. Amazon typically has free return shipping and usually does a model check for every auto part you purchase.

Blackout Bowties

Blackout Bowties, you know you want them. I’ll tell you about my hack. I got some black vinyl stickers (12″x12″) at Hobby Lobby for a little more than $1.00. One sheet will do both front and rear bowties.

Prep the bowtie with alcohol, lens wipes or denatured alcohol.
Lay the sheet on the bowtie and try not to make any air bubbles. Cover it as much as possible.
Heat up the vinyl with a heat gun or blow dryer on low while going back and forth. It vinyl will start to hug the bowtie.
Cut the edges with a razor and tuck the vinyl onto the edges.

If you don’t trust my hack, you can pay for “Quality” vinyl (I can’t find the ROFL emoji) and basically follow the same steps.

LED Lights All Around

LED Lights are a great upgrade. You can convert about every lamp into an LED.

I’m a generation X and I love the yellow fog lights (Sorry not sorry). You’ll definitely improve on all facets of visibility.

Driver Seat Cushion and Cover

Driver Seat Cushion and Cover, replace it if it ain’t in good shape. It will make the drive feel so much better. It ain’t always about external aesthetics. You gotta feel good when you are driving your bad boy around.

I’m not gonna lie and say this install was easy. This is where that 80-20 rule applies. Its always the last 20% that’s gonna give you the hardest time. Totally worth it though. You have to ensure that you get the right foam. The LTZ version has air ducts within the foam so you need to make sure you get the right part. (Only available OEM). I ended up finding both parts on eBay and chose RichmondAutoUpholstery for the cover. You have to be patient with this order because they are made on order.

As you can see in the images, the change looks very subtle but it really renews the feel of the drive. This is something you really have to see as an investment because you will driving this thing from coast to coast. Right?!

I have to throw this in. If I ever purchase a car I’m gonna be keeping for a while I always make sure the steering wheel is in great condition. I can’t tell you how much I hate them slippery steering wheels. Give them a good wipe down and see how much nasty grime is on it. Sometimes you can get it back to that grippy matte leather feeling.

I’ll be adding some other quick tips here, so be sure to come back…

The 5 Best Upgrades for a 2007-2014 Used Chevrolet Suburban