We all love the look of a lifted truck. There is something undeniable about a GMC Sierra sitting on a 6-inch lift with 35-inch tires. It looks aggressive, capable, and commands the road.
However, not all lifted trucks are created equal.
Recently, we traded in a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X. On the surface, it looks incredible—custom wheels, big tires, and a towering stance. But after a closer inspection and a test drive, the verdict is clear: I would not buy this truck.
Here is why "upgrading" a premium truck with budget parts is a recipe for disaster, and what you should look out for when shopping for a lifted vehicle.
The Victim: The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
To understand why this specific build is a mistake, you have to understand what the AT4X offers right off the factory floor.
The AT4X is not just an appearance package; it is a serious performance machine.
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Engine: 6.2L V8 (or the 3.0L Duramax Diesel in newer models).
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Luxury: Massaging seats and top-tier tech.
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Suspension: This is the big one. It comes stock with a 2-inch lift and Multimatic DSSV dampers.
The Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) shocks are engineering marvels. They provide an amazing ride on the highway and incredible capability off-road. They are widely considered some of the best factory shocks you can get on a production truck.
The Mistake: Downgrading for Height
The previous owner of this truck removed the factory suspension to install a 6-inch Rough Country lift kit. While there is nothing inherently wrong with lifting a truck, the issue lies in how it was done.
They installed the cheapest lift kit Rough Country offers.
1. You Lose the Ride Quality
By installing this kit, the premium Multimatic DSSV shocks were thrown in the trash. In their place, the truck now rides on basic, painted shocks. You are essentially taking a luxury off-roader and downgrading the ride quality to that of a budget build. It makes zero sense to pay the premium price for an AT4X only to strip away the components that make it special.
2. The Rust Factor
The budget kit uses painted shocks rather than aluminum or anodized bodies.
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The problem: As soon as that paint chips (which happens quickly with road debris), the shock body begins to rust.
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The reality: If you live in the Northeast or anywhere with winter road salt, those shocks will look rusted and old within two years.
3. The $700 Difference
The frustration here is that for roughly $700 more, you can buy the upgraded Rough Country kit. The better kit comes with anodized shocks (no rust) and front reservoirs, which drastically improve ride quality. If you are already spending $1,200 on parts and paying for labor, skipping the $700 upgrade is a "penny wise, pound foolish" decision.
The Deal Breaker: Terrible Turning Radius
Beyond the suspension components, the drivability of this truck has been ruined.
Common on these budget lift setups, the front tie rods provided (or retained) are often not optimized for the new geometry. On this specific truck, the turning radius is pathetic.
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The experience: Turning around in a standard parking lot requires a three-point turn.
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The feeling: It is frustrating to drive. It takes the joy out of owning a "cool" truck when you can't navigate a parking lot without looking like an amateur.
What You Should Do Instead
If you have a GMC Sierra AT4X and you want to run 35-inch tires, you do not need a cheap 6-inch lift.
The Smart Build:
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Keep the Factory Shocks: Do not touch those Multimatic DSSV dampers. They are worth their weight in gold.
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Leveling Kit: Install a high-quality leveling kit on the front end.
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Tires: With the leveling kit, you can comfortably fit a 35-inch tire.
This setup gives you the aggressive look and the ground clearance you want, but you retain the factory ride quality and reliability that you paid for when you bought the AT4X.
Final Thoughts
Dealers often install these cheap kits because they offer the "lifted look" for the lowest possible cost, maximizing their profit margins. But as a consumer, you need to be smarter.
This truck is currently for sale, but we have priced it the same as a stock AT4X because, frankly, the modifications add no value—they actually detract from it.
Don't buy a truck that was upgraded to be worse.
Watch the Full Breakdown
Want to see the suspension components up close and hear more about why this setup doesn't work? Watch the full video below: