So, you're looking at a 2017 gmc sierra 1500 6 inch lift because the stock height just isn't cutting it anymore. I totally get it. The 2017 Sierra is already a sharp-looking truck with those squared-off wheel wells and that massive chrome grille, but from the factory, it definitely sits a bit low. It has that classic "rake" where the front end dives down, and honestly, it can look more like a grocery getter than a mountain climber.
Adding six inches of height isn't just a minor tweak; it's a total personality transplant for the truck. But before you go out and drop a few thousand bucks on parts and labor, there's a lot to chew on. It's not just about "going big" or looking cool at the stoplight—though that's a huge part of it. It's about how the truck drives, how much you're going to spend on gas, and whether you'll still be able to fit in your favorite car wash.
Why the 6-Inch Mark is the Sweet Spot
When people start looking at lifts, they usually bounce between a 2-inch leveling kit and a massive 7-plus inch setup. The 2017 gmc sierra 1500 6 inch lift is often considered the "Goldilocks" zone. A leveling kit is nice, sure, but it doesn't give you that "towering over traffic" feeling. On the flip side, anything over six inches usually requires some serious permanent modifications and can make the truck feel like a boat on the highway.
With a six-inch lift, you're high enough to clear some serious rubber—usually 35-inch tires with no problem—but the truck stays relatively manageable. It gives the Sierra that aggressive, wide-shoulder look that really fills out those rectangular fenders. Plus, if you go with a reputable brand, most 6-inch kits are "drop bracket" lifts, meaning they keep your CV axle angles pretty close to factory specs, which saves your drivetrain from wearing out in six months.
Choosing the Right Kit for Your Ride
Not all lift kits are created equal, and your 2017 Sierra might have some specific needs depending on how it was built. One thing you've got to check before ordering is whether your truck has stamped steel, factory aluminum, or stamped steel "V2" control arms. In 2017, GMC used different materials for the suspension components, and if you buy a kit designed for steel and you have aluminum arms, you're going to have a very frustrating afternoon in the garage.
Then there's the brand choice. You've got your budget-friendly options like Rough Country, which are great for getting the look without breaking the bank. But if you actually plan on taking your Sierra off-road or you're sensitive to ride quality, you might want to look at something like BDS or Fabtech. These kits often come with better shocks—think Fox or Bilstein—and they handle the bumps way better than a basic spacer-heavy kit. If you have a Denali with MagneRide, keep in mind you'll need a specific kit that doesn't mess up that fancy electronic suspension.
The Tire and Wheel Combo
Let's be real: nobody buys a 2017 gmc sierra 1500 6 inch lift just to keep the stock wheels and tires. That would look like a bodybuilder who skipped leg day. The most common setup for a 6-inch lift is a 35x12.50 tire on a 20x10 or 20x12 wheel.
If you go with a 35-inch tire, you're going to get that filled-out look, but you need to pay attention to the "offset." If your wheels stick out too far (a negative offset), you might still get some rubbing on the plastic liners or the bumper when you're turning into a driveway. This is where the "NorCal Mod" comes in—a little bit of trimming behind the wheel well that truck guys have been doing for years to clear bigger meat. If you don't want to cut your truck, you might have to stick to a more conservative wheel width.
How It Changes the Drive
I'm not going to lie to you: your truck is going to drive differently. You're raising the center of gravity by half a foot, so don't expect to take corners like a sports car. There's going to be a bit more body roll, and you'll definitely feel the wind more on the highway.
The biggest change, though, is the weight of the tires. Those 35-inch mud terrains are heavy. Your 5.3L V8 (or the 6.2L if you're lucky) is a beast, but it's going to have to work harder to turn those big wheels. You'll notice the truck feels a bit more sluggish off the line, and your braking distance will increase. Many guys end up re-gearing their differentials to something like 4.10 or 4.56 to get that "peppy" factory feel back, but that's an extra expense to keep in mind.
And then there's the gas mileage. If you're getting 17-18 MPG now, expect that to drop to 12 or 13. It's the "pay to play" tax of having a lifted truck. If you can live with that, you'll be fine.
Installation: DIY or Pro Shop?
Installing a 2017 gmc sierra 1500 6 inch lift isn't like putting on a cold air intake. It's a big job. Most 6-inch kits require you to cut the factory crossmember out of the frame to make room for the new drop brackets. Once you make that cut, there's no "going back to stock" easily.
If you have a lift in your garage, a massive set of tools, and a couple of buddies who know their way around a wrench, you can do it over a weekend. But for most people, taking it to a professional off-road shop is the way to go. They'll make sure the alignment is spot on—which is crucial—and they'll be able to torque everything down to spec. There's nothing scarier than a suspension bolt coming loose while you're doing 70 mph on the freeway.
Living with a Lifted Truck Daily
Before you pull the trigger, think about your daily routine. Can you still fit in your garage at home? Most 6-inch lifted Sierras will clear a standard 7-foot garage door, but it can be tight, especially if you have a roof rack or a specific tire height.
Also, think about the people getting in and out of the truck. If you have kids or a spouse who isn't a fan of rock climbing, you're definitely going to want some solid side steps or "amp" power steps that drop down when the door opens. Without them, getting into a 6-inch lifted 2017 Sierra is basically a full-body workout.
Then there's the "look back" factor. You know what I'm talking about—when you park your truck in a parking lot and you can't help but look back at it three times as you walk toward the store. A lifted Sierra has presence. It looks tough, it feels commanding on the road, and it gives you a view over traffic that makes driving a lot less stressful.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, putting a 2017 gmc sierra 1500 6 inch lift on your rig is one of the most satisfying upgrades you can do. It transforms the truck from a standard workhorse into a head-turning machine. Yeah, you'll spend a bit more at the pump, and you might have to park at the back of the lot where there's more room, but the first time you see your truck sitting high on a set of 35s, you'll know it was worth it. Just do your homework on the control arms, pick a quality kit, and get ready to enjoy the view from up there.