Back in July of 2025, we gave everyone an inside look at one of the projects making its way through the MaxTrac Suspension R&D department: developing a rear lowering solution for 2019+ Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks equipped with GM’s unique monoleaf rear suspension.
At the time, the project was still in the early stages of development. Unlike the traditional multi-leaf rear suspension found under most GM 1500 trucks, the monoleaf setup eliminates several of the components and locating features that conventional flip kits rely on.
After plenty of development, test fitting and road testing, we’re happy to report that R&D for our 4″ and 5″ rear drop monoleaf flip kits is complete and both applications have officially moved into production.
If production continues according to schedule, we’re currently targeting early to mid-October 2026 for initial availability.
What Makes the GM Monoleaf Different
One of the biggest challenges with this application was developing a kit that could properly locate the rear axle while still remaining straightforward and installer-friendly.
On a traditional leaf-spring suspension, the center pin running through the leaf pack and the factory spring perch play an important role in locating and positioning a conventional flip kit.
The GM monoleaf changes that.
These trucks do not use a traditional center pin through the leaf spring, and the axle is equipped with a cast spring perch. Without the familiar locating points used with a conventional leaf pack, our existing GM 1500 flip-kit designs could not simply be modified or adapted to fit.
From the beginning, our R&D team knew this application would require us to move away from some of the traditional design elements we normally use when developing a flip kit.
The goal was fairly simple on paper: properly position the rear axle, provide a secure finished installation and keep the kit as installer-friendly as possible.
Getting there was the challenge.
KEEPING THE INSTALLATION STRAIGHTFORWARD
While the new kit required a different approach, we didn’t want that difference to translate into an unnecessarily complicated installation.
The finished design incorporates dedicated locating components that position the rear axle correctly during installation. Once everything is properly located, the U-bolts provide the clamping force that securely holds the assembly together, just as they traditionally do in a leaf-spring rear suspension.
For installers, the important thing to understand is that the locating components are there for a reason. Their job is to establish the proper axle position before everything is secured into place.
That allowed us to solve the unique positioning problem created by the monoleaf suspension without turning the finished kit into something unnecessarily complicated to install.
HOW DOES THE MONOLEAF TRUCK RIDE WHEN LOWERED?
This ended up being one of the more encouraging findings during testing.
Going into the project, our R&D team had some concerns about how the single monoleaf spring would behave once the truck was lowered. In actual road testing, however, the truck rode surprisingly well at both the 4″ and 5″ rear drop heights.
The driveline geometry also worked out extremely well during development. The driveline angle landed where our R&D team wanted it on the initial configuration, and no driveline vibration or related issues were experienced across our test vehicles.
Overall, the monoleaf platform responded very well to the 4″ and 5″ rear drop configurations throughout our testing.
As with any modified suspension, individual vehicle configurations and operating conditions can vary, but the results from our development vehicles have been very promising.
WHY 4″ AND 5″ FIRST?
The first production kits will be available in 4″ and 5″ rear drop configurations.
There is a simple reason we’re starting there: those are overwhelmingly the most popular rear drop heights for our current GM 1500 lowering applications. Approximately 98% of the flip kits we currently sell for the conventional leaf-spring trucks are 4″ and 5″ rear drop configurations.
Naturally, those were the applications we wanted to prioritize for the monoleaf trucks as well.
For customers looking for a more aggressive drop, a possible 6″ monoleaf flip kit is still undergoing additional development.
At a 6″ rear drop, achieving the driveline geometry we’re looking for presents additional challenges. Rather than rush that application into production, R&D will continue working with it until we’re satisfied with the final configuration.
At this time, there is no confirmed release date for a 6″ version.
WHAT’S NEXT?
With development and road testing completed, the 4″ and 5″ GM 1500 monoleaf flip kits are now in the production phase.
Assuming the first production run and final quality-control process remain on schedule, we’re targeting early to mid-October 2026 for release.
Complete part numbers, pricing, confirmed vehicle fitment and additional product information will be announced as the kits become available.
For the Silverado and Sierra owners who have been waiting for a proper lowering solution for these trucks, we’re finally getting close.
Stay tuned to MaxTracSuspension.com and our social media channels for the official release.
