2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Leveling Kit Advice

[Tulsa618]

I’m contemplating getting a leveling kit (and some decent shocks) for my Y2K. My question is what all needs to be done to do this correctly (not affect driveability and durability, steering wheel centering and all the other things I need to be concerned with)? Does any other part of the front end need to be replaced at the same time, or would the leveling kit and shocks alone be OK? Any other hints, pointers, gotchas I need to be aware of?



Forgive me if this has been thoroughly covered before – I read through old posts and don’t know if I’ve got a clear (read: simple enough for me to understand) answer. Thanks!

 

[damon]

If I'm not mistaking......

I've read about this exact change for days on this site, and I think that this is what you will need... .



- new front coils, skyjacker D25 or even better yet National Spring if you have extra $$ and time = $140 - 300



- replacement shocks, it seems that most folks claim that the OEM size replacements from Bilstein and others are working, but most are also available in longer sizes for the lift = $250 - 400



- DT track bar to adjust the axle back to center = $250



Did I miss anything guys ?

 

[phoekema]

Comments re: leveling kit

I replaced the stock spacers between the springs & axle with ones that were 2" less. That is all I have done and have had no problems with shocks, drivability, tire wear or anything like that. With these changes the rear of my truck is still about 2" higher than the front unloaded, but this gives me enough clearance between top of truck box and bottom of my fifth wheel.

Paul

 

[stownsend]

It's no big deal. I had the 2" "puck" installed that goes on top of the spring. That way the spring doesn't need to be replaced. It's not necessary to replace the shocks, except the stock shocks will be over extended by 2". Total cost about $250 including shocks and an alignment, yer off and runnin!



Good luck.

 

[Tulsa618]

Thanks, guys! Jack-It leveling kit and Bilsteins on order. I figure with my driving style (no off-roading, no load/hauling), I’ll try just these for now and see how they do (read: without spending more $$$). Now, as for the installation…

 

[Big P]

Well, you don't "need" but a DT trac bar would be a good addition to the lift.

 

[plangone]

phoekema, where did you get those spacers?

 

[phoekema]

source for spacers

Plangone,



I was afraid someone was going to ask that... ... ... ..... There was a small suspension shop near my home and I got the spacers from him. He found it in one of his catalogues. However, when I went back to find the name of the company that the spacers came from, all I saw was an empty building and an 'out of business' sign. No forwarding address or phone number was available. I even called the phone number that he used when he was still in business, hopeing he may have had it forwarded or would have a message with some information, but no such luck.



Sorry I can't be of more help. You might try checking with some suspension shops in your area and see if they would have a catalogue - or at least some information that would be helpful. If I come across anything, I will post it.

Paul H

 

[Tulsa618]

MPagnucco, I'd love to add the DT trac bar, but it was challenging enough to convince the boss I needed to replace what she believes to be perfectly good shocks... I think she'll be surprised enough to see how those shocks alone gave such a rise to the front end - I kinda' forgot to mention the leveling kit to her.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by plangone

phoekema, where did you get those spacers?

Pick up a copy of Peterson's 4-wheel & Off-Road, or FOUR WHEELER on your local magazine rack. In there they will have the spacers in several different adds. I believe they are made by a company called Daystar, or some similar spelling.

 

[damon]

If you want a good deal.....

Personally, I will go with new Skyjacker coils up front when I level my truck, and they are the same price as spacers - about $140. But if you do want the spacers from Daystar or another steel type, they are almost always on ebay and sell for $100 - 130.



Might be worth a look.



I just got some new Westin double step chrome nerf bars on ebay for $119 delivered to my door. They were missing the parts pack and I was able to get that from 4wheelparts for $17. 95. Anyone for $300 nerf bars for $140..... I like it



BTW - the guy who I got the bars from almost always has these surplus bars without parts packs, just search and you will be rewarded !



Here's a quick link to look for that sellers deals... .



http://cgi6.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-...SellersOtherItems&userid=midwest_distribution