Leveling Kit and shocks

[timelessconstructionllc]

My front shocks are blown and when i replace them i would like to do a 2" levelling kit and replace the shocks/struts. I don't want a true suspension lift, just want to level the front out with the back. Also don't want to spend a ton of money on a whole new front suspension. Can anybody give any recommendations for an economical leveling kit and shocks to go with. For instance, i was looking at the bilstien 5100's +mechanical 2" leveling kit. Any suggestions? Am i on the right track here?

 

[BigDaneDiesel]

I have the lorenz leveling kit with arms. The truck rides great. I know it is a little more money but is is worth it! I have also heard good things about Carli.

 

[04blackcherry]

I did my first leveling kit with 2" blocks and Bilstein shocks. The blocks were $65. I put a 1" spacer in the back for looks. I now have 6% coils and minipacks from Lorenz. I think lifting with new coils is better. It is more money. I was fine with the blocks. I got into messing with the death wobble and wanted to try something different. With the Lorenz springs the truck rolls over bumps now instead of hopping over them. Offroad performance is way better. I'm talking logging roads and hunting trails (no jumping). If you just want to get it higher to clear tires, you can do it pretty inexpensively. I have the Bilsteins on mine. Search the TDR for gobs of stuff on leveling kits and what the membership has experienced.

 

[TimothyLong]

I used the 5100's with my SuperLift leveling kit. Just a pair of taller coil springs, not too much $$$, and they weren't all that difficult to put in. I like the way my truck looks and the ride and handling are pretty good as well.

 

[AH64ID]

I have a 2" leveling kit I took off the truck i would let go pretty cheap. . PM me if your interested.



Bilstien's are what I plan to replace my OEM's with.

 

[prmizeski]

Go with a quality 2 inch steel leveling spacer, Billstein 5100's and be done with it!

If could do it over again I would have saved a ton of money!

 

[Regcabguy]

Lorenz control arms.

I have the lorenz leveling kit with arms. The truck rides great. I know it is a little more money but is is worth it! I have also heard good things about Carli.

How are your arms working out for you? My local shop has installed four sets of them with positive feedback from the owners. Their alignment guy was able to truly square up the truck with the adjustability.

 

[timelessconstructionllc]

I'm not really looking to go bigger tires. I guess I could. I just figured since I gotta do the shocks. I might as well level it out at the same time. Any thoughts?

 

[04blackcherry]

Unless the look of the truck really bothers you, don't level it. You can still buy Bilsteins if you want. If you level it make sure you get the caster adjusted and check all steering parts for any wear at all.

 

[timelessconstructionllc]

So if I just do shocks are the 5100s the best?

 

[prmizeski]

Best shock for the money.

 

[BigDaneDiesel]

They are the best, go with Genos they seem to have the best cost

 

[prmizeski]

If I could do it over again:

1) 2 inch steel leveling spacers
2) Bilstein 5100's front and back
3) Carli or Lorenz extended sway bar end links
4) Adjustable track bar ( to bring the front axel back to center and help the
steering wheel remain centered)
5) front end alignment to correct the caster

I am still running the stock track bar,never had the truck aligned or centered the steering wheel which is only slightly off. When the stock track bar wears out, which I'm surprised has not yet, I will do the alignment and replace the track bar at the same time, along with all the other parts that are falling off the front end.

Good luck!

 

[LBARTLETT]

just remember if you lift 2" without new arms your tires will be moved to the rear some, you are changing the geometry of the factory design, some will say it has no effect, others will say parts may wear faster and death wobble may become an issue



just my $. 02

 

[AH64ID]

The tires do move aft, but I ran a 2" level for more than 50K miles and never had a hint of death wobble, thou the ride is stiffer with a 2" over a 1" or stock.

 

[TimothyLong]

I would think that would depend on the type of leveling kit you install. In the case of my taller coil springs, the effect was to raise the body 2 inches. Nothing else was affected save for needing shocks that could handle the extra travel. I had my alignment checked after I installed the springs and everything checked out. I have well over 50K on mine and no death wobble. I would think that the same would apply to using spacers as well. If you installed a kit that somehow lowered the axle away from the frame then yes, I could see new control arms, etc.

 

[AH64ID]

I would think that would depend on the type of leveling kit you install. In the case of my taller coil springs, the effect was to raise the body 2 inches. Nothing else was affected save for needing shocks that could handle the extra travel. I had my alignment checked after I installed the springs and everything checked out. I have well over 50K on mine and no death wobble. I would think that the same would apply to using spacers as well. If you installed a kit that somehow lowered the axle away from the frame then yes, I could see new control arms, etc.

Your springs did lower the axle away from the frame, measure it.

The only way to raise the body is with a body lift, any suspension lift moves the axle further from the frame.

The reason ride is effected is becuase of the angle of the control arms. They are the smoothest when parallel to the ground, the further from parallel you get the more the axle has to move to absorb bumps/holes.

 

[TimothyLong]

Okay, I stand corrected. Now that I think back on the installation, it makes sense. I was over simplifying the geometry. However, I am now a bit puzzled as to why the alignment check I had done didn't show a need for castor adjustment.

 

[AH64ID]

Mine didn't require an either. The OEM specs are probably loose enough that it can stay within specs with the angle of control arm change, considering the control arm length is designed to work at varying ride heights based on loading.

 

[goodguys75]

just remember if you lift 2" without new arms your tires will be moved to the rear some, you are changing the geometry of the factory design, some will say it has no effect, others will say parts may wear faster and death wobble may become an issue



just my $. 02

nothing moves at all, who told ya that?????