Leveling Kit

[CAT 385]

What is the best kit to get to level the front end? I have tried the tuff country spacers, (they were a 100 bucks) but that made for a real harsh ride because of the angle of the trailing arms. Any suggestions????

 

[Bob Wagner]

look here

www.jackit.com

 

[SS]

Control arm bushings are wrapped up

The first thing to do is to loosen/retighten all of the control arm bolts to allow for the bushings to neutralize (right now they are all bound up at the stock height setting). Do it two at a time so as not to disturb the caster setting if you have already reset it. If you haven't this is a good time to do it. This made a huge difference on mine.



Did you check shock length with the Tuff Country kit installed? They say stock shocks will work, but my experience is that they are too short. Did you install the Ranch Hand bumpers at the same time? As I remember those are pretty sturdy and may have an effect (nosedive on braking?) How about tire pressure?



Another way to level the truck would be to lower the rear.



I've been happy with my set-up (other than the Tuff Country spacers NOT measuring 2" as advertised). Even now one of my Brand F buddies thinks my truck rides like a Caddy compared to his PSD.



Just MHO

 

[mediccummin]

level kit

I just installed the tuff country level kit a couple weeks ago and have no complaints. The truck rides the same actually since the install and the alignment by a real alignment shop, and not the dealer, the truck rides better. The height increase was exactly 2" and looks good. When I installed it I did loosen my arms and tightened them back up when done, I had to completely disconnect the upper to get the front axle to drop far enough to get my springs back in. The spring compressor I used sucked. Well anyway hope you find a solution. Good luck.

 

[B-52]

I have been very satisfied with the Rancho kit on my truck. The kit consisted of 2-in spacers and new lower control arms to correct the caster of the axle. Rancho specifies using a longer front shock and, as they say on TV, they're "sold separately". From memory, the susp. kit was around $400 in 1999 when I bought.



Something to note. I read a post where someone made a great point about the front axle being off center as a by-product of the lift - i. e. track bar needs to be lowered @ the frame (or new adjustable track bar) in order to bring axle back to center. Have not had the time yet, but intend to do some careful measuring & see how much mine's off center - no time yet. Truck drives great regardless... .



Good luck

 

[Diesel Freak]

I have the Daystar Polyurethane spacers and Rancho shocks on my truck. It cost me a total of $200 for parts, and I did the instalation myself. Ride is a little harsher, but I attribute that to the tires. Here is the link.



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[Jeff H]

I installed a leveling kit because my front springs startes to settle a lot. Right now I figure with the daystar 2 1/2'' lift I'm probably where it was when the truck was new. Maybe just a hair higher.

I gaurentee your stock shocks will be to short.