Recommendations for leveling kit, 35" all terrain tires & shocks...

[JamesCohen]

Recommendations for leveling kit, 35" all terrain tires & shocks...



Overview:

- 2004. 5 2500 CTD Quad Cab 4x4 w/3. 73 gears.

- Currently run 295/70/17 Nitto Terra Grapplers w/stock shocks & suspension.

- Looking for a 35" all terrain replacement w/leveling kit.

- New tire must be quiet, long lasting & good in wet weather (like the Nittos).





TIRES:

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I currently run 295/70/17 Nitto Terra Grapplers. They've been excellent tires. They ride smooth (D rated), they are quiet, offer great wet weather traction and they were relatively inexpensive (mounted & balanced for $200ea. ) I run 65psi front & 57psi rear, have been rotating them every 7,000 miles, and currently have 32,000 miles on them. I expect to go another 6-7,000 miles before the tread depth gets low enough that they really should be replaced.



I could buy another set of the same tires, BUT I like the look of a taller tire. I'm also due for new shocks and therefore am considering a leveling kit and a set of 35" tires. I want something that will wear well, be quiet, and have good long lasting wet weather traction. I like the looks of the Pro Comp All Terrain, but know nothing about it or anyone who runs them. I don't like the looks of the BFG All Terrain.



What else is out there?





LEVELING KIT:

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What's the current consensus on leveling kits? What is the popular make/model now? Where do I get it, and how much does it cost?





SHOCKS:

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What's a good replacement shock that'll work with the leveling kit & 35" tires? In the past I had heard to go with the Bilsteins. Has this changed? Any specific model or part number you guys can provide?



Should I also do a new or bigger steering stabilizer too? If so, which one?







Looking forward to your comments!



Thanks,

-Banning.

 

[JCrockett]

Tires- I have the Copper Discoverer ATR in 315-70 R17, great all around tire and quiet, good traction on snow and ice.



Leveling kit. I would reccomnend a KORE leveling kit, they make great products. Carli, and Lorenz kits are also out there but I don't know much about them. I run KORE and that is all I know. I love it!



Shocks- Kore will come with a nice set of Bilsteins for the leveling kit. Bilisteins or Fox are good shocks for OE replacement.



Depends on how much you want to spend and what you want to do with your truck.



I am sure more comments/reccomendations to come.



Good luck.

 

[JamesCohen]

Thanks for the info. Two questions...



1) What kind of mileage do you expect to get out of the tires? Do you tow much (I don't).



2) Does KORE have a web site, or are there other businesses that sell their products?



Thanks!

 

[JApol]

I have the Kore Recon KORE Suspension - Dodge Lift Kits - Dodge RAM Suspension - Dodge Lift Kit - Dodge Suspension and have Toyo Open Country Mud Terrain 35" on stock rims.

I rarely tow and when I do I put the stock tires back on. I would get this setup again if given the chance. I have ~20K on my toyos and have about 50% tread.

 

[231jasonS]

Core is a higher end leveling kit and pricey. You can get the same quality from Carli (Carli - Dodge Lift Kits, Suspension, Ram Performance Products or www.defientoffroad.com) or one of the others for less money. Some would say better products as well. OR you can install spacers on the factory springs for less money (many diff brands) Try fourwheelparts or simular for spacer kit. I dont have a stablizer, but dont have 35's.



Shocks-The billsteins are good shocks and they have differnt levels of shocks, i have their remote resivors and they are a nice middle between standard Billsteins and nice FOX/King shocks.



Tires- I agree i dont like the BFG's. Ive heard the Nittos are not the best quality from several diff tire suppliers, but never had any so cant say for sure. Ive had the wrangler MTR's which were good traction, decent payload, soft nice ride, but wore a little faster (40K). I now have TOYO MT's and seem to be pretty good. I have a friend who has toyo AT and loves them.

 

[SNoyes]

I would just get a leveling kit for your application. Alot of the items the guys are talking about are indeed awesome but may be more than your looking for. I got the 2 inch spacer kit from the dealership out here in Alaska for about $150. For the life of me i can't remember the brand, as soon as I am done typing it will come to me... . I ran 315 BFGs (equal to a 35 inch tire on stock rims) for a couple of months, then got a 4. 5 inch lift and now run 35 inch Toyo M/Ts. The Toyos are awesome, wear is good and they come in E rating. . Of course, when i pull I put the stock tires and rims back on, but the capability is there, just not the gearing I want to pull my 12K car hauler down the ALCAN with, not to mention rock spray over gravel roads... . Most guys will say Bilsteins are good, I would like to know which ones... I currently have the ones that came with my lift and I'm ******* blood after travelling over rough roads... Hope it helps. .

 

[hearingyourlies]

I'm running 305/70-17 Terra Grapplers. They are E-Rated, rather than the D rated you are running. It's a relatively new tire size.

 

[Desert Proven]

James,



In regards to tires, I would highly recommend that you go with an E rated tire. There are several options available for your truck. Whether you tow or not, the weight of your diesel truck warrants an E rated tire.



In regards to Leveling kits, as several people mentioned, there are several different options out there. The low budget spacers will level your truck, but won't do anything to address or improve ride quality.



You will be better off spending the money and going with a leveling kit that provides a new, high quality coil spring. As far as quality goes, you will be hard pressed to find anything that is higher quality than the KORE products.



Good luck with your decisions.

 

[JamesCohen]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.



hearingyourlies: I didn't know Nitto had a "E" rated 305/70-17 Terra Grappler. I'll look into it.



Desert Proven: You have a PM.



Thanks again!

 

[Lorenz]

Bilstein Leveling Suspension System by Lorenz





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[hearingyourlies]

Load/inflation stats for 305/70-17 Terra



35 - 2405

40 - 2605

45 - 2780

50 - 3000

55 - 3220

60 - 3440

65 - 3640