Thinking of doing a leveling kit...any info?

[BlueDiesel]

I have been thinking of doing a leveling kit on my 03, but don't know much about it. Several people have told me it's a good idea. I don't want a "lifted" truck, but I wouldn't mind being able to put bigger tires on - right now running OEM Michelins, but will need new by Fall. Is this something I can do myself or should I have someone install it? Any info or pics of rigs that have leveling kits would be great.



Thanks.

 

[JValdez]

BlueDiesel

I would look into the Kore leveling kit. They are a bit more expensive but worth it because it brings the new springs. I've seen the spacers they sell and those will break studs due to the weight of the engine. I've got the Recon kit from Kore and the ride is much better then stock. These trucks look better when their level so go for it.

 

[JJoiner]

If your just looking for looks and dont have a ton of money to blow, get a spacer. If you have money to spend go with Kore. Ive heard alot of good things on this site about them, but just cant justify spending that much money. I had a 1 1/2" spacer made for mine @ http://topguncustomz.com/home.php . Easy to install and doesnt take long to do. Sits a little under level but the standard 2" was to much

 

[BlueDiesel]

Will spacers really break the studs? Is that in high load situations? Because I don't tow anything and haul very little. My truck is mostly used as our family vehicle to go to the mountains and such. I really like the cost aspect of the spacers.

 

[nps]

Will spacers really break the studs? Is that in high load situations? Because I don't tow anything and haul very little. My truck is mostly used as our family vehicle to go to the mountains and such. I really like the cost aspect of the spacers.

Don't know whcih studs you are talking about. All the spacers generally come with new mounting studs that replace the stud ring holding the shock tower to the spring perch. Never heard of them breaking. My Dayco spacer has held fine. It's moulded and replaces the stud ring and rubber spring isolator. My son got an all metal spacer that required him to reuse the rubber spring isolator.

 

[bombero]

My nephew just got a 06 and wants to raise the front. If I remeber right , besides the Kore spring kit he will need to get a new track bar and a pitman arm. I just cant seeing him screwing up a new truck without doing it at lease half *** right

 

[nps]

My nephew just got a 06 and wants to raise the front. If I remeber right , besides the Kore spring kit he will need to get a new track bar and a pitman arm. I just cant seeing him screwing up a new truck without doing it at lease half *** right

For a 2" leveling kit you don't need to replace anything else. The track bar will cause the axle to shift slightly to the side, but not enough to cause a problem.



If you are going all the way then you need to get longer control arms too.

 

[AndyMan]

Will spacers really break the studs? Is that in high load situations? Because I don't tow anything and haul very little. My truck is mostly used as our family vehicle to go to the mountains and such. I really like the cost aspect of the spacers.

I'd bet you read that about the early RevTek spacers. They have a different design stud now. I had the RevTek spacers, and never experienced a problem. They gave me great service and were just a hair over $100. I added bilsteins at all four corners, ran 35's and loved life.



If you have a floor jack, jackstands, some sockets and wrenches, and some patience, you can do the install. Took a little over an hour. Wasn't nearly as hard as I expected. Straight front axles are pretty straightforward.



Member YoHoot had a good write up on doing the install. Might try a search on that.

 

[Dane]

Here's a pic of my 01 with the Skyjacker 2. 5" kit



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[Fishin Guide]

How big you want to go?



A simple coil upgrade gets you level. The Skyjacker stuff is cheap and proven. Sure, it doesn't have the big coil count and weight of the Kore stuff. Blah, Blah, Blah...



I would recommend getting longer bumpstops equal to the height of the lift. This applies to all solid axle trucks. Even an aftermarket pitman arm is not a bad idea to help maintain the correct geometry of the drag link. Longer bottom links are an option and some blocks should be built to lower the sway bar.



And to top it off. If you want it to really be right, an adjustable track bar with a drop equilelant to the height of the lift.



I know, I know, none of that extra stuff is necessary. But I can tell you without a doubt addressing the entire front end with any height changes will make you much happier down the road.



Dave