Zone or BDS 4in w/Billsteins

I need a sanity check...


I have a 2010 1500 SLT 5.7 Hemi 4WD sitting on Nitto 305/50/20s and Fuel Mavericks 20x9 +1. I have Billsteins front and back, and fronts cranked at 2.8.

I want to move up to 35x12.5's and will most likely buy the Fuel Mavericks @ 20x10 -24.

Having a hard time justifying a 6in lift when only running 35s. To me the 6in looks better with 37x13.5's and I don't want to regear yet.

In comparing both Zone and BDS, I know they are the same company. But other than the warranty, what advantage will the BDS give me on a 4in lift?

Both offer 3in springs and shocks in the back (or 2in spacers and shocks)

Both use the (Mevotec) upgraded UCA option (I am definitely doing this)

Both require reuse of factory (or my Billstein) struts. If correct, only the BDS 6in replaces the front struts.

Both offer single and dual-shock steering stabilizing shocks (I am doing this)

Since both need to use my Billies, here's my big question. What should I have my struts lowered to to ensure level ride? In measuring from center of the wheel to the botton of the wheel well, I have LF - 22.5. RF - 22. LR - 23. RR 23.75. In other words, my factory rake warranted a 2.8 setting on my Billies.

I want to go with 3in rear springs not 2in spacers. Thanks guys!

I have the BDS 4" with 3" coil springs in the rear. I have my front billies set at 1.4" and I am dead level in all 4 corners. I measure 43.5" from the ground to the wheel well tops in all 4 corners.

I love the ride and the peace of mind of the BDS kit. If doing it all over again, I'd take a good serious look at Zone for my needs, to save a few bucks. Just as good, and its all I need since I rarely (never) go off roading.

My tires are 305/70/18 in Fuel Throttles with -12 offset.






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mpittman said:

I have the BDS 4" with 3" coil springs in the rear. I have my front billies set at 1.4" and I am dead level in all 4 corners. I measure 43.5" from the ground to the wheel well tops in all 4 corners.

I love the ride and the peace of mind of the BDS kit. If doing it all over again, I'd take a good serious look at Zone for my needs, to save a few bucks. Just as good, and its all I need since I rarely (never) go off roading.

My tires are 305/70/18 in Fuel Throttles with -12 offset.

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Great looking truck! How dramatic is your factory rake before the lift?

One side measured 2.0" rake and the other side measured 2.75" rake. Not sure why the difference, but the lift and level took care of all that. Most anyone with a 4/3 lift will tell you to set the bills at 1.4"






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mpittman said:

I have the BDS 4" with 3" coil springs in the rear. I have my front billies set at 1.4" and I am dead level in all 4 corners. I measure 43.5" from the ground to the wheel well tops in all 4 corners.

I love the ride and the peace of mind of the BDS kit. If doing it all over again, I'd take a good serious look at Zone for my needs, to save a few bucks. Just as good, and its all I need since I rarely (never) go off roading.

My tires are 305/70/18 in Fuel Throttles with -12 offset.

Click to expand...

That setup looks great, post some more pics

will it fit in a garage with a 7ft door?

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OK thanks guys. I am going with Zone 4", the UCA (Mevotech) upgrade and the 3in rear coils. I am also going to set my Billsteins to 2.1. Even at 2.8 I still see a rake. So a 6/3 setup should put me at level. I think 1.4 would have me at a slight rake. Also going to stay with Fuel Mavericks, but will buy 20x10 -24 along with 35x12.5 Nitto TG2s. (I will be selling my 20x9 +1 Mavs which sit on Nitto 305/50/20s if anyone is interested in the Central TX area).

Question -- I have Billstein rear shocks. Are these better than Zone Hydros or Nitros that they offer? Mine are less than 24 months old.

Do the mevotechs have a different angle than stock on the joint? If not I would suggest getting a set that has a uniball or a better angle than stock.
I know there is a uca a lot of guys refer to as an "upgrade" but if it has the same angles and radius as the factory ones.. imo if ur gonna get a set, it would be worth getting a set that has better angles on the uca than a set that has the same angles.

Ratket said:

Do the mevotechs have a different angle than stock on the joint? If not I would suggest getting a set that has a uniball or a better angle than stock.
I know there is a uca a lot of guys refer to as an "upgrade" but if it has the same angles and radius as the factory ones.. imo if ur gonna get a set, it would be worth getting a set that has better angles on the uca than a set that has the same angles.

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Same one, yep! Zone uses the Mevotech.

S0CAL said:

Same one, yep! Zone uses the Mevotech.

Click to expand...

Zone doesn't use mevotechs arms. They make their own. Mevotechs are factory replacement with better ball joints. The zone ones are upgraded. I just installed some zone ucas this weekend and they are noticeably beefier and you can see that the ball is at a different angle as well


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So with what was said above - Get the zones... no point in getting a " aftermarket" if they have the same angles.

crazykid1994 said:

Zone doesn't use mevotechs arms. They make their own. Mevotechs are factory replacement with better ball joints. The zone ones are upgraded. I just installed some zone ucas this weekend and they are noticeably beefier and you can see that the ball is at a different angle as well


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Click to expand...

Thanks for the clarification -- glad to see they are indeed beefier!

JB1 said:

That setup looks great, post some more pics

will it fit in a garage with a 7ft door?

Click to expand...

It's very very close. I have 1/2" clearance with my shark fin antenna.




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Thanks for taking the pic, is that opening 84"?

If it clears by 1/2" that's fine. I'm asking about all this because I would be sick if it was 1/2" too tall and couldn't squeeze in lol