Leveling or lift?

I recently purchased a 2005 1500 2wd and noticed that it needs new shocks. I want to level the front end in the process. When I rotated the tires I noticed the ball joints and bushings are worn out also. I would like to do everything myself at one time.

I would like to get a list of everything I need to order before attempting to start any work and also wondering if it's cheaper to get the rc 3" kit with shocks or get separate shocks and a leveling kit.

Also should I get control arms with bushings and ball joints or just reuse the control arms and replace bushings and ball joints?

I hope I'm not asking too much bc I am new here, but I just don't want to start this job and end up not being able to finish it the same day since it's my only vehicle.

Thanks in advance.

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If you are going to do it you might as well do it right. I installed a maxtrac 7" spindle lift kit on my 07 2wd. I got it with the bilstein replacement shocks and I replaced all the ball joints while I was in there. Rides better than stock now. Our ball joints are seviceable so unless your control arms are bent I wouldn't buy new ones.

I know that's the better way to go but I am also on a budget so I want to go with the cheaper option that is still a quality setup

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Well if you want a quality set up then dont go with a spacer on anything. They achieve more height by over extending your suspension. Just throw a set of bils in there and call it a day

Even the rough country 3" lift is not good for it?

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Lift it for sure.

Here are before and after of my daughter's 2005 lifted with 4.5" Maxtrac spindle lift in front and 2" blocks in back with 35"x12.50"x20" Atturo Trail Blade X/T's on 20"x9" Moto Metal 970's.

The height is great, the ride is great and the tires do not make any noise. My daughter loves the way her truck looks and rides.

That looks good, I just can't afford the spindles and it's a little higher than I want to go with factory wheels and 265/70/17's.

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The 3in kit is nice I'm using those shocks and coil with my CST spindle and it will achieve what you want but the ride will be a bit stiffer thank stock. I would suggest away from the spacer as well due to some members have worn holes through them. Or you could do like Derek suggested and go maxtrac they do make just a leveling kit with the bilsteins which will ride a lot better than the RCX do. But you won't really need to rear blocks that the RCX do either since you are trying to achieve level ride height.


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I found the Maxtrac coils with the maxtrac shocks for a good deal but has anyone use the maxtrac shocks before?

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Everyone swears by the bils it's a bit more but I would do it I know it's on my list to do


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Just level it with Bilsteins and call it a day. If you're on a budget that's the best thing to do. Personally I leveled mine vs lifting it because it gets used as a truck, and it's already a pain to hand load heavy ass stuff in the bed, I sure as **** won't be lifting everything up another 7" higher to get it in there.

As far as the control arms, do not I repeat DO NOT waste your time pressing the bushings off and new ones on. That is by far the worst project I have ever done on any vehicle I've owned in my entire life. Buy new control arms with bushings and ball joints installed and bolt them up.

I can't level it with just the shocks. I have an 05 1500 2wd and they don't offer the adjustable bilstiens for an 05 1500 2wd.

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So I'm thinking the best way that I can afford to go is with this for the front eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/191948355386 and either get some Monroe shocks for the rear or wait until I can get the bilstein 4600 for the rear. I'm guessing the front suspension is what I will feel most of the time but all the shocks on the truck are worn out right now and need to be replaced. Would this be better than just going with the rough country 3" kit?

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