Leveling my 3rd gen question

[usocazy]

So I started a thread:
Lift coils - Hemi vs Diesel question
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sh...forum.com/showthread.php?t=99431&share_type=t

In that thread a forum member suggested the following 2.5" coils:


I want to simply level my truck. Do I need to do anything to the rear?

My truck:


Front:


Rear:


So basic math indicates nothing needed in the rear if front is 35" and rear is 38"? Am I considering enough? Will simply installing these front 2.5" coils, more or less, level my truck?


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[usaf2006]

You ought to replace your front shocks too, if you didn't plan on it yet.

 

[SilverStreak88]

You'll for sure need new struts, it's gonna ride rough as hell as well.

 

[usocazy]

You ought to replace your front shocks too, if you didn't plan on it yet.

Yeah I'm basically redoing my front end. Upper and lower control arms, tie rods, ends, etc...

Shocks that I have right now have a lifetime warranty. Some of the rubber is coming off the top so I think I'll return them for new ones.

Figured while I got to torn apart I'd get at the level.


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[usocazy]

You'll for sure need new struts, it's gonna ride rough as hell as well.

Ride rough because of the tighter coils?


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[SilverStreak88]

Ride rough because of the tighter coils?


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They're for 2500-3500, they stiffer to accommodate the Cummins, you'll need longer struts as well, the first time the front suspension bottoms out it's going to blow the OEM length struts.

Edit: I scrolled up and saw you have a 2500, I though it was a 1500, you should be good on the ride. Are your coils over the struts?

 

[usocazy]

Edit: I scrolled up and saw you have a 2500, I though it was a 1500, you should be good on the ride. Are your coils over the struts?

No. Just standard heavy duty shocks.



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[SilverStreak88]

No. Just standard heavy duty shocks.



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Okay, regardless, you should be going with a longer shock. I'd hate for you to go through the issues I have cause I didn't get a longer strut.

 

[usocazy]

Okay, regardless, you should be going with a longer shock. I'd hate for you to go through the issues I have cause I didn't get a longer strut.

Just so I'm clear, when you say "strut" you mean a longer shock absorber since I don't have coil over struts - correct?


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[07MegaCabRam]

Your truck does not have struts. You have shocks. You will want to get longer shocks for sure! You'll top those out and blow the seals in a week.

You could get away with shocks extenders if you're on a budget.


I don't want to scare you but leveling a 2500 truck can open a can of worms. You'll start finding out real quick what's worn.

Tires, you may need new, shocks, trackbar..

 

[usocazy]

Your truck does not have struts. You have shocks. You will want to get longer shocks for sure! You'll top those out and blow the seals in a week.

You could get away with shocks extenders if you're on a budget.


I don't want to scare you but leveling a 2500 truck can open a can of worms. You'll start finding out real quick what's worn.

Tires, you may need new, shocks, trackbar..

Hmm, wise counsel. Figured a couple more hundred for coils would be a good addition to the items I plan on replacing.

Here's what I'll be replacing for sure. Parts are either in my garage or on the way to the house.

On hand:

On the way:

Talking to a dealer earlier he recommended shocks there were at least: Extended length = 18.2" / Collapsed = 11.3" if I ran the 2.5" lift coils.

The shocks I have currently measure:

If I replace all the above mentioned parts, what else could be a problem down the road if I level?

Guess I'll look for some decent extended shocks if I go the leveling route.


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[SilverStreak88]

Just so I'm clear, when you say "strut" you mean a longer shock absorber since I don't have coil over struts - correct?


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Yes, I keep forgetting the HD's are not coil over, but yes, I would recommend a longer shock because you will over extend the factory length shock. You can probably get away with stock for a while if you don't want to do it now, but a shock that's a couple inches longer is ideal.

 

[Jamesq87]

If you find slop in your trac bar, don't waste money on a new one. Take the old one out and replace the bushings. I think I ordered my kit at AutoZone for $16 or less. Just clamp the bar in a vice and insert a hacksaw blade through the metal sleeve and attach your saw handle to it. Cut the sleeve in half then you can drive it out with a hammer and punch. Then there will be an outer metal part around the bushing. Do the same thing basically.

Cut through the rubber then through the metal around it. Go slow and don't go too far and actually cut into the tracbar end. If you knick it a little it won't hurt, just don't cut into it really.

Take a chisel and hammer then cave that outer metal part in on itself then you should be able to pound it out. Once other ends are done, take a light sandpaper and clean up the inside just in case you have any light rust.

Put a light coating of grease inside the ends of the bar and you should be able to easily pop the bushings in. Grease the metal sleeve and hammer it in. When you hammer it, lay the backside of the bar on a 2x4 to hold everything in place and the 2x4 will be soft and not mar anything up.

Once done grease your bolts and put everything back.


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2006 Ram 1500 SLT Megacab
5.7/auto/4wd
2" lift,33's,minor exhaust tweak. (For now)

 

[usocazy]

If you find slop in your trac bar, don't waste money on a new one. Take the old one out and replace the bushings. )

Is the trac bar synonymous with the sway bar?


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[Jamesq87]

Is the trac bar synonymous with the sway bar?


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Different things. I just realized you had control arms though. You won't have a trac bar. I was thinking you had a solid front axle. My mistake.


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2006 Ram 1500 SLT Megacab
5.7/auto/4wd
2" lift,33's,minor exhaust tweak. (For now)

 

[usocazy]

Different things. I just realized you had control arms though. You won't have a trac bar.

Sheew. Thought I didn't know my truck there for a second. [emoji12]



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[Jamesq87]

Sheew. Thought I didn't know my truck there for a second. [emoji12]



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Nah, just a brain fart on my part.


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2006 Ram 1500 SLT Megacab
5.7/auto/4wd
2" lift,33's,minor exhaust tweak. (For now)