2WD Leveling for noobs

[TJames]

Looking for the best option for my 2014 express QC 2WD. Was going to go with a 4" lift & 35's but decided that a 2" level and 33x12.50x20 MT's tires looked pretty outstanding. I see a lot of 4WD shocks (bils,rancho,fox,) but it doesn't look like any of them make a 2WD application.

If not going with shocks what is the next best thing and is there anything i need to do to promote longevity of my suspension if i used spindles or something similar?

Any info is appreciated as this is my first time even thinking about leveling or lifting anything, thanks in advance!

 

[SilverSurfer15]

they aren't really "leveling shocks" but anyways..

Your best bet is to due CST 4" or maxtrac 4.5" spindles in the front, keep the stock shocks in the front, and a 3" rear kit w/ new shocks of your choice. roughly 1k dollars.

Why? Because a lift spindle is the absolute best way to lift a truck. It doesn't change the geometry, doesn't preload the spring, etc. You can lift your truck 4" and essentially have a stock ride. At least in the front, you will notice a change in quality due to the rear springs/shocks but for the most part it will still ride like stock.

My recommendation is maxtrac, front spindles, keep the stock front shocks, and get the 3" kit with rear bilsteins. Should be an awesome setup. you can still run 33s on it, it looks fine. In fact, it doesn't even look THAT bad with stock tires IMO. if you search a little bit you can find pictures of it. Someone just posted a black one with this set up on ramforumz in several of the 2wd threads.

if you go with a 200 dollar spacer, expect to notice a change in ride quality. and it will put extra stress on the front end. Enough to cause a failure, who knows. But lift spindles are the way to go, and seeing as how they are only 550 bucks for 4.5" its just about the best deal on the market.

Ask the 4wd guys if they would buy 4.5" for$550 lol

lastly

If you slap on mud tires, please don't expect your truck to ride "better than stock" because that's absurd. Mud tires, or even all terrains, on ANY truck do not ride better than passenger/highway tires that's are DESIGNED for highway ride quality. Cant stand seeing every lift thread on every forum stating that the truck rides better than stock with Trail Grapplers on it.

I understand that newer trucks with newer tires ride MUCH better than 80/90s trucks with swampers on them, I get it. Ive had about 10 lifted trucks of all variations. NONE of them ride better than stock. (end rant)

 

[SilverSurfer15]

I was wrong, this guy got the 7" kit. But either way.... even with the 7" kit, it doesn't look that bad on stock tires.

http://www.ramforumz.com/showthread.php?t=201065