HBS level on 13-14 Issues?

[11BPSMIKE]

Hi guys I want to bring the front of my 14 sport crew up a couple inches and after trying to order Bilstein 5100 for a month I gave in and ordered a hell bent steel 2" levelling kit. Then I see that spacers are popping upper ball joints out and now I'm pissed and not sure what route to go. Sometime this mod bug is a curse. Has anyone had ball joint issues with a 2" level kit on the new trucks?

 

[JJP71584]

I have that level on my 12...zero issues

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

 

[Arctic-Rodz]

i have been running the 2.5" from HBS. no issues and super easy install

 

[11BPSMIKE]

I wonder what's going on to pop these ball joints, I can't see a 1 1/4 inch spacer causing so much issue when the outdoorsman comes 1" higher factory?

 

[oz97tj]

The way it looks to me is the spacer with the factory shock allows the suspension to droop further. This puts the ball joint beyond it's limit causing them to pop like they've been doing.

The Outdoorsman won't droop as far keeping this from happening. Even Bilsteins don't droop as far as a stock shock and a spacer so they might avoid it.

Realistically, if you're careful during install, and never see anything but pavement you might be able to avoid the issue if the suspension doesn't droop out fully, but why chance it? There are even some out there who are running them without issues, but with the amount of problems experienced, it seems like addressing the issue is needed.

I have a HBS 2 inch that I will be putting on my '14 this week. I purchased the Zone upper arms to prevent the issue altogether. It's only two more bolts and should barely add any difficulty or time to the install.

 

[KCTHUNDER]

Ive had a 2" on my 13 for a year and no issues or sounds. Great around town and great on the 1100 mile trip. I just added pics too..i always saw great reviews on hbs thats y i got it. A few complaints on 2.5" so i stayed with the 2.. now ya got me worried!! Haha

 

[NYCruiser]

http://www.ramforum.com/f40/upper_ball_joints-44815/

 

[mjd91]

I think it was more a 2014 issue.
I've seen very few issues on 2013's.
Ball joint supplier may have changed or something.

I also don't see how it could only be a HBS issue. A leveling kit is a leveling kit. Obviously Bilsteins do it slightly different so it may not effect them.

 

[NYCruiser]

http://www.ramforum.com/f40/spacer_level_kit_=_star_case_2014_ram-44746/

 

[11BPSMIKE]

I think the Bilsteins are the way to go as they maintain similar shock length, I just wish they were available. If people are having issues only on lifted trucks I would install the HBS lift I have coming. My truck is a 14 as well.

 

[DublDee]

If you don't mind paying the extra $ I know my parts guy in Lloydminster can get those Bilsteins for you, and ship them out your way.

 

[11BPSMIKE]

I'm not ready to pay Canandian prices yet, we get *****. Thanks for the offer.

 

[Bigmutha]

I have a 2.5 HBS on my 2013 and I love it, no issues at all.

 

[Bigdaddy]

I'm planning on getting the 2' ProComp spacer on my 2014 2500, hmmm it will work.

 

[oz97tj]

I'm planning on getting the 2' ProComp spacer on my 2014 2500, hmmm it will work.

See your other post...

 

[11BPSMIKE]

Anyone one else having good or bad luck with the spacer levelling kits on 13-14 trucks, I have mine here on the counter and can't decide if I should install it or not.

 

[shawnwhite78]

Just did a motofab 3inch front spacer and 1.5 rear to fit 35s on my 14 1500 black express without a wheel spacer. On stock 20 in wheels. We were able to get the alignment just in spec with the 3 inch. Looks and seems like a good product. And I did fit the tires without a wheel spacer.

 

[11BPSMIKE]

Wow 3" from a spacer, have you checked the upper ball joints to see if them moved?

 

[dirtridersr]

just installed a procomp 2.5in spacer, on my 14 4x4 1500, had it on for like 4 days now, so far I like ride isn't to bad either for a factory shock, I actually think it rides better, that might be because I went from 20's to 17's tho

 

[DIRTRIDER]

I have a very early build '14 1500 Express that I installed a 2" level kit in. I have 5000mi on the truck now and looked at my balljoints from reading these posts. Both of my balljoints are lifting out of the control arm about an 1/8" right now. I have never had the truck offroad to cycle the suspension that hard. I work in a fab shop and short term I'm going to repress the joints back in the arm and put a couple of welds were the joint and arm meet till I figure out my long term solution. Not happy about what a simple 2" level is doing, thx RAM.