Leveling Kit or Body Lift

[RompinRam]

So I am wanting to buy new tires. Ill be sticking with 33's right now but I'll be going to 12.5's. I am going to either be doing a body lift or a leveling kit with this. I don't know anything about leveling kits besides the fact that I need to crank the torsion bars or add a key for my year of truck. I talked to Hell Bent and they do not make a leveling kit for me year. Would it be easier to just do the body lift. I heard from someone that I would still need to buy a torsion bar tool which looked to be around $100. Any information would be awesome. Just trying to get a little more height for tire clearance until I can afford a suspension lift.

 

[Stangshcky12]

You don't need the tool. All it is is a big C clamp and you only really need it if you go with keys
Keys and cranking achieve lift by increasing the tension in the front springs so goin to much over 2" will get stiffer the higher you go
I think any 12.5 wide tire is going to rub inside of the wheel well
Your stock tires (275/60/20?) measure about a 33 you'd be best off sticking with that size to avoid rubbing if you don't wanna go any bigger

 

[RompinRam]

So your saying without leveling or body lift it would still rub? Or with it?

 

[quietpeen]

you can fit 33x12.5 or your truck without a body lift or leveling kit

 

[quietpeen]

if you want to level it all you have to do is crank your torsion bars...no special tools, just the right size socket and a big ratchet.

Check out this how to:
http://www.ramforum.com/f76/leveling-02-05-4x4-9788/

 

[WhiteExpress]

Cranking Torsion Bars is super easy. Just hit it all with penetrating lube a few days before. The adjuster nuts can get frozen up pretty good. (My '97 Dakota was). I lubed it once a day for 3-4 days, then they worked properly.

 

[schroederMP]

A 12.50 will fit on your stock suspension and wheels. I've done it

Easier= Leveling Kit. On my 03 it took me all of 30 minutes to install the new keys

 

[NWRQC]

As mentioned above just crank your torsion bars a little to level out the front. It's cheap (free) and easy. Ive done it on a few vehicles.

 

[quietpeen]

you will need to get an alignment though

 

[NWRQC]

you will need to get an alignment though

Yes very true.

 

[KGBIGCOUNTRY]

You don't need the tool. All it is is a big C clamp and you only really need it if you go with keys

I have seen people do it with a c-clamp but I run the other way when I see that and have the phone ready to call 911. The Torsion Key tool is pointed and will seat itself in the crossmember and not slip out like a flat c-clamp. There are alot of lucky people that have not been hurt doing it that way but only takes a second for the clamp to slip and all of that energy to hit whoever is under the truck. The T-bars are under ALOT of pressure. Some parts stores will rent you the tool for a few bucks.

 

[RompinRam]

I'm just going to crank the torsion bars to about an inch and a half or so. Don't want to make my ride really rough. Hopefully I will be able to order my new tires soon and then I will be doing it all at once. Will post pics when it is all done.

Thanks guys!

 

[HKkid]

Crank that stuff. I cranked mine and I'm running 35s with no issues.