Need Leveling Advice

[PCA4208]

I figure I'm going to pull the plug on buying the Bilstein 5100's to help level out the truck. Its currently sitting around 2.5" lower in the front so I most likely will be setting to 2.1" for now. I've read all the "Leveling Basics" threads and not seen my specific situation. Now the question.

I've read on every single thread that new UCA (Mevotechs) are advised. When measuring the truck I noticed that my current UCA angle is pretty good and has a positive 8ish degree to it on level ground (measured with Iphone so not super accurate). I then jacked up the front of the truck to where all corners are about level, and the UCA angle went to around zero. Now is this a good indication of the resting geometry with the Bilsteins or am I just overthinking? Would I even need the UCA's if I'm only doing 2.1"? Ive included pictures, first two are stock and second two are when raised up 2.5".

 

[Gary2]

I would use the control arm money on a set of Eibach front springs. They ride much nicer than preloading the OE springs .

 

[PCA4208]

I would use the control arm money on a set of Eibach front springs. They ride much nicer than preloading the OE springs .

So this didn't really answer any of my questions but I will keep them in mind. Thanks

 

[buddy guy]

I figure I'm going to pull the plug on buying the Bilstein 5100's to help level out the truck. Its currently sitting around 2.5" lower in the front so I most likely will be setting to 2.1" for now. I've read all the "Leveling Basics" threads and not seen my specific situation. Now the question.

I've read on every single thread that new UCA (Mevotechs) are advised. When measuring the truck I noticed that my current UCA angle is pretty good and has a positive 8ish degree to it on level ground (measured with Iphone so not super accurate). I then jacked up the front of the truck to where all corners are about level, and the UCA angle went to around zero. Now is this a good indication of the resting geometry with the Bilsteins or am I just overthinking? Would I even need the UCA's if I'm only doing 2.1"? Ive included pictures, first two are stock and second two are when raised up 2.5".

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You must have missed some threads ([emoji2])because there are many that say no you don't need to change the uca if going 2.1". I know this because I read them all & went 2.1" over 1 year a go and no issues. Even the mopar leveling kit that had the billies on the front and raised it 2" (2.1 setting) did not replace the ucas. There is still a question on whether you need them replaced for 2.8 inches but I would say most discussion for that setting lean to "yes".

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[Gary2]

So this didn't really answer any of my questions but I will keep them in mind. Thanks

That was the point. 2.1 don't need control arms .... missed a lot of threads I'd say and to your later part it sounds like you ARE over thinking this

 

[Mbrigh3]

You dont need to change anything if you go 2.1...

 

[PCA4208]

OK
So maybe I missed a few threads or possibly because I didn't want to read 200+ pages of stuff. I was trying to say that through all the ones I've read everyone has pretty much changed their UCA's regardless of if you really NEED to or not. Been on this forum long enough to know people are sheep and will blindly follow advice regardless of if it even applies to their specific application lol.

The first part of my question underlined also asked if my method of jacking up the truck a bit was a good indication of resting leveled suspension geometry; which as it seems was glossed over for everyone to tell me to go read more.

So I guess no UCA's are needed then, thanks for the input everyone.

 

[JB1]

At 2.1 with Bilsteins you should still be within the geometry and not at a bad angle. Sometimes members change their UCA to the Mevotechs or something else while they have everything apart and getting it aligned anyway, especially on a truck with some miles. To answer "part of your question", no you do not need to replace the upper control arms due to a 2.1" lift.

 

[ChevySlayer69]

With bilstein at 2.8 my stock uca's are fine. The angle isnt bad they are easily within their intended range of motion. Seems spacers are what causes real problems.