Newbie question for leveling

[Rlaf75]

Is it possible to just raise the front end up to level it with the rear without adversely affecting handling? Also if anyone has pics of their leveled 1500 with stock rims and tires can you post a pic or two please? I don't plan in changing rims or tires but I don't want to raise the front and have it look goofy with the stock tires. Thanks

 

[brandonjansen]

Yes that is exactly what most guys do. Leveling refers to just lifting the front end to have the truck sitting level rather than raked forward like they are from the factory. Check out the Guide to Leveling linked in my signature for a ton of good information on leveling your truck.

You won't have any issues running the stock wheels/tires on a leveling kit either. A few guys are running that setup so hopefully they'll chime in with some pictures for you.

 

[bigolayne]

Although I still have a rake on mine, this is the Bils at 2.1 and I have a 2 inch spacer in the rear. I do plan on running bigger tires, most likely some 35 but I will be keeping the stock rims. Hope this helps

 

[Rlaf75]

Thanks guys. What's the best way to bring up the front? I've seen basically polyurethane spacers or bushings that go on top of the front shock/strut for only about $100 or so but I've also seen complete front end kits for several hundreds more. Obviously the complete kits would be the way to go but I'm not looking to spend a fortune and I highly doubt it will see any rough four wheeling. What are your thoughts on those spacer/bushing blocks?

 

[Bcountry]

Im in the same boat as you are brother but, Im going to run 20x10 -24 on 33's instead of stock, SO I will have to lift the front also. Stock 275/60R 20

 

[brandonjansen]

Thanks guys. What's the best way to bring up the front? I've seen basically polyurethane spacers or bushings that go on top of the front shock/strut for only about $100 or so but I've also seen complete front end kits for several hundreds more. Obviously the complete kits would be the way to go but I'm not looking to spend a fortune and I highly doubt it will see any rough four wheeling. What are your thoughts on those spacer/bushing blocks?

Bilstein 5100 adjustable front struts are what you want. They're far better than blocks for a number of reasons. Again, take a look at the Guide to Leveling linked in my signature for all the information you need including the comparison between Bilsteins and spacers.

 

[Rlaf75]

Bilstein 5100 adjustable front struts are what you want. They're far better than blocks for a number of reasons. Again, take a look at the Guide to Leveling linked in my signature for all the information you need including the comparison between Bilsteins and spacers.

First off excellent write up. Very informative. Now going strictly by your write up, I don't plan on going any higher than leveling it off. I don't plan on changing tires or wheels and I don't plan on doing any major off roading. The extent of "off road" it will see is the new england roads during snow season or I'd I need to drive through my buddies field for something. Obviously the bilsteins are a better and more costly way to go but I don't really think i want to spend too much money to make it sit better than it does. I'll price out the bilsteins and go from there. Thanks guys

 

[COPPERHED DAVE]

Bilstein 5100 @2.8 in front. 2" coil springs in rear.Stock tires.

 

[DRkNESS]

Well I'm leveled via a 2.5" kit as opposed to Bilsteins. I'm also on factory 20" wheels and stock tire size. I don't off-road nor do I carry any loads so there really in my situation any need to raise the rear any. Although I wanted to grab a set of Bilstein based on others experience, I know that what I really want just looks wise is a 6" lift. Will be doing that in 2016 after I do the revamp on my SQ car.

 

[Rlaf75]

Well I'm leveled via a 2.5" kit as opposed to Bilsteins. I'm also on factory 20" wheels and stock tire size. I don't off-road nor do I carry any loads so there really in my situation any need to raise the rear any. Although I wanted to grab a set of Bilstein based on others experience, I know that what I really want just looks wise is a 6" lift. Will be doing that in 2016 after I do the revamp on my SQ car.

what 2.5 kit did you use? Like you, I'm not planning on doing anything crazy with it. There won't be any crazy loads in the bed and I'm basically interested in the better look of it leveled

 

[DRkNESS]

I had my local 4x4 shop do the ordering and the install. I'll pull my paper work later today and see for sure which kit that they went with. I've surprised several people who thought it would ride like a buckboard upon install. I've had it easily past speed ( shhhhhh) and tracks perfectly straight with NO shimmying or vibrating of the wheel. Again I don't do anything with it that a normal truck owner does and that includes even putting groceries in the bed of it. It's basically used as such to carry myself and my two teenage daughters around.

 

[Bcountry]

Brandon I looked up those Hell Bent leveling kits I didn't see anything for the 2wd's. Whats the best leveling kit out for the 2wd folks trying to achieve that 1.5 to 2 inch level. I know they are plastered all over ebay with different kits but I dont want to go that route.

 

[brandonjansen]

First off excellent write up. Very informative. Now going strictly by your write up, I don't plan on going any higher than leveling it off. I don't plan on changing tires or wheels and I don't plan on doing any major off roading. The extent of "off road" it will see is the new england roads during snow season or I'd I need to drive through my buddies field for something. Obviously the bilsteins are a better and more costly way to go but I don't really think i want to spend too much money to make it sit better than it does. I'll price out the bilsteins and go from there. Thanks guys

At the end of the day a spacer level will likely cost you more money than Bilsteins. Spacers allow the suspension to overextend and on the 2013+ trucks that's popping the ball joints out of the upper A-arm. If that happens (and it's very likely to happen before you even get the truck back on the ground), you'll need to buy new upper A-arms from either Zone or Movotech and now you're looking at 3 times the cost of Bilsteins alone.
Trust me, for the very small difference in cost up front, go with the Bilsteins for less issues, a better ride, and more options down the road if you do change your mind and want to change your suspension setup.

Brandon I looked up those Hell Bent leveling kits I didn't see anything for the 2wd's. Whats the best leveling kit out for the 2wd folks trying to achieve that 1.5 to 2 inch level. I know they are plastered all over ebay with different kits but I dont want to go that route.

For 2wd's I'd recommend looking at CST or Maxtrack. They're the two main suppliers for the 2wd lift world.

 

[edemce]

Yes that is exactly what most guys do. Leveling refers to just lifting the front end to have the truck sitting level rather than raked forward like they are from the factory. Check out the Guide to Leveling linked in my signature for a ton of good information on leveling your truck.

You won't have any issues running the stock wheels/tires on a leveling kit either. A few guys are running that setup so hopefully they'll chime in with some pictures for you.

If he runs the Bilstein 5100's , then would you need to get new control arms from Mevo or will the stock ones hold up and not pop out?

 

[R.L.K.]

I installed the Mevotecs with my bilstein 5100s install @ 2.8" , I did this for cheep insurance ..
Only a very small % of 2013 + have had issues with Balljoints on a.level , and I believe most of I've read about wer using spacers not the Bilsteins.
I'd say it's plenty safe to install the bills and retain the OEM UCA'S , besides the Balljoint doest just explode all at once to my knowledge, you could just keep an eye on them , if you start to see some separation, order up some mevotecs from www.rockauto.com

 

[brandonjansen]

If he runs the Bilstein 5100's , then would you need to get new control arms from Mevo or will the stock ones hold up and not pop out?

As RLK said, OEM A-arms should be fine with Bilsteins as they prevent the suspension from overextending to the point where the ball joint will pop out.

 

[bigolayne]

Thanks guys. What's the best way to bring up the front? I've seen basically polyurethane spacers or bushings that go on top of the front shock/strut for only about $100 or so but I've also seen complete front end kits for several hundreds more. Obviously the complete kits would be the way to go but I'm not looking to spend a fortune and I highly doubt it will see any rough four wheeling. What are your thoughts on those spacer/bushing blocks?

Rlaf, you are only 25 minutes from me so if you need some help; I'm here.

 

[Bcountry]

I found that Max Tarc kit online for 52.69 shipped. I think I will go with this one thanks for all the info guys !!

 

[Rlaf75]

Rlaf, you are only 25 minutes from me so if you need some help; I'm here.

Thank you sir. I'm not worried about doing the work. Ive been a mechanic of 24 years i'm more concerned about the correct way to go about leveling it. I don't want to spend a bunch of money on it just to make it look alil better. It will more than likely never see any hard off roading. I'm basically contemplating it for looks