Beating The Leveling Kit

deathwish · December 23, 2009

I have narrowed my list of leveling kits for my truck to three. i know this topic has been beaten like a dea horse but I did a search and my questions have still not been answered. I am looking for Pros and Cons for the Rough Country 2 inch kit, the Skyjacker 2 inch kit and the Bilstein Leveling shocks. Thanks again.

Matt_ · December 23, 2009

Are you looking for a full 2"?

The bilstein is adjustable so you can set them at around 1".

Do you dislike the damping ratio of the OEM coil bodies? Some people do, and if so the bilstein will give you a firmer ride. some people prefer this, others dont.... its all about what you're looking for.

If you want the full 2" and you don't feel the need for firmer "shocks", get the RC spacer and call it a day. Its really not that complicated of a decision.

Between the skyjacker and the RC, there is effectively no difference in "performance". They both increase the "length" of the coil body... the RC is just a smarter design/easier to install; i wouldn't even consider the skyjacker since the RC is an option.

cheriff · December 23, 2009

Since I plan on getting some bigger tires (likely in the load range E category), I am letting the stiffer ride come from the heavier walled/slightly less profiled tires. I just ordered the RC kit and plan on machining it down to a 1-1.5" level as a compromise of the two options.

I understand the tires won't have exactly the same affect as the bilstein shocks, but I don't want to change it too much from stock because I find it good by my standards as it is now.

deathwish · December 24, 2009

I like the Bilstein because I can set it to 1.5 inches, but the price for the shocks will burn a hole in my pocket. I've heard the RC kit will wear after a while due to it being poly, and that the skyjacker is more secure. Maybe I'm wrong?

Matt_ · December 24, 2009

I like the Bilstein because I can set it to 1.5 inches, but the price for the shocks will burn a hole in my pocket. I've heard the RC kit will wear after a while due to it being poly, and that the skyjacker is more secure. Maybe I'm wrong?

wives tail. (ever see what happens when dissimilar metals, like steel and aluminum, are touching and not insulated? that's something to be concerned about)

deathwish · December 24, 2009

Oh, do tell what happens with the metals!

electricchiken7 · December 25, 2009

R/C's are cheaper and way easier to install than Sky Jackers. If I had it to do again I would go with the R/C. Don't know a lot about the shocks but I think they are quite expensive. It's all in what you are looking for.

Matt_ · December 25, 2009

Oh, do tell what happens with the metals!

Galvanic Corrosion

schlum1 · December 28, 2009

why RC and not tuff country? I was under the impression the plastic RC kit was the chepy way to level, not the best

AThomas7782 · December 28, 2009

why RC and not tuff country? I was under the impression the plastic RC kit was the chepy way to level, not the best

Not really. The two kits do mount in different places, but one isn't really better than the other. If they cause premature wear on suspension components, there isn't one that will cause "less" wear. The RC kit is just a lot easier to mount. Only advantage I see to the TC kit is maybe it's hidden better on top of the coil.

deathwish · December 29, 2009

After all this talk of the ball joints going, I have decided to trash my RC's and stick with stock.

herkdriver007 · December 30, 2009

also keep in mind your balljoints can/will go at anytime, since the wonderful engineering section at GM designed them in such a way where we cant get in there and grease 'em up.

SO, with that, it is very likely that vehicles that see "severe" use (haha, look up their definition in your owner's manual...its a joke) will see an increased ability to wear out the balljoints.

The way I see it, if my leveling kit exacerbates the problem to the point of replacing the balljoints every 30K, then I'll replace them with something WAY better than OEM...and surely they'll last longer than 30K.

Gotta pay to play....

uh6tdrvr · December 30, 2009

i have the RC kit and havnt had it on long enough to talk about longevity but with it and my 8ply vs the 4 ply tires you will notice a differance in the ride. Its definetly firmed up but not over firm.

Redneck56 · December 30, 2009

i had a 2" rough country on my 07 it worked great. my kit was steal. are they now made of plastic?

cheriff · December 30, 2009

Yea they are some sort of plastic/composite now. I wouldn't let that scare anyone though. Its not like its nylon/polystyrene/ect its pretty tough stuff.