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Level Kit Problems? Anyone?

earp88

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earp88 Enthusiast

earp88

Posted
Posted

How many of you all have installed a leveling kit and had problems (ride, ball joints, noises, etc...)? Just curious before I install this if its I'm going to regret it.

 

JE

lsuguy Senior Enthusiast

lsuguy

Posted
Posted

Just a quick question man. Did you do a search for leveling kit problems?

 

I've been reading this forum for over a year now and I don't remember ever reading anyone actually having problems from leveling kits. You shouldn't have any noise or difference in ride quality. Ball joints will wear out a bit faster than keeping it stock but ball joints wear out no matter what. They will just go a few miles earlier now.

A word of advice though, most would not advise putting anything more than a 2" level up front. But plenty of guys do it and it's fine. It's just putting more stress on the components.

zcs626 Enthusiast

zcs626

Posted
Posted

I'm new to the site as well, and did a bunch of reading on this forum and also talked with LSU Knight via PM about their setup and thoughts. I ended up getting the 2" RC kit and plan to go with a 3" BL in the future.

 

FYI - Dark Knight, I think it was you telling me that someone sold their design to Zone. This guy in the shop I was talking to said BDS and Zone are effectively the same company with their design.

hodo78 Enthusiast

hodo78

Posted
Posted

For what its worth, I have now install two different leveling kits on two different trucks i have or do own.

 

First was the Bilstein 5100 kit on my 2007 GMC CC 1500 4x4. Install was a PITA, even with my best friend assisting. (We are both very mechnically inclined). Biggest problem was dissembly of the springs/struts. Even with a spring compressor, it was a major ordeal. But mostly due to us not having a air impact handy! We strong armed both sides. Took way to look this way. If your going with the 5100 setup, make damn sure you have air tools handy!

 

Other than the install, I loved the 5100 kit. Looks, ride, heavy duty.

 

 

Secondly, I just installed a Rough Country 2in level kit on my new 2010 GMC CC 1500 4x4 today. I took my time, and it took me about an hour per side. Install was fairly easy, even working by myself. No need for air tools for the RC kit. You also do not actually have to follow the install guide fully. If you do, it will take you much longer.

 

What I and many others on this site did, was the following:

 

1. Jack the truck up, sit it on a couple of qaulity jack stands where your A arms are free to hang.

2. Remove wheel/tire

3. Remove 2 bolts at lower end of shock/strut tower

4. Remove clips from shock/strut tower where old bolts used to connect into

5. Remove bolt and spacers from sway bar

6. Using a 18in crow bar (of similar), carefully compress the shock/strut tower upwards until you can insert the RC lift block.

7. Line up bolt holes and insert bolts with washers and lock nuts. then tighten.

8. Reconnect sway bar and tighten

9. Torque the two new lower strut/shock bolts to 64 ft/lbs (<-- per RC spec)

10. Re-mount wheel/tire, Torque wheel lug nuts to 140 ft/lbs (<-- per GM spec)

11. Lower truck off jack stands

12. Get a alignment.

13. Enjoy!

 

 

My take on the RC kit. Good Quality kit for what you pay, cheapest brand name avalable, keeps stock ride IMO, EASE OF INSTALL!

 

I say this, but in all actualality, I think I would rather have the Bilstein 5100 kit on my new truck if it werent such a PITA to install.

 

But thats just me. I'll give this RC kit a shot and see if it holds up, if not, I will install the 5100s.

 

 

Hope my experience helps, but there are many more threads about this same thing on this site.

blackout07 Senior Enthusiast

blackout07

Posted
Posted

I ran basically the same setup as Brett for about a year and the truck rode and drove great with the leveling kit. Now I just have a 10" leveling kit. :lol:

lsuguy Senior Enthusiast

lsuguy

Posted
Posted
I ran basically the same setup as Brett for about a year and the truck rode and drove great with the leveling kit. Now I just have a 10" leveling kit. :lol:

 

Can I borrow 4 inches??

dgreene396 Enthusiast

dgreene396

Posted
Posted

Looking forward to seeing the pics. I don't think you went wrong.

 

I installed a CCM 2-1/2" leveling kit in addition to a Zone 1.5" body kit on my 2009 GMC 1500 4x4 and I do not regret one ounce of it. I have almost 10,000 miles on my truck and I have enjoyed every one. I have not had any problems whatsoever with either kit or ball joints or anything (knock on wood).

 

Just my two cents worth, I would do it all over again!

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