Debating Between These Leveling Kits Help

[slimcubby]

Hey guys,

 

I did a lot of research and found 3 options for leveling out my truck that I am leaning towards.

 

1. Rough Country 2"

2. Rough Country 3" w/ A-Arms

3. Bilstein 5100's

 

I use my truck for work and always have a load in the bed ranging from 300-500 pounds. So the rear sits almost level with the stock setup right now with the weight in the back. If I go to level it out will I be sitting nose high? Should I look for maybe adding a leaf in the rear? If anybody has some insight on AAL's or which setup I should go with I would greatly appreciate it.

 

I also plan to go with a 305/50/20 or 305/55/20 tire size.

[Matt_]

1) yes

 

2) NO. stay the hell away

 

3) Will stiffen up the ride. Some like it, others dont. If you don't want your truck to ride more firm, don't go this route. Also more expensive than option 1.

 

 

You can get a set of helper bags for the rear... they don't cost much more than AAL's and wont raise the rear of the truck or effect the ride.

[MS3DALE]

1) yes

 

2) NO. stay the hell away

 

3) Will stiffen up the ride. Some like it, others dont. If you don't want your truck to ride more firm, don't go this route. Also more expensive than option 1.

 

 

You can get a set of helper bags for the rear... they don't cost much more than AAL's and wont raise the rear of the truck or effect the ride.

 

+1 I vote for option #1

[jasonh277]

rc 2" did same thing glad i have it....

[slimcubby]

1) yes

 

2) NO. stay the hell away

 

3) Will stiffen up the ride. Some like it, others dont. If you don't want your truck to ride more firm, don't go this route. Also more expensive than option 1.

 

 

You can get a set of helper bags for the rear... they don't cost much more than AAL's and wont raise the rear of the truck or effect the ride.

Why a big no no for option #2? I thought it would maybe be a good idea since spacers add stress to the ball joints of the A-Arms and that kit would take care of that problem.

 

Also, what do you mean by helper bags? What are those? Thanks for your help! Also, your truck looks awesome!

[Matt_]

it only helps the upper balljoints. It doesnt help the lower balljoints OR the tie rods. Max you should go is 2" on these components. Not to mention that particular kit has major quality issues... do a search, a lot of people had first hand experience and issues with that kit. Some of the most memorable events were interference with the UCA hitting the spring and balljoints wearing in a few thousand miles.

 

helper bags example: http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bi...ir-springs.html

[slimcubby]

it only helps the upper balljoints. It doesnt help the lower balljoints OR the tie rods. Max you should go is 2" on these components. Not to mention that particular kit has major quality issues... do a search, a lot of people had first hand experience and issues with that kit. Some of the most memorable events were interference with the UCA hitting the spring and balljoints wearing in a few thousand miles.

 

helper bags example: http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bi...ir-springs.html

Ah ok cool do you think Air Lift or Firestone for the air bags? Or is it no difference. Also, what tire size are you running on your 20's? I want to make my truck look like this one.

 

[700 sportsman]

I have read lots of reviews on air bags prior to purchasing a set for my dad's truck, and I saw very few negatives for either brand, and most were due to incorrect installation. We chose to go with air lift, for the main reason being price, we got the bag kit, and a compressor for just a little more that just the bag kit cost from firestone. The main difference between them is that the firestones have bellowed bags similar to that of a semi, and the air lift bags are just smooth.

 

After searching all over the net, ourdealsrock.net had the best pricing. I know it sounds a little goofy, but I and several others have ordered with them and had no troubles.

[stlavsa]

Get #1 or #3

 

and DO NOT go with 305/55/20's unless you really want to do some cutting on the truck? sounds like you use it for work to, those tires are gonna rub bad. Stick with the 50 series.. the 55 is just too big. You need atleast 4" of supension lift to properly clear those and thats with perfect backspacing.

[lsuguy]

Get #1 or #3

 

and DO NOT go with 305/55/20's unless you really want to do some cutting on the truck? sounds like you use it for work to, those tires are gonna rub bad. Stick with the 50 series.. the 55 is just too big. You need atleast 4" of supension lift to properly clear those and thats with perfect backspacing.

[slimcubby]

What size tire do you think is on the black silverado I posted? They don't look too wide so I am not sure if they are even 305's.

 

So between the 2" RC and Bilstein's which one will cause less wear on the ball joints etc?

[slimcubby]

Get #1 or #3

 

and DO NOT go with 305/55/20's unless you really want to do some cutting on the truck? sounds like you use it for work to, those tires are gonna rub bad. Stick with the 50 series.. the 55 is just too big. You need atleast 4" of supension lift to properly clear those and thats with perfect backspacing.

 

I don't understand your post... Aren't you running 305/55/20's on a 2" lift? EDIT: Nevermind.. I see you have a total of 5" lift including your body lift...

[stlavsa]

Get #1 or #3

 

and DO NOT go with 305/55/20's unless you really want to do some cutting on the truck? sounds like you use it for work to, those tires are gonna rub bad. Stick with the 50 series.. the 55 is just too big. You need atleast 4" of supension lift to properly clear those and thats with perfect backspacing.

 

I don't understand your post... Aren't you running 305/55/20's on a 2" lift? EDIT: Nevermind.. I see you have a total of 5" lift including your body lift...

 

 

I would guess that black truck has 285s or 295s on an 8.5 inch wide wheel

[slimcubby]

I have read lots of reviews on air bags prior to purchasing a set for my dad's truck, and I saw very few negatives for either brand, and most were due to incorrect installation. We chose to go with air lift, for the main reason being price, we got the bag kit, and a compressor for just a little more that just the bag kit cost from firestone. The main difference between them is that the firestones have bellowed bags similar to that of a semi, and the air lift bags are just smooth.

 

After searching all over the net, ourdealsrock.net had the best pricing. I know it sounds a little goofy, but I and several others have ordered with them and had no troubles.

I think I am going to go the bag route for sure. I also want to get the compressor for easy adjustments. Anybody have pictures of where they have theres mounted if they went this route as well?

[slimcubby]

Ok I am going to pull the trigger on the Air Lift helper bags. Below are the two links that I am going to buy. Please let me know if that is all I need to have on board air.

 

Air Compressor

Air Lift Bags