Front End Lift Options

kurt1993 · October 29, 2010

i hate my droopy front end. i guess its good for plowing or whatever but im sure i could still plow easily with a level front and a set of 285/75/16s or maybe 305/70/16 or even 255/85/16s i still havent decided. but what would be the best way to get my front end up maybe 2-3 inches? or maybe just a little higher in the front. i mean i hear new torsion keys are the way to go but id just like to know a few other options i can go with and maybe some approximate costs would be helpful also what would be the most durable/solid and maybe even what would still provide the most decent ride.

Thanks,

-Kurt

mxdirtrider56 · October 29, 2010

You can just crank your Tbars or install a leveling kit. Don't go anywhere near 3". Don't go any higher than 1.5-2" or your truck will ride like a dump truck. Plus, you will go through front end components faster than you can blink an eye. Whatever route you choose to go, make sure to get an alignment afterwards.

kurt1993 · October 29, 2010

You can just crank your Tbars or install a leveling kit. Don't go anywhere near 3". Don't go any higher than 1.5-2" or your truck will ride like a dump truck. Plus, you will go through front end components faster than you can blink an eye. Whatever route you choose to go, make sure to get an alignment afterwards.

yeah you said that.... and you also said i could go with a new set of Keys, but what im wondering is if there are any other options besides just cranking up the or buying new keys. or am i just being dumb and the ONLY way to get my front end up is to do as you said and crank the tbars or go with new keys?

mxdirtrider56 · October 30, 2010

Suspension or body lift. DO NOT try to lift the front of your vehicle with lift blocks.

revrnd · October 30, 2010

Lift blocks are used w/ leaf spring suspensions. They should never be used in the front end. When I lifted my '82 K15 4", the kit had 4" blocks for the rear & positive arch leaf springs for the front.

Other than keys for the torsion bars, you're looking @ expensive lift kits.

kurt1993 · October 30, 2010

Lift blocks are used w/ leaf spring suspensions. They should never be used in the front end. When I lifted my '82 K15 4", the kit had 4" blocks for the rear & positive arch leaf springs for the front.

Other than keys for the torsion bars, you're looking @ expensive lift kits.

okay thanks, i guess ill go with some new Keys and um... any idea how expensive these kits would be like maybe around $400 or in the ballpark?

Anthonyb · October 30, 2010

Lift blocks are used w/ leaf spring suspensions. They should never be used in the front end. When I lifted my '82 K15 4", the kit had 4" blocks for the rear & positive arch leaf springs for the front.

Other than keys for the torsion bars, you're looking @ expensive lift kits.

okay thanks, i guess ill go with some new Keys and um... any idea how expensive these kits would be like maybe around $400 or in the ballpark?

Make sure the level kit you buy also has shock extenders included with the keys. I bought Tuff Country Keys, very happy with them and they were the cheapest $110. http://www.performanceparts4less.com/tuff-country.html

mxdirtrider56 · October 30, 2010

Won't be anywhere near $400. I picked up my torsion keys and new shocks from Rough Country for $170. Do some searching. Better yet, check out Anthony's link.

06_GMC · November 2, 2010

you can always get a Cognito upper control arm kit and keys and it will address any upper ball joint issues and what not and allow you to get 2-3 inches of lift with proper geometry and what not. They also sell tie rod upgrades and all sort of front end upgrades.

kurt1993 · November 2, 2010

you can always get a Cognito upper control arm kit and keys and it will address any upper ball joint issues and what not and allow you to get 2-3 inches of lift with proper geometry and what not. They also sell tie rod upgrades and all sort of front end upgrades.

kool thanks! just what i wanted to hear

06_GMC · November 2, 2010

No problem i want to get that kit eventually just for the fact that it addresses a lot of issues with leveling your truck but the $460 price tag is not a priority for me at the moment. Let me know how it works out for you if you get it or what you go with and if you're happy with your decision.

rebel7777 · November 2, 2010

I have the cognito leveling kit in my 04.5 2500HD 6.6L, love the kit. Did just the keys in the past and destroyed my upper balljoints (to much angle with just the keys). Do it right the first time and it will save you a lot of hassel and money in the future.

CasualButJiggy · November 2, 2010

Make sure the level kit you buy also has shock extenders included with the keys. I bought Tuff Country Keys, very happy with them and they were the cheapest $110. http://www.performanceparts4less.com/tuff-country.html

Going that route and getting an alignment eliminates the ball joint wear and tear?

Anthonyb · November 2, 2010

Make sure the level kit you buy also has shock extenders included with the keys. I bought Tuff Country Keys, very happy with them and they were the cheapest $110. http://www.performanceparts4less.com/tuff-country.html

Going that route and getting an alignment eliminates the ball joint wear and tear?

I had my allignment done right after I added the level kit. It does not ride any rougher than it did before and I do not see any premature wearing of ball joints. I wrenched mine 2" so I actually had another 1/2 inch there if I wanted it. I think by not maxing it out, it helps with the premature wear everyone is concerned about. It is not super difficult to install yourself, so it is a pretty cheap upgrade. The allignment was almost as much as the kit.