Cognito Leveling Kit

dirtfan21 · September 30, 2011

I searched for this and did not dig up much other than talk about bolt in replacement ball joints. I have been researching Cognito products and realize this is a hell of a lot of money for a 2-3 inch leveling kit, but my truck has 70,000 on it and I'm thinking of the future when I will surely be replacing parts. Right now I have the 2" RC which has done me well for over 30,000 miles, I just know front end work will be in the future. I would like to start saving now to cover issues that may come up so I'm trying to ballpark figures.

My questions are: When the time comes to replace upper and lower ball joints, or maybe even before then, would a Cognito kit be worth the money instead of going back all stock with a RC spacer put back in place? What is the difference between the three kits listed on their website, I am a bit confused? Would this system actually ride like stock and give a hair more than 2 inches of lift with less stress?

I do not want to do a full suspension lift. I am pleased with where mine is at now for a DD, but I wouldn't mind a better ride and a bit more lift in the front, still have about a 1" rake. I would not mind dropping $800 in the front end if the parts are quality, will last me another 70 to 100 thousand miles, give me a better ride, and give me a hair more front lift.

Please give me your knowledge! Link to site: Cognito Kits

mhenshaw · September 30, 2011

1. When the time comes to replace upper and lower ball joints, or maybe even before then, would a Cognito kit be worth the money instead of going back all stock with a RC spacer put back in place?
2. What is the difference between the three kits listed on their website, I am a bit confused?

3. Would this system actually ride like stock and give a hair more than 2 inches of lift with less stress?

1. To me the kit would not be worth the money. It is basicly new UCA's and Bilstein shocks.

2. The first kit is basic at $799, the second kit adds rear Bilstein shocks at $979 and the last kit adds Uniball ball joints that are used on pre-runner trucks. They are tough ball joints but the have drawbacks like squeaking since they are open to the elements.

3. I think it would give the exact same lift as the normal Bilstein shocks. The UCA might improve the ride but the Bilstein's add preload unlike your RC kit. So it will probably ride stiffer depending on how high you set the Bilstein.

dirtfan21 · October 3, 2011

Thanks for the info Matt. I figured it would be the same thing as Moog UCA's and aftermarket shocks, just didn't know how "much" better the Cognito UCA's were. I will just wait until the front end is in need of work and go back with everything GM except Moog UCA's, lower BJ's, and the RC level.