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To level or not to level?

BaysideDenali

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BaysideDenali Enthusiast

BaysideDenali

Posted
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I intend to stay with the stock 20 x 8.5 rims, upsizing tires (over sizing) shouldn't raise the height much. I want to raise it no more than 2". Are there any kits that do this or are they all 2"? Any that are more than 2" but still sold as leveling?

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Wires Enthusiast

Wires

Posted
Posted

Why not just install 2" drop shackles in the rear? Levels the back, looks great, and you don't need to mess with the front stuff. Stupid easy to do as well (couple bolts per side).

 

Did it to my last truck, and it look great. Gets rid of the space between wheels and rear wheel well. Only downfall was when I started to haul my ATV, then the rear would sag 2" off level.

Zembonez Senior Enthusiast

Zembonez

Posted
Posted

I'd lower the rear with a pair of shackles. The 900s have WAY too much distance between the tires and wheelwells already... and you won't risk tearing up the front ball joints (which many are doing with leveling kits).

Morgan1986 Senior Enthusiast

Morgan1986

Posted
Posted

Dont know about you guys but lowering the back would be a bad thing for me . There are many times I put up to 1200 to 1500 pounds in the back and the truck can look like a low rider with that much weight. To me with the truck raised in the back I like. Most of the winter I put 300 pounds in and it sits just fine. My thoughts are when its raised a bit in the back its ready for a load.

 

If I want to take a nice pic with it level I will just put a bit of weight in the back :P

j-ten-ner Senior Enthusiast

j-ten-ner

Posted
Posted

If I want to take a nice pic with it level I will just put a bit of weight in the back :P

 

 

At the end it will be the more expensive way to level your truck...thinking of the fuel economy.

 

Actually...hm...how long does it take to wear out the front ball joints and how much are they?

In average one will need up to 0.5L more for 100km per 100kg of cargo.

Let's say I put 150kg (roughly 300 lbs) in the truck bed. With the current gas prices ($1.40) it'll cost me 70cents more on fuel.

With a average mileage of 15.000km per year I end up with $105 more in gas. Plus earlier worn out brakes, tires, springs, shocks....

 

Go with the level kit. So do I when the time is up.

Maybe I should measure the height of the parkade before...

 

so long

j-ten-ner

tyhuck Senior Enthusiast

tyhuck

Posted
Posted

Dont know about you guys but lowering the back would be a bad thing for me . There are many times I put up to 1200 to 1500 pounds in the back and the truck can look like a low rider with that much weight. To me with the truck raised in the back I like. Most of the winter I put 300 pounds in and it sits just fine. My thoughts are when its raised a bit in the back its ready for a load.

 

If I want to take a nice pic with it level I will just put a bit of weight in the back :P

 

 

He could always remove the block. That would lower the rear and still retain all of the suspension travel. At that point the only issue would be tire clearance, right?

Morgan1986 Senior Enthusiast

Morgan1986

Posted
Posted

If I want to take a nice pic with it level I will just put a bit of weight in the back :P

 

 

At the end it will be the more expensive way to level your truck...thinking of the fuel economy.

 

Actually...hm...how long does it take to wear out the front ball joints and how much are they?

In average one will need up to 0.5L more for 100km per 100kg of cargo.

Let's say I put 150kg (roughly 300 lbs) in the truck bed. With the current gas prices ($1.40) it'll cost me 70cents more on fuel.

With a average mileage of 15.000km per year I end up with $105 more in gas. Plus earlier worn out brakes, tires, springs, shocks....

 

Go with the level kit. So do I when the time is up.

Maybe I should measure the height of the parkade before...

 

so long

j-ten-ner

 

That is true but I was trying to say that I have 300 pounds in the back anyways with sandbags. I take that weight out when its not winter. I was trying to say I like all the clearance or the back end up because alot of times I put weight in the back (for my job) and If i want to take a pic in the summer with my truck level I just have to spend 10 mins or less putting a little bit of weight in the back and my truck look COOL like you guys :P lol .

If I want to take a nice pic with it level I will just put a bit of weight in the back :P

 

 

At the end it will be the more expensive way to level your truck...thinking of the fuel economy.

 

Actually...hm...how long does it take to wear out the front ball joints and how much are they?

In average one will need up to 0.5L more for 100km per 100kg of cargo.

Let's say I put 150kg (roughly 300 lbs) in the truck bed. With the current gas prices ($1.40) it'll cost me 70cents more on fuel.

With a average mileage of 15.000km per year I end up with $105 more in gas. Plus earlier worn out brakes, tires, springs, shocks....

 

Go with the level kit. So do I when the time is up.

Maybe I should measure the height of the parkade before...

 

so long

j-ten-ner

 

That is all true I agree. I was not suggesting the OP should just put weight in the back . I was saying for my personal self that I have about 300 pounds in the winter of sand bags in the back and a lot of time thru out the year I will put a lot of weight in the back of the truck and I like all the clearance that I can get. I have been a few times on my bumper stops before with so much weight in the back. I personally don't like seeing trucks back ends sag when they carry a little bit of weight like a ATV it looks funny. I think I need new springs . The truck is not stiff enough for my liking right now. I will make a post about it and ask about new shocks/springs .
Wolfmanjohn Enthusiast

Wolfmanjohn

Posted
Posted

So, when rake is reduced/truck leveled, how does that affect caster and/or other front end alignment factors?

biggjay96x Enthusiast

biggjay96x

Posted
Posted

So, when rake is reduced/truck leveled, how does that affect caster and/or other front end alignment factors?

 

mine was well within specs, never needed an adjustment.

Morgan1986 Senior Enthusiast

Morgan1986

Posted
Posted

@ morgan1986

 

... just trying to make a little fun. :)

 

so long

j-ten-ner

 

Its alright I did not even think you where disrespecting me or even having a little fun . You where pointing out a true fact and I most likely just typed up my thoughts wrong.

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