2014+ Leveling Kits

tyrich88 · May 26, 2016

Any alterations to the truck like a leveling kit will reduce the suspension quality. Make it be the ride quality or the life of your control arms and ext.. there are reason the suspension kits cost a butt load more. Because they actually try and implement a totally new suspension system. It's something people do to enjoy the look of a cheap lift look. If you want a lift but don't want it to screw your ride up change the upper control arm with your level or just go with a suspension lift. I was going to go cheap but I want my truck to last so I'm saving up for a suspension lift.

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I added a level to my z71 and the ride quality didn't change at all and if you stick around 2 inches, it doesnt change the angles enough for it to matter as far as premature wear is concerned.

EDIT: I do agree that a suspension lift is a better way to go over the 2" mark though...

Edited May 26, 2016 by tyrich88

tanner709 · May 26, 2016

just got off the phone with a local shop and when i told them that i wanted a readylift 2.25 level (includes upper and lower strut spacers) they said they only do the lower spacer because it is not worth it to do the top one and you only need 1 3/4" and anymore will do things to the suspension. I was perplexed when he said this because ive read a lot of this thread and ive never quite heard this especially because ive heard nothing but good things about the ready lift 2.25 and a lot of people do 2.5" levels. Anybody know why he wouldve told me this? He came out the cheapest by far but i feel like he was really knowledgeable.

Thanks!

Just an opinion, some people do feel that way. But 1.75" vs 2.25" will have little to no difference. I think the installer is leaning towards that way because the bottom spacer under the strut is a lot easier to install and can be done without full removal of the strut. Whereas, the "top hat" half inch spacer will require it to be completely let go. Seems like a cop-out to me.

Alternatives: Go with a 2" Rough country or similar bottom spacer level only from that same installer, $69 kit...

Edited May 26, 2016 by tanner709

wuznme · May 26, 2016

If thats the case of them not wanting to remove strut completely get someone else to do the work. It's takes all of 10 minutes to get the front assembly out and that includes jacking up and removing the tire.

Just an opinion, some people do feel that way. But 1.75" vs 2.25" will have little to no difference. I think the installer is leaning towards that way because the bottom spacer under the strut is a lot easier to install and can be done without full removal of the strut. Whereas, the "top hat" half inch spacer will require it to be completely let go. Seems like a cop-out to me.

Alternatives: Go with a 2" Rough country or similar bottom spacer level only from that same installer, $69 kit...

amxguy1970 · May 26, 2016

I added a level to my z71 and the ride quality didn't change at all and if you stick around 2 inches, it doesnt change the angles enough for it to matter as far as premature wear is concerned.

EDIT: I do agree that a suspension lift is a better way to go over the 2" mark though...

That isn't true, anything over stock accelerates wear and the higher you go the sooner the wear can occur. Of course there are many variables, the biggest is if you do or do not leave the pavement. 2.5 is the top end people usually are willing to go and usually long term not good, a half inch lower is still going to add wear but less than the 2.5 and the lower you go and closer to stock those change for the better. But while a 2 inch level is better than a 2.5 it is no were near stock levels in terms of wear.

Tyler

Aldila · May 27, 2016

That isn't true, anything over stock accelerates wear and the higher you go the sooner the wear can occur. Of course there are many variables, the biggest is if you do or do not leave the pavement. 2.5 is the top end people usually are willing to go and usually long term not good, a half inch lower is still going to add wear but less than the 2.5 and the lower you go and closer to stock those change for the better. But while a 2 inch level is better than a 2.5 it is no were near stock levels in terms of wear.

Tyler

Agreed!

Rawyzf · May 27, 2016

rc 2.5'' level 275/65r20 bfg k02

This is an amazing picture. Shows how this color can look so blue and then almost black.

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bcbz71 · May 27, 2016

I had 285/65/18s without a level and they would rub the felt fender liner at full lock in reverse JUST BARELY, so I would assume these 295s would as well.

I run 275/70s right now and they are in no way narrower than the stock tires as mentioned above. BFG's do run narrow and short though...

My father in law has nitto 275's and they are slightly wider and taller than mine as nitto is more accurate on with height and width of the tires and bfg usually runs small.

I do know that with the 295/65's or if you level and run 295/70's, you can trim the felt liner and that will eliminate the rub

I've had 275/70r18s BFG KOs before and I thought they looked horrible....way too skinny. It's a very narrow treadwidth with no section width to look fatter...hated the look. Might as well stay stock. 285/65r18 and larger is where tires start making a difference in looks.

You are wrong on 295/70r18s only rubbing felt with stock rims. They will rub the swaybar and the UCAs and the felt. There are plenty of guys on here running them...one is running a 2.5" Level + 1.5 BL and they still rub the swaybar because the stock offset is too positive. Needs at least a .75 spacer not to rub the UCA and swaybar and also some felt cutting or tie backs.

I'm not convinced the 295/65r18 on stockers is not going to rub the UCA or swaybar without rubbing because it's almost 12" wide. I'm running a 275/65r18 Nitto G2 and I have about a finger clearance on the UCA and just a little more on the swaybar. The problem is that I can't find anyone running them with just a 2.5 level on a 2014+. Eventually someone will do it, or I will whenever my Nittos wear out.

Edited May 27, 2016 by bcbz71

tyrich88 · May 27, 2016

I've had 275/70r18s BFG KOs before and I thought they looked horrible....way too skinny. It's a very narrow treadwidth with no section width to look fatter...hated the look. Might as well stay stock. 285/65r18 and larger is where tires start making a difference in looks.

You are wrong on 295/70r18s only rubbing felt with stock rims. They will rub the swaybar and the UCAs and the felt. There are plenty of guys on here running them...one is running a 2.5" Level + 1.5 BL and they still rub the swaybar because the stock offset is too positive. Needs at least a .75 spacer not to rub the UCA and swaybar and also some felt cutting or tie backs.

I'm not convinced the 295/65r18 on stockers is not going to rub the UCA or swaybar without rubbing because it's almost 12" wide. I'm running a 275/65r18 Nitto G2 and I have about a finger clearance on the UCA and just a little more on the swaybar. The problem is that I can't find anyone running them with just a 2.5 level on a 2014+. Eventually someone will do it, or I will whenever my Nittos wear out.

Sorry, the guy with the 295/70/18s is on method wheels and those wheels have a +18 offset, not the stock +24... my bad.

I ran 285's with no rubbing issue, but on stocks I would agree that 295s would rub. I didn't have much room at all on my 285's.

If some +18 wheels were used I would go and say it would be fine. Just a little felt liner trimming. Level would be recommended though.

And I agree the BFG's look narrow in a 275. I still like the look of the tires and they perform very well. But my next set will be 285's for sure.

Probably nittos as well.

Edited May 27, 2016 by tyrich88

tyrich88 · May 27, 2016

That isn't true, anything over stock accelerates wear and the higher you go the sooner the wear can occur. Of course there are many variables, the biggest is if you do or do not leave the pavement. 2.5 is the top end people usually are willing to go and usually long term not good, a half inch lower is still going to add wear but less than the 2.5 and the lower you go and closer to stock those change for the better. But while a 2 inch level is better than a 2.5 it is no were near stock levels in terms of wear.

Tyler

I mean, i agree, it'll cause a little wear. But so will driving offroad and anything else that puts those angles at anything different than what they're at during highway driving.

It's just my opinion that it's not enough to make much of a difference. It was totally worth it in my opinion.

Donstar · May 28, 2016

I mean, i agree, it'll cause a little wear. But so will driving offroad and anything else that puts those angles at anything different than what they're at during highway driving.

It's just my opinion that it's not enough to make much of a difference. It was totally worth it in my opinion.

I believe you are correct in your understanding of 2" and lower levels, "for it to matter as far as premature wear is concerned". A member responded, "That isn't true" which is another perspective. My understanding (opinion) is that the lower levels of one to two inches have your suspension components working at adjusted angles but are within the safe operating limits of the suspension components. Ball joints will wear eventually in a completely stock truck just as they will with a small spacer kit or levelling shock. We usually don't own our trucks long enough to see this. My understanding of the 2.5 and higher lifts is that you are reaching the maximum flexibility of your suspension components and anything other than smooth road surfaces will cause parts to exceed their maximum designed tolerances.

In my inquiries on this topic I have come across people in the business who will discourage any type of lift or level and are often equipped with some good horror stories. In shops where they do levels and lifts I have consistently been assured that I won't experience abnormal stress on stock components with a level under 2 inches. After reading and asking about this modification for the past several months I am going with a 1.5 level and am confident my suspension will remain as durable as stock.

techsan15 · May 28, 2016

RC 2.5" with block. Amps and Tires coming soon

Edited May 28, 2016 by techsan15

techsan15 · May 28, 2016

RC under the strut spacer only.

BFG 275/65-20

I plan on adding the top spacer and swapping the rear blocks this weekend with an alignment next week.

You ever get this done? Was thinking about going with that size tire.

Trinity2020 · May 30, 2016

How are the angle of the upper ball joints with the 2.5" RC lift? Any need to get the RC UCA's and swap them out same time or are the stock ones just fine with the RC 2.5 level?

I've seen enough people running 20x9 or 20x10 aftermarket wheels with 33x12.5x20 tire which is what I'm leaning towards so it sound like the RC 2.5 or their 3.5 kit is the route I'm going.