2014+ Leveling Kits

[EaZ8]

The issue with any leveling method is the UCA balljoint angle of the OEM balljoint. When I installed my king shocks, I also installed Cognito UCA s with larger ball joints.

you saying even with a 2" front level its a issue for the ball joints?

[Rclancy]

Just got my RC 2.5 leveling kit installed today . Also installed 295/70x17 nitto trail grapplers m/t on 17x9 xd addicts. Was too late to take good pictures. Will post tomorrow

[Rclancy]

With RC 2.5 leveling kit

Leveling kit and 295/70x17 nitto trails

[14x4]

With RC 2.5 leveling kitimage.jpg

Leveling kit and 295/70x17 nitto trails image.jpg

Looks amazing. You're definitely making my wheel/tire decision hard. If I end up getting aftermarket wheels, I'm going with your size.

 

Any rub?

Edited December 3, 2014 by 14x4

[FormerFordGuy]

With RC 2.5 leveling kit image.jpg

Leveling kit and 295/70x17 nitto trails image.jpg

 

I love the look of small wheels and all that rubber! What offset on the wheels? Nice lookin truck!

[Rclancy]

No rub at all offset is +18 . Full lock and reverse seem to be great so far did some driving tonite , zero issues which im happy about.

[Spurshot]

you saying even with a 2" front level its a issue for the ball joints?

 

That seems to be the history from the GMT900 which shares the same components and geometry. It's not the 2" of lift, it's the 2" additional downward full extension. This apparently bangs the ball joint against the limit of its travel and evidently damages and shortens the life. Many of the GMT900 guys had premature upper ball joint wear-outs with 2" levels. The OEM UCA ball joint is a very small ball.

 

Aftermarket UCAs have the ball joint installed at an angle to accommodate further extension (down travel).

[Spurshot]

http://www.cognitomotorsports.com/boxed-uni-ball-upper-control-arm-kit.html

 

Are these the cognito arms you installed?

 

No, That one will work, but it's an unprotected Teflon socket on a steel ball that the racers use. My truck isn't a race truck. I don't want to maintain it like one either. I bought their, UCA with a regular automotive ball joint, albeit a heavier ball joint than the OEM.

 

http://www.cognitomotorsports.com/boxed-upper-control-arm-kit-715.html

 

Edited December 3, 2014 by spurshot

[5RWill]

Aftermarket shocks/struts would do this too would they not?

[Spurshot]

Aftermarket shocks/struts would do this too would they not?

 

Shocks like the Kings and Fox may have longer extension than stock. Frankly, I didn't measure my Kings against the OEM Ranchos for full extended free length when they were out of the truck. I installed the Cognito UCAs because I knew that GMT900 trucks needed them with the King shocks and these trucks use the same suspension.

 

Anyone using spacers like the RC kit, might benefit from an aftermarket UCA with the adjusted ball joint angle. I just don't sign up to the idea a dry Teflon socket with a steel ball, exposed to the dirt and elements, is going to last very long. I hear they also develop a squeak.

 

For anyone contemplating an aftermarket UCA, forget about the cheapest one on the market @ $250, the Rough Country UCA. It is designed poorly and interferes with the frame fittings. No amount of grinding on the frame as they recommend, allows for complete factory camber/caster adjustment range.

 

Edited December 3, 2014 by spurshot

[5RWill]

I would think a preloaded shock/strut like the 5100 bilsteins or rancho quicklift wouldn't require new UCAs. Still the same length or almost as OEM but no limit on upward travel if the shock is there to compensate for the decreased length of compression due to the preload used to raise the truck. That and it doesn't over extend downward travel. Or at least that's what i'm getting from reading this.

 

http://www.bilsteinus.com/fileadmin/user_upload/user_upload_us/pdfs/Bil_LevShks_WebArticle.pdf

[Spurshot]

I think the Bilstein does protect from over extension. Dont know about the Rancho.. But I wouldn't consider the Rancho. I dont like their valving nor quality.

Edited December 3, 2014 by spurshot

[5RWill]

I think the Bilstein does protect from over extension. Dont know about the Rancho.. But I wouldn't consider the Rancho. I dont like their valving nor quality.

 

I haven't found it in writing but, i'm pretty sure bilstein compensates for the reduced spring travel with their shock, though i could be wrong. I don't mind my ranchos on my truck but i've yet to read negatives on bilstein and they seem to a great reputation. So i'll be tying to hold out for 5100 ride height adjustables for the 2014s, if it takes too long i'll be looking for coil overs.

[Spurshot]

 

I haven't found it in writing but, i'm pretty sure bilstein compensates for the reduced spring travel with their shock, though i could be wrong. I don't mind my ranchos on my truck but i've yet to read negatives on bilstein and they seem to a great reputation. So i'll be tying to hold out for 5100 ride height adjustables for the 2014s, if it takes too long i'll be looking for coil overs.

 

Hold out for the Bilsteins. When you get the Bilsteins installed, you'll know why so many people recommend them over a Rancho.

[fuse36]

Rancho quicklift loaded front. Just got everything installed about two hours ago. Right now I can only give u a review on how it drives compared to the rc2" leveling kit and I must say drives so great it's unreal. I have gone over the same bumps in the road I did with the rc kit and u can't even feel them now. So stable and no bouncing it's wonderful. Remember also had rs9000xl put in the rear. Plus I must say it looks better also. Front now looks a little higher then before. I will post more updates tomorrow night after I pull my trailer all day and post pics. So far [emoji106][emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]

 

 

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Edited December 3, 2014 by fuse36