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2014+ Leveling Kits

bcazier

By bcazier
in Modifications & Accessories

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EaZ8 Enthusiast

EaZ8

Posted
Posted

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?

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Saleenpowr
Saleenpowr

So i put my RC 2" level kit and Toyo 295/55/20's on this weekend. Install was simple, just like on my 2011. It definitely helps to have an extra set of hands when wedging that spacer in there. 295/

Saleenpowr
Saleenpowr

Thanks. Here is one more from yesterday. Considering we're getting 8-10 inches of rain the next two days, I won't be taking any better pics soon.  

FH212
FH212

Mine is finally done! After months of research I went with the RC 2.5" level kit front only, stock rear block. 20"x9" Fuel Nutz w/ +1 offset, 33x12.50x20 Toyo M/T tires. No rubbing, No trimming, yet a

Posted Images

Rclancy Enthusiast

Rclancy

Posted
Posted

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

14x4 Enthusiast

14x4

Posted
Posted (edited)

With RC 2.5 leveling kitattachicon.gifimage.jpg

Leveling kit and 295/70x17 nitto trails attachicon.gifimage.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 by 14x4
FormerFordGuy Enthusiast

FormerFordGuy

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

Rclancy

Posted
Posted

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 Senior Enthusiast

Spurshot

Posted
Posted

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 Senior Enthusiast

Spurshot

Posted
Posted (edited)

 

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

 

_ucak100047.jpg

Edited by spurshot
5RWill Enthusiast

5RWill

Posted
Posted

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

Spurshot Senior Enthusiast

Spurshot

Posted
Posted (edited)

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.

 

DSC_2686Medium_zpsf64e14e3.jpg

Edited by spurshot
5RWill Enthusiast

5RWill

Posted
Posted

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 Senior Enthusiast

Spurshot

Posted
Posted (edited)

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 by spurshot
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5RWill Enthusiast

5RWill

Posted
Posted

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 Senior Enthusiast

Spurshot

Posted
Posted

 

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 Enthusiast

fuse36

Posted
Posted (edited)

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]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 6

using Tapatalk

Edited by fuse36

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