level and new tires

[rocnrol]

Installed 295/70-18 Nitto Trail Grapplers this weekend, and Leveled the truck. I just cranked the stock keys,went 5 1/2 turns which got me 1" of lift. I'll book it in for an oil change and alignment weekend coming up. Might give it a few more turns during the week, we'll see. I must say though, in my opinion the ride is much better.

[Tim Rasmussen]

Looking at possibly raising the front slightly 1-1 1/2 inches like yourself. Have never heard of cranking on the stock keys. Could you give me a brief description of your mod?

 

 

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[rocnrol]

Sure! I actually just went out and gave them a few more turns, 8 turns to be exact, and I'm at 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" of lift now. Still like the ride.

 

All I did was take some measurements where it was stock to the lip of the wheel well, then jacked the front of the truck up so the tires were off the ground, and just turned the torsion adjusting bolts in, keeping count of the turns I made. I made the adjustment two turns at a time, and then lowered the truck and take a new measurement. I took it for a couple of drives during the process to settle the front end too to see where it actually is at.

 

I'll get it aligned this weekend.

[rocnrol]

To be clear, that's 8 total turns from stock I did.

[Valleypatroll]

I definitely like the way mine rides leveled compared to stock. You just run into problems when you raise it too much and the upper a arm hits the stop. I went 8 turns also

[rocnrol]

I definitely like the way mine rides leveled compared to stock. You just run into problems when you raise it too much and the upper a arm hits the stop. I went 8 turns also

I was out running some errands tonight for a couple of hours, and I have to agree totally about the ride. I'd go so far as saying, in my opinion, the ride is the way it should come from the factory. You're completely right about the stops, and one thing I've found tonight is, if you hit a speed bump to fast in a parking lot, you will hear and feel the upper A arm hit the stop. Other than that, I have experienced zero negative effects from doing this.

 

As well, as expected by going to the slightly larger tire, I'm seeing better milage. I have 4.10 gears, and with the 295's the effective overall is now 3.90. Not a drastic change, and it should still retain good towing manners.

[rocnrol]

This video shows perfectly the results from excessively cranked T bars, and why you get a harsh ride and premature worn parts :

 

 

[fjtort2]

May have to get rid of my bigger keys. It rides terrible. Should I leave the shock extenders if I just crank the stock keys?

[fjtort2]

Installed 295/70-18 Nitto Trail Grapplers this weekend, and Leveled the truck. I just cranked the stock keys,went 5 1/2 turns which got me 1" of lift. I'll book it in for an oil change and alignment weekend coming up. Might give it a few more turns during the week, we'll see. I must say though, in my opinion the ride is much better.

Your truck looks really good by the way!

[rocnrol]

May have to get rid of my bigger keys. It rides terrible. Should I leave the shock extenders if I just crank the stock keys?

I would leave them in.

Your truck looks really good by the way!

Thanks!!

[Big Whiskey]

Nice job! Looks like a 2500HD should!

[rocnrol]

thanks Whiskey!

[markrauenzahn]

Guys...to be clear. You cranked the two bolts on each key, eight turns to achieve level? Stock keys? What about shock extenders? Required? Thanks!

 

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[SMiller]

Guys...to be clear. You cranked the two bolts on each key, eight turns to achieve level? Stock keys? What about shock extenders? Required? Thanks!

 

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Yes 8-turns on each bolt is what they did, shock extenders are not required but I do highly recommend them, we are talking a couple dollars in spacers and 20min. to install.

 

You will need a allingment afterwards.

 

For a non snow plow prep truck I like to run the drivers side bolt all the way until it bottoms out, then I turn the passenger side until the fender height is the same as the drivers side as these trucks are not level side to side from the factory and require additional lift side to side to get them squared up and there is more bolt length to adjust on the passenger side.

[rocnrol]

Yes 8-turns on each bolt is what they did, shock extenders are not required but I do highly recommend them, we are talking a couple dollars in spacers and 20min. to install.

 

You will need a allingment afterwards.

 

For a non snow plow prep truck I like to run the drivers side bolt all the way until it bottoms out, then I turn the passenger side until the fender height is the same as the drivers side as these trucks are not level side to side from the factory and require additional lift side to side to get them squared up and there is more bolt length to adjust on the passenger side.

^^^^^^ this ;)