2.5" Rough Country ripping ball joint boots

[Guikas]

Got a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 slt2 with a rough country 2.5" levelling kit with 285/55/20 on factory rims. My upper ball joint boots keep ripping.

Any thoughts?

[Daryl LBZ]

Maybe the tire is rubbing on them under full lock...?

[dkjbama]

I think you have the answer in the title of your thread. IMO a 2.5" leveling kit it asking too much of the factory suspension configuration. The truck can probably tolerate 1" or 1.5" but 2.5" is keeping that upper ball joint at too severe of an angle destroying the boot and eventually the ball joint itself.

 

There's been quite a few threads here with folks with big leveling kits having ball joint issues.

 

It's my opinion that if someone wants more than what a small leveling kit can provide, they should pony up for a proper lift kit that lowers the mounting points of the upper and lower control arms to keep the factory suspension geometry and ride intact.

 

Personally, my suspension is bone stock. I've been down that road in the past and I'm long since done with lifts and big tires that ride loud and rough, wear like crap, and give crappy fuel economy.