Level strut spacers and 4X4

[Donstar]

I grew up in a time when 4X4 pickups were easily spotted. The front ends were higher than their two wheel drive counterparts and of course we can't forget the front hubs! Today's four wheel drive pickups are identified by badging. A level spacer kit will mimic the traditional 4X4 look, provide better road clearance and add room for larger tires. I would like to install 1.5 or 2 inch bottom of strut spacers but am concerned about the front wheel drive shafts and suspension components continually operating at angles that are different than engineers intended. I know that many people do this and more significant modifications to their truck front suspension. I have been told/read that a small level kit such as the one I am suggesting will not change angles or place grater stress and wear of stock components. There are also stories out there where such modifications have caused considerable grief. I am looking for factual information on the impact of such a lift on the operation of my four wheel drive truck. When I question the merits of adding spacers I tend to hear opinions or product endorsement. Has anyone found a convincing piece of literature or media on this topic or a good explanation which will effectively put such concerns to rest?

[seasled]

Start reading

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/153363-2014-leveling-kits/page-148?do=findComment&comment=1621494

[Donstar]

Thanks for the link. I have followed this thread over the past several months and it is a fun read. It covers a lot of topics, experiences and opinions. I tried to make my question more focussed on to the actual mechanical changes arising from a 1.5 to 2 inch bottom of strut spacer. It is very apparent that spacers lift as intended but what are the tradeoffs from stock? If these spacers were an improvement over factory geometry, then there wouldn't be any discussion! I am after the appearance but do not want to potentially reduce the integrity of my truck.

[seasled]

2.5" or less is fine on 4wd geometry

[Donstar]

2.5" or less is fine on 4wd geometry

This seems to be the common understanding and I have no reason to doubt the validity of this statement. What is happening to the suspension to make 2.5 safe and 2.75 unsafe? Is the angle of the driveshaft from the front differential to the wheel too great to function properly or.. ? I am trying to be informed. I'll never be a mechanic but I like to know how things operate!

[cev103]

Personally I wouldnt go more than 2". I installed the RC 2" when I bought my truck last year. I wanted a little more height so I order the remaining components for the RC 2.5" lift and had it installed 2 weeks ago. Long story short is I had all of the 2.5" components removed yesterday and went back to just a 2" front level because it made my truck ride too rough for my liking. I'm just going to wait until I have the coin for a quality suspension lift.

[Donstar]

Personally I wouldnt go more than 2". I installed the RC 2" when I bought my truck last year. I wanted a little more height so I order the remaining components for the RC 2.5" lift and had it installed 2 weeks ago. Long story short is I had all of the 2.5" components removed yesterday and went back to just a 2" front level because it made my truck ride too rough for my liking. I'm just going to wait until I have the coin for a quality suspension lift.

I wonder what is happening with the suspension components to noticeably alter the ride quality between 2 - 2.5 inches. I am sure something is also happening between 0 - 2 inches but not so noticeable. It would be so helpful if a fact sheet c/w illustrations was available on this topic. Bilstein has some general information on the various leveling methods, but not helpful in comparing the impact of various heights.

[GRN69CHV]

1" front end lift (approx 1/2" spacer) is more than enough to notice a difference. If you read all threads on here, biggest issue is ball joint bind at full extension which becomes an increasingly greater problem as the amount of lift increases. You'd be surpised how much 1" front end lift changes not only the visual impact at the wheels and the front end, but as the truck pivots over the rear tires, rear bumper comes down. Much more balanced looking.

[amxguy1970]

Although I appreciate anyone who is thorough and doing research, I have seen you start plenty of threads and ask plenty of questions where you should have a good grasp on this information.

 

The whole 2.5 and under is a ok is sort of a myth. Yes many are running around just fine but it all depends on the wheels, tires, off set, weights, driving style, terrain, ect. So many factors. Many people across all manfacturers have had issues with 2.5 lifts, many have not. There is not a set magic number that cannot be hit or trouble occurs. Where one guy that posts says he is good at 20k someone not posting may have had a failure at 20k or another may have last to 100k

 

Anything over stock is harder than stock on componets, period. A 1 inch lift is harder than the stock levels set by the manufacturer and engineering. A 2 inch is worse than that. 2.5 is really pushing and 3 inch just says I hate my truck and want to look cool (unless they replace other corresponding components such and control arms, drop brackets, ect and do it right).

 

It just depends what you will do (off roading or just DD city driving), are you running wider off set wheels, heavier tires, hit tons of pot holes and rough roads but pavement only? Tons of scenarios drive what it will or will not handle long term.

 

To put it level (no pun intended) across a graph. If the stock suspension will last to say 200k before there are ball joint failures or CV failures on a strictly highway driven truck, then say 1 inch might reduce that to 150-175k. Say 2 inch might get you to 100-125k and 2.5 might get you to 100k. Again it all depends on the driver and a whole host of situations and possibilities.

 

Do what you feel comfortable with. Do I like the look of a 2.5 front and 3 inch block? Sure, but for what look I want and what I will be doing I want the stock stuff to last longer and get a slightly better stance so I am going 1.5 front and 1 rear. Some want exactly level, I prefer rake because I tow, haul and like the look better than level (even though it looks nose high in certain set ups).

 

Good luck with your set up. Thought you were set on a 1.5 level for a while, are you changing your mind?

 

Tyler

[Icecreman]

I don't think you're going to find the concrete evidence your looking for. I certainly tried and came up empty. I finally decided on a 2" up front and 1" lift on the rear (I wanted to keep rake for hauling) with the understanding that I may wear things out a little sooner than normal. I can tell you that I tried the 2.5" inch first but when I saw how far it pushed everything in the front end I felt it was too much and went with 2".

 

Certain components may wear a little faster but I'm much happier with the overall look and am willing to accept it.

 

Edit: My avatar pic is before the lift. I haven't had a chance to get good pics yet.

[Donstar]

Although I appreciate anyone who is thorough and doing research, I have seen you start plenty of threads and ask plenty of questions where you should have a good grasp on this information.

 

I apologise if I have overdone the questions on this topic. I don't have the resources to experiment and want to minimise potential "buyers remorse". The opinions and experiences expressed in this forum are sometimes quite different than those in my circle of people. My feedback outside of this forum is 1.5 is not enough on one side to any lift is a waste of money and will ruin my truck on the other. I am embarrassed about starting new threads on a similar question. I find that once a question leaves the first page, it seldom gets viewed. The threads with hundreds of entries are often too general or scattered to be useful. You are correct that I have acquired a pretty good grasp on this topic. I know a lot of peoples' experiences and opinions. The factual information is a little less available. For example, you state that a 2" lift is harder on your suspension than a 1" lift. With all of my acquired knowledge, I can't agree or disagree with you. My understanding is that both are within stock tolerances and any premature wear over stock would be the same. You suggest there could be a 25-50 k mile difference in suspension durability. I understand (believe) that higher spacers (2.5 - 3) are fine for smooth surfaces but will allow your suspension to exceed limits when driven on rough surfaces.

[jerseytaylor]

[OldBlue61]

FWIW, I purchased a 1.5" MotoFab kit. I didn't want to put too much strain on the truck, but wanted to level it a little. I plan on putting a slightly larger tire on it once the originals are shot, but nothing crazy. This thing is my DD, and I want it to last without having to spend a fortune to keep it on the road.

[Donstar]

I don't think you're going to find the concrete evidence your looking for. I certainly tried and came up empty. I finally decided on a 2" up front and 1" lift on the rear (I wanted to keep rake for hauling) with the understanding that I may wear things out a little sooner than normal. I can tell you that I tried the 2.5" inch first but when I saw how far it pushed everything in the front end I felt it was too much and went with 2".

 

Certain components may wear a little faster but I'm much happier with the overall look and am willing to accept it.

 

Edit: My avatar pic is before the lift. I haven't had a chance to get good pics yet.

You're right that I may not find the evidence I am looking for. Your current setup is what a local dealership is recommending. I suspect that the end result would be about the same as a 1.5" front only lift.

[Donstar]

 

This is an interesting graphic and it strongly suggests that you have information to offer. I would appreciate your comments. What is obvious to you may be helpful to me and others! Thanks.