My idea for a semi "custom" lift kit...will it work?

[juicetifer]

After hours and hours of research on different lift kits I've come up with my own version of a 3" lift. Start with some Bilstein 5100's, add a Rough Country 2" front level kit, and get a 3" block for the back. You can set the front Bilstein on a high setting, so that with the RC front kit should be 3-3.5" or so. That will leave the rear a little higher but I don't mind a small amount of rake because I do tow a boat.

 

I'm working on a budget here, so I'm looking at $400 for the 5100's and about $125 for the front and rear blocks from RC. $525 for a 3" lift that rides good and is relatively easy to install sounds pretty good to me.

 

My question is, will the ball joints hold up on a lift like this? Is 3-3.5" in front too much without upgrading the upper control arms? Ideally I would add something like the Icon control arms with the much improved ball joints, but those are almost $800 on their own.

 

Has anyone else done a similar set-up without upgrading control arms?

 

I thought about the RC 3.5 kit but the reviews are horrible, the shocks suck and the ball joints go bad in 5k miles sometimes. Plus it's almost $800 if you get their struts to go with the kit.

 

[LongrangeLauber]

All I gotta say is, don't exceed 2.5" up front unless you're looking for issues. It's worth it to save up for the proper lift

[jimmyboy8301]

your idea is not possible and will tear the shit out of your front end. you fail to consider that your BJ's, CV's, and TRE's will be at horrible angles. this is a fast way to snap a ball joint and watch your tire go rolling by you on the highway

[LongrangeLauber]

^^^agreed

[juicetifer]

Yep well that all makes sense, and that's why I asked. Thanks for the input fellas.

 

I guess I'll just get the 5100's or the spacer kit and save up for a real lift.

[HoosierZ]

The Bilsteins and a 1.5" Zone body lift is another option without tearing up the front suspension.

[Rkaroll953]

RC 2.5 kit or bilisteiens on highest setting with the .5 spacer on the TOP of the coil will work for 2.5 inches. block for the rear. then do a body lift. there is your kit. dont go over 2.5 on the front

 

* a 2.5 kit will love the upper control arm if you can swing the money.

[Jeff5347]

I have a 3 inch and haven't had one problem. Drove from Mass to Florida as well and all good. She doesn't see off road so I can't comment on that. But for a budget 3 inch just get the motofab 3 inch spacers for the front and get the readylift or rc 3 rear blocks and you won't even touch 400 bucks...240 at the most

 

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[fondupot]

There is a reason why a real lift kit costs as much as they do, they keep the OEM suspension geometry pretty close to stock so your ride doesn't suffer.

 

do not stack the Bilsteins and another leveling kit. Good way to ruin your front suspension, really fast.

[chriscote781]

The Bilsteins and a 1.5" Zone body lift is another option without tearing up the front suspension.

I'd second this. I have this setup in my truck and am very happy with it. Definitely something to consider

[MHPrior80]

I've looked into this set up as well looking for a budget lift. It's not worth the headache on this with premature wear on the front end. Just save up and get the right lift. That's what I'm in the process of doing now. Will have it by early next year. I'm happy with that and still lets me do little things to mod my truck for now.