Need Help, Lift, Level, Tires, Wheels. What First?!

[blackout07]

You don't need fox shocks, leaf packs or coilovers. You can get a quality kit from BDS installed for roughly 2000-2500. Skip the flares and that will free up some cash. And I have yet to come across anyone who had their drive train warranty voided by a lift.

[Silvern Sentry]

 

Yikes! Didn't know these kits run that much. When i was looking at leveling, I was thinking somewhere around the $500 for that (to have someone install it). I may have to reconsider priorities here. I don't have the mechanical aptitude and don't wanna take any chances trying to do anything myself. I've got most tools minus jack/jack stands. Now, you give me any electronic device, wiring, i can handle that.

levels are certainly cheaper but yes you pay out the nose for every inch you go up.

 

i would recommend looking at the bilstein shocks thread for a level. you can achieve the same thing and a smoother ride. Runs about $120 x 4 shocks and install.

[pgamboa]

If I go the leveling route, was certainly looking at Bilstein 5100 adjustable height at he highest setting. So about $900 for about all 4 installed. A little more manageable.

 

 

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[Sean D]

I would say be prepared to spend about $5k

[Robert.jean1]

IMHO, if you like the look of a lifted truck, you should just save up and get the one you want without settling for a level because of price. If you do go get a level you will only be happy for a short time and will constantly be wanting to go higher and in the end spend more money achieving the original desired results (speaking of course from personal experience). Depending on what you want to do with the truck after it is lifted will determine the amount of money it should cost you e.g. Most trucks coming from dealerships with lifts already installed have a version of a spacer lift which cost substantially less than the more capable off-road versions. So if the truck would be mostly a pavement princess those are surely the way to go unless you are one of those people who just love blowing money to impress the people who see how much they have spent ( or can spend). If you intend to take your truck off-road but not jumping hills and dunes and shit the mid-range lifts are a great choice as they achieve the lift via a replacement strut instead of a spacer that extends the stock strut height ( this is the one I chose and I take my truck off-roading and attempt to get it stuck in as deep of mud as possible with outstanding performance so far). Last if you want the ability of full performance adjustment based upon terrain then go for the top of the line coilover kits, even though 90% of people with those never adjust them even once after original install.

Lastly I went with a 6" BDS kit with the upgrade to Fox 2.0 shocks and was very budget conscious and in the end spent right at $3,700 total for lift, tires and install.

[skallywag]

IMHO, if you like the look of a lifted truck, you should just save up and get the one you want without settling for a level because of price. If you do go get a level you will only be happy for a short time and will constantly be wanting to go higher and in the end spend more money achieving the original desired results (speaking of course from personal experience). Depending on what you want to do with the truck after it is lifted will determine the amount of money it should cost you e.g. Most trucks coming from dealerships with lifts already installed have a version of a spacer lift which cost substantially less than the more capable off-road versions. So if the truck would be mostly a pavement princess those are surely the way to go unless you are one of those people who just love blowing money to impress the people who see how much they have spent ( or can spend). If you intend to take your truck off-road but not jumping hills and dunes and shit the mid-range lifts are a great choice as they achieve the lift via a replacement strut instead of a spacer that extends the stock strut height ( this is the one I chose and I take my truck off-roading and attempt to get it stuck in as deep of mud as possible with outstanding performance so far). Last if you want the ability of full performance adjustment based upon terrain then go for the top of the line coilover kits, even though 90% of people with those never adjust them even once after original install.

I did the 2.5" RC level and getting tires as we speak. I ran my factory tires for 31k with my 2.5" level on. I also had "priorities". Needed some quick effective ground clearance and this fit the bill. And I did the install in 3 hours on the ground. Easy day. But one day I may go to a 4.5" zone kit. See how the future pans out.

[Robert.jean1]

I also went with the RCX 2.5" at first but mine only lasted approximately 7,500 miles before being removed for the larger lift as I was almost immediately unsatisfied with mine

I did the 2.5" RC level and getting tires as we speak. I ran my factory tires for 31k with my 2.5" level on. I also had "priorities". Needed some quick effective ground clearance and this fit the bill. And I did the install in 3 hours on the ground. Easy day. But one day I may go to a 4.5" zone kit. See how the future pans out.

[skallywag]

I also went with the RCX 2.5" at first but mine only lasted approximately 7,500 miles before being removed for the larger lift as I was almost immediately unsatisfied with mine

I wouldn't say I'm unsatisfied, per say. Do I want more? Who doesn't but also I have had 15 trucks since I was 16, I'll be 26 November this year. I've had every one lifted minus my last 2015 Dodge Dually. But he 2.5" level from RC is a great option for that slight level/lifted look and way under $500 even with alignment and install. If you pod to have it done.

[Robert.jean1]

Oh that's true for sure which is what made me go for the level in the first place.

Also I wonder, 15 trucks in ten years? Either you just have to much money or crash a lot. I joke,I joke.

I wouldn't say I'm unsatisfied, per say. Do I want more? Who doesn't but also I have had 15 trucks since I was 16, I'll be 26 November this year. I've had every one lifted minus my last 2015 Dodge Dually. But he 2.5" level from RC is a great option for that slight level/lifted look and way under $500 even with alignment and install. If you pod to have it done.

[skallywag]

Oh that's true for sure which is what made me go for the level in the first place.

Also I wonder, 15 trucks in ten years? Either you just have to much money or crash a lot. I joke,I joke.

Haha 1 wreck "knock on wood" and it was with my 1st truck. Car pulled out in front of me after he ran a stop sign and I totaled his car. Drove that truck another year no damage. Haha love full replacements. Well I wish to much money was the case. No I get bored or got bored. Now I wished I had kept all the paid for vehicles!

[Robert.jean1]

Goodness I just counted all mine up and I am 40. Counting every car or truck I am only up to ten vehicles in my life time not counting motorcycles.

[skallywag]

Well mud grapplers in a 33x12.50r20 fit on stock sle 20x9 +27 with no rub anywhere

[skallywag]

Goodness I just counted all mine up and I am 40. Counting every car or truck I am only up to ten vehicles in my life time not counting motorcycles.

Pictures in the wheel and tire thread.

[pgamboa]

Ok - So my truck is a 2WD, so I don't think I'd be taking her off roading. She'll be a pavement princess for sure. I appreciate the post of tire sizes that can be used on this 20" stock wheel. $3,700 (Go Ordiance) is not bad, but don't have that up front though.

 

For those that have leveled with 5100 adjustables, can a lift be added later? Say, when It comes time to replace the stock tires.

 

 

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[Robert.jean1]

For a 2W drive truck the cost would not be near as much as I paid for mine.

Ok - So my truck is a 2WD, so I don't think I'd be taking her off roading. She'll be a pavement princess for sure. I appreciate the post of tire sizes that can be used on this 20" stock wheel. $3,700 (Go Ordiance) is not bad, but don't have that up front though.

For those that have leveled with 5100 adjustables, can a lift be added later? Say, when It comes time to replace the stock tires.

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