2-3 inch Front leveling kit - Good or Bad?

dougs z71 · September 4, 2001

I was wondering if any of you have tried the 2-3 inch leveling kit from http://www.hill4wheeldrive.com/ ? are they safe? easy to install? does it effect the ride? How does it work? its only ?, and I think it would look pretty cool. Any info you could give me would really be appreciated. Thanks

y2kz71 · September 4, 2001

Here is a picture of what you get. The theory is the same as cranking up your torsion bars. It basically allows you to crank up the bars more by "re-keying" these locator keys. The effect on your suspension will be the same stress as maxing out your torsion bar adjustment bolts plus. There are a couple of people who have this kit on there trucks and like it. However, keep in mind that you will need new front shocks because with the extra lift your old shocks will be topped out. So the price will be a little more.

Here is what you get.

chevy4x4trucks · September 4, 2001

I was thinking of going that route, however once you figure out the price I might as well just wait to get a rancho lift kit. Also, you need a special torsion bar puller tool which will add to your cost.

DigUout · September 4, 2001

I've been researching body lifts and leveling kits lately and here's the conclusion I've come to. For the same price of a leveling kit you can purchase a 3 inch body lift. Both will require time and special tools for the do-it-yourselfer. The leveling kit, as y2kz71 said, will give the same results as simply cranking your torsion bars, which would take about 20 minutes to do and no cost. Those with the leveling kit still report a stiff ride, like those with adjusted torsion bars.

If bigger tire clearance is the issue, I would go with (and am strongly considering myself) a 3 inch body lift for the money. My understanding is there won't be the stress on your suspension components or need to replace your shocks, but I don't know if an alignment would be necessary like with the leveling kit. Confused yet? Me too -

dougs z71 · September 5, 2001

Thanks for the input guys. I'm new to the truck world, is it easy to tighten up the torsion bars? do I need a special tool- how many turns do you think I should do? How much does it affect ride quality? - and most does this hurt my truck in any way? sorry for all the questions. Thanks again

chevy4x4trucks · September 5, 2001

All you need to do a torsion bar tweak is a tape measure, socket set, and a jack. First measure the height of both sides before you start. Next, jack the front end up to take the pressure off the bars (otherwise you'll have a #### of a time), next adjust both screws evenly. I suggest somewhere between 2 to 3 full turns. Everyone will tell you differently. Personally I think it is because each truck is different. Then lower the front end and measure the height of both sides again, it should be about 2" more hopefully. Be sure that you don't get carried away and try to get 6" of lift because if you go to far you can max out your suspension which will cause your front end components to wear faster.