Beleaguered Leveling Kits

[choctaw]

OK, I have researched and researched 2" leveling kits, have narrowed it down to two options. Billet Garage spacers or replacement springs. My question-which is the best way to retain OE ride, alignment, brake line lengths, etc. Are they equally easy to install?
Is there better setups? If so I would like to hear your opinion and why. Thanks in advance!!

Regards,
Mike

[2005F250]

You can try the bilstein kit. Bilstein I paid around $500 with mine and it came with coils and shocks.

[big marc]

you will need to get a track bar relocation kit also or the axel will sit off centered.

[choctaw]

Maybe I did not research enough? What way will my axel be off center-right to left/front to back, sorry for the ignorance. And why is this so with only two inches?
Also is there really a reason to spend more than $200. when my shocks will work?
Thanks
Mike

[caryt]

Any 2" lift will offset the Axel 1/2-3/4" one side. I wouldn't get a drop bracket for a 2"..get a adj track bar and set it perfect..bracket may or may not get it correct.
Icon has a kit ..2.5" that has new coils shocks and new alignment cams that you NEED! Add the adjustable track bar and it will be perfect and ride better than stock.

Stock shocks are crap..chosen buy the cheapest provider. Get new and they will last the truck.

Cary

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Last edited by caryt : 06-08-2008 at 08:55 AM.

[2005F250]

Originally Posted by caryt

Any 2" lift will offset the Axel 1/2-3/4" to the passenger side. I wouldn't get a drop bracket for a 2"..get a adj track bar and set it perfect..bracket may or may not get it correct.
Icon has a kit ..2.5" that has new coils shocks and new alignment cams that you NEED! Add the adjustable track bar and it will be perfect and ride better than stock.

Stock shocks are crap..chosen buy the cheapest provider. Get new and they will last the truck.

Cary

It sets the axle to the drivers side. The Icon kit is way over priced and I think you need to spend extra to get the rear shocks. You don't really need the alignment cams. I put the cams on my truck and it set the tires back to far on my truck causing the tires to hit the body when turning. My truck has been leveled for 40K miles and has had no issues except for when I tried those darn cams.

[Evil Eye]

Originally Posted by caryt

Any 2" lift will offset the Axel 1/2-3/4" to the passenger side. I wouldn't get a drop bracket for a 2"..get a adj track bar and set it perfect..bracket may or may not get it correct.
Icon has a kit ..2.5" that has new coils shocks and new alignment cams that you NEED! Add the adjustable track bar and it will be perfect and ride better than stock.

Stock shocks are crap..chosen buy the cheapest provider. Get new and they will last the truck.

Cary

Mine is measuring even on both sides; I don't have any shift in my front axle.

[choctaw]

Hey thanks for your input. I am not an engineer, but I just can't see how the blocks/spacers from Billet Garage would make such a change. I agree on the $ for an Icon kit "wow". I think new shocks are in order as well.
How hard is it to put the blocks/spacers. Any other input is greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Mike

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Last edited by choctaw : 05-08-2008 at 08:03 PM. Reason: spelling

[PGreenSVT]

Rough Country makes a really nice 3" coil spring kit for $439 with 4 shocks. Worth a look.

[GregsSD]

The more you raise the front end, the more the track bar will pull the axle towards the drivers side due to the increased angle.

With a 2" lift it will be hardly noticeable, I used the Daystar 2-3/4" poly spacers when I bought my truck and had no problems with using the stock track bar and I never even noticed the axle being shifted a little to the drivers side. For the 2-3/4" lift I had to get some longer shocks because the stockers were not long enough. The truck drove and rode just fine without having to get an alignment done.

If you are only going up 2" then you might be able to use the stock shocks, but you will notice a nice improvement if you upgrade your shocks.