3.5" leveling kit or 4" lift, wanting opinions

**snafu!** · #1 (**permalink**) 07-13-2012, 06:32 PM

I currently have a 2.5" leveling kit and the tires rub at bump turning (if that makes sense). My tires are really wide 325/65R18 I like the look of the tires and don't want to go to a skinnier tire. I want to keep as close to stock ride as possible, not give up any towing capabilities, and not spend a fortune.

Has anyone had experience with the ready lift 3.5" leveling kit or know of a good 4" lift kit that rides well and pull a lot of weight without problems. Thanks for any feed back in advance.

***Can you move this to general 6.0 please***

shawnb99 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-13-2012, 07:58 PM

to help you understand, and not make a bad buy..... when you level a truck like this, the axle will move reward, and to the left..... with such a wide tire, i am sure it is probably the driver rear fender making contact, so before you buy a larger lift and create worse issues, make sure it is a complete system, with the proper pieces to recenter the axle.

**snafu!** · #3 (**permalink**) 07-13-2012, 08:48 PM

I'm not sure what brand leveling kit is on it right now, it was on the truck when I bought it. The tires are rubbing the back of the front fenders. If I do go with a lift I will get one with drop brackets, I have only leveled full size trucks never lifted one. I really want to retain the ability to tow with it.

shawnb99 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2012, 11:33 AM

i would guess it has a spring only, or a spacer on top of the spring... in front of truck. you need something with either loner radius arms, or drop brackets to correct the length need to move the axle forward. you will need 1 of two other things...... if it is a small lift and nothing needed for a pitman arm, then a longer track bar will be required. if you need to lower the pitman arm, than you need to do the same with the track bar. \\

the goal is to keep the steering arm and the track bar as parrallel as possible to avoid bumpsteer.

reidunagan04 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2012, 12:06 PM

Im having trouble with the same thing...I went with the lift kit, mainly for looks. I tow heavy alot, and a 4" SHOULDNT effect that too much. My stock front leafs were frowning, so I figured for the money I might as well do the whole lift? Just my .02

**snafu!** · #6 (**permalink**) 07-15-2012, 05:57 PM

I might just order some drop brackets for the radius arms and a drop bracket for the pitman arm and try to get the axel back into the factory location. I do like the look of a 4" lift but I'm afraid of what it will happen when I hook on to a big load like a backhoe or when i occasionally pull my camper and boat in tandem. I know lift kits have come a long way since I started lifting trucks but i just haven't had real world experience with a lifted full size truck.

shawnb99 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-16-2012, 06:29 PM

any bracket you buy for the pitman needs to be matched with the track bar, if you drop one and not the other you will have issues with bumpsteer. drop one= drop both. no pitman arm drop= adjustable track bar to recenter.

**snafu!** · #8 (**permalink**) 07-16-2012, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawnb99

any bracket you buy for the pitman needs to be matched with the track bar, if you drop one and not the other you will have issues with bumpsteer. drop one= drop both. no pitman arm drop= adjustable track bar to recenter.

Got it thanks