Choosing a leveling kit

[stroking 7.3]

I have a F350 4WD Long Bed with a a 7.3 Diesel. I have Bilstein shocks that are almost new, the shocks can take up to a 2.5" lift. How to I measure to see how much lift I need to level? If my from springs a creaking pretty bad am I better of looking leveling kits that replace springs? Will replacing springs give me a better ride that Shackle kits? Can I buy leveling components that allow me to keep my existing shocks? Any thing else that needs replacing when you level truck? Any recommendations for me to look into?
Preferr to improve ride, not make it worse.

[shawnb99]

you have several options.

1. level kit that uses a mini spring pak under you leafs, this keeps stock shock length. ( should also be made of spring steel, not cut plate shims )

2. a shackle/hanger mount lift kit. this achieves better ride due to more travel, but it does require new shocks. (try to spec both , due to keeping caster angles correct )

3. replacement factory or aftermarket leafs, .....stock still needs help to level, aftermarket can be speced for amount of lift.

in both cases, i would highly recommend a new ADJUSTABLE track bar, reason being , you are not dropping the steering angle with a pitman arn change, but to keep you steering angles correct you need to recenter the axle. this will eliminate bumpsteer issues.

[stroking 7.3]

Originally Posted by shawnb99

you have several options.

1. level kit that uses a mini spring pak under you leafs, this keeps stock shock length. ( should also be made of spring steel, not cut plate shims )

2. a shackle/hanger mount lift kit. this achieves better ride due to more travel, but it does require new shocks. (try to spec both , due to keeping caster angles correct )

3. replacement factory or aftermarket leafs, .....stock still needs help to level, aftermarket can be speced for amount of lift.

in both cases, i would highly recommend a new ADJUSTABLE track bar, reason being , you are not dropping the steering angle with a pitman arn change, but to keep you steering angles correct you need to recenter the axle. this will eliminate bumpsteer issues.

1 and 3 sound better. Saw that some spring kits had track bar and others didn't. Thanks for advise. Any idea how to determine how much lift needed?

[shawnb99]

that will depend on you, best way is to measure center of hubs to fender edge, if level....make them match, if raked is the look, 1" higher on rear is about stock appearence.

[CT Performance, Inc.]

Any lift of 2" or more needs a adj track bar..in your case I would get the mini spring pack by Deaver and a adj track bar as lifting the truck 2" get close to maxing the shock.

We have whats needed...

[stroking 7.3]

Originally Posted by CT Performance, Inc.

Any lift of 2" or more needs a adj track bar..in your case I would get the mini spring pack by Deaver and a adj track bar as lifting the truck 2" get close to maxing the shock.

We have whats needed...

Got my attention. Have not heard of Deaver, but just Googled it. Mini Spring Pack? I am going to measure truck and see if 2" will work. If not I may have to sell my Bilsteins, rather keep them if possible. I am in research stage now, this is a after Deer Season project. But something I am going to do. May be a Christmas present to myself.