Hi guys,
I hope everyone is doing well. I am getting pretty comfortable with the fact that even though my truck has 299,400 miles on it, it will go another 100,000 miles!
So, what are the benefits of a 3 inch leveling kit for a 2 wheel drive extra cab truck? Other then looks, I know that's probably about it.
Will it effect the ride of the truck? Will this kit work on my truck? Just though it would make the truck look a little nicer, very much so when I put the new Toyo AT tires on it.
I was also thinking of a posi rear end. What would be the most cost effective one to purchase? Would used be ok? I would love something that locks both tires in instead of my current one legger

Thanks!

 

When i rebuild my rearend, i will be going with a detroit tru trac.

 

I installed a used Sterling 3rd pinion 10.5" limited slip with a new clutch pack and am happy with it. It was drop in and I checked backlash. It's not a locker but when I need it, it works great. Cost about $400 including fluid. No more one wheel peel !

 

Leveling kits are nice to have if you happen to have some sag going on, or the ride isn't straight. You may get some more clearance, which helps if you need to cover terrain that you could hung up on.

As for the posi, personally I would stay away from it. These trucks put out a good amount of torque, and add a load going around a turn, could chew the teeth right up. I like the detroit lockers, tru lock and so on, for those driveability needs. I happen to have swapped out my differential assembly with a Limited slip, and it made a huge difference. Like Gregg said, worth the time and money there as well!

 

This just my personal preference, but if I had a 2wd, I'd like it to ride low. But, I don't know what you do with your truck, so leveling it may suite your needs. You could probably find a limited slip carrier out of an axle in a junk yard, gas or diesel either one, and rebuild it for less than $100 and be fine with it.

 

A quick google search tells me that the Truetrac is pretty much a limited slip differential, except without the wearable parts? I must say that I'm intrigued.

 

You got it Joseph. Extremely popular mod in the SD world. I think our OBS limited slip is a little better than theirs though.

 

Just to chime in. my new F350 has a factory limited slip rear (presumably with the same 350k miles as the rest of the truck), and it is worlds better than the open rear in my other truck. i used to have to put the other truck in 4x4 to go around the little dirt/grass turn around in front of my barn on rainy days - there's very slight grade to it.

the limited slip in the new truck hasn't slipped once yet, and i've been trying to make it slip recently!

so i guess that's another vote for just swapping in the LS carrier.

 

Everything I have studied on that as well indicates the same! I would be very interested in that if/when it comes time to replace my LS carrier. However, that LS in these trucks has really held its ground on my rig! So who knows when or if it will ever go out, especially being that I keep strict maintenance on it!

 

Hi guys,
Thanks for all the input and advice! I meant to say "limited Slip" and not POSI. Ok, so whats the cheapest route I can go to purchase a limited slip and install it myself??
Used would be just fine with me!Any special tools needed to install? I have built motors, so I am sure I could do a swap out myself. Anyone have one they want to sell?
Thank you everyone!

 

I'd try some junkyards first. You can rebuild the LS carrier for about $80 I think.