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Leveling kits. Yes or no?

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Old 08-23-2010, 05:09 PM
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Leveling kits. Yes or no?

I gave a 09 F150Fx4 with 20" rims. I would like to lift the front end. Are there cons to doing this? How tall should I go, and what is the best product to do it with?
 
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Old 08-23-2010, 06:44 PM
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Alot of guys ( myself included ) go with AutoSpring, in the 2" variety. Some go 2.5" but I have read 3" is too hard on the BJ angle and will wear them out quickly. I got mine off Ebay for $73 delivered IIRC. After I get my Nitto TG 295/70-18s ( 34.4 x 11.5 I think ) I will save my change for a rear AAL or block to raise the back just a little more than it is now. Haven't decided which way I'll go yet. My buddy is getting a 1.5" installed in his tomorrow, S/Cab. I'm anxious to see how it looks.
 
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Old 08-23-2010, 08:46 PM
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Tim, do you have the max trailer tow package? I guess I'm curious if the rear springs are stiffer and cause the back to possibly it higher.
 
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Old 08-23-2010, 09:26 PM
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it is easy and cheap way to raise you truck a little which really improves the looks... so YES
 
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Old 08-24-2010, 09:30 AM
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I say yes but of course I did mine so I'm a little biased!
 
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Old 08-24-2010, 09:39 AM
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Thanks

I am pretty sure I am going to do it. I just haven't really investigated which brand to use. I have seen the solid aluminum spacers, I may go with them. Does the lift change anything as far as ride or performance of the front end?
 
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Old 08-24-2010, 02:50 PM
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Leveling kit

I got a Fat Bobs Garage kit from Ogden utah and the only things were the Shoulder nuts from my strut would not drop into the T6061 ring without hitting the edges. I called them and they were great and thanked me for the heads up. It was between 2-2.5 in. The only thing now is to aim my headlights. It looks great though.
 
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Old 08-24-2010, 04:21 PM
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yes. i put the 2" daystar kit on mine. it was enough to clear 35's. and daystar has a lifetime warranty.
 
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Old 08-24-2010, 08:01 PM
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Just got the 1.5 " autospring kit installed with an alignment today. Truck looks great. I got a total lift of 1.75". Now for the tire decision.
 
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Old 08-25-2010, 05:46 PM
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What tires are you thinking of getting, Jeffrey?
 
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Old 08-25-2010, 06:31 PM
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I went with the Rough Country 2.5" caps in the front and 1" block on the back, with new shocks. Wish I could send you pic. Maybe soon. I work too much, I guess. Check it out. www.roughcountry.com.
 
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Old 08-29-2010, 08:37 AM
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I ran the 2" autospring kit on my 2004 for over 100,000 miles - no problems. Getting ready to get one for my 2010. I got a lot of compliments on my truck with it.
 
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Old 08-29-2010, 09:31 AM
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so, has anyone gotten flak from the dealerships as far as warrenty issues?
needing front end work done,etc..

i have had issues with dealerships in the past with just regular warrenty work without any mods done...and really don't need the additional headaches from them...

i just opened my daystar 1" kit afew days ago...

i did notice that a dealer in southeast mich does sell daystar along with the install...but no one can give me an answer as far as warrenty work...
 
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Old 08-29-2010, 09:32 PM
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I had my wife take the truck in to get an AS 2" kit installed while I was in Iraq. I am happy with the kit but the place that installed it must have nicked the outer CV boot and the dealer won't replace it under warranty because of the leveling kit being installed. Those CV boots are pricey, but much cheaper than the entire CV shaft. BTW, apparently 09 and early 10s (like mine) have a different CV shaft design than later 10 models.
I like the way my 2" kit looks. It gives the truck a very slightly "nose up" appearance- More like a pre-runner. Some guys don't like it that way, but it's barely noticeable. I like that the kit is cheap, easy to install and maintains the stock ride quality. As long as you don't go too much (3" or more I'd say) you shouldn't have any ill effects. Just watch out for those CV boots.
 
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Old 08-29-2010, 11:00 PM
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Originally Posted by stephen.osborne1
I had my wife take the truck in to get an AS 2" kit installed while I was in Iraq. I am happy with the kit but the place that installed it must have nicked the outer CV boot and the dealer won't replace it under warranty because of the leveling kit being installed. Those CV boots are pricey, but much cheaper than the entire CV shaft. BTW, apparently 09 and early 10s (like mine) have a different CV shaft design than later 10 models.
I like the way my 2" kit looks. It gives the truck a very slightly "nose up" appearance- More like a pre-runner. Some guys don't like it that way, but it's barely noticeable. I like that the kit is cheap, easy to install and maintains the stock ride quality. As long as you don't go too much (3" or more I'd say) you shouldn't have any ill effects. Just watch out for those CV boots.
I hate to say it, but there's no reason they should replace the CV boots... especially with a lift on.

Now, if they did a differential drop and the problem was multiple miles down the road, they still wouldn't warranty it due to teh Magnusson Moss Act.

Also, our 4runner has 100K miles on it and is leaking axle grease. We've decided that it's more cost effective to actually replace the axles when they start going out. I bring that up b/c unless your boots are just flinging grease everywhere, it might be a viable alternative.

Leveling kits are a good, cost effective way to lift a truck. Make sure you get a quality one. I'd stay away from ones that will rust and such, as well as pieces that are welded together. One piece pucks are going to be a bit better IMO for longevity.

I decided to go with new struts (coils and shocks) and am very happy with my decision on my Tundra. With the differential drop, no problems of 4wd at all.

I'm not sure how the Fords work, but anything over 2" on a Tundra (2.5" to level them out) requires a differential drop.

-rockstate
 


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