Question about leveling truck
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Question about leveling truck
Before you start telling me to use the "search", please listen to my question. I have read as much as was available about the wear on ball joints from adding a puck-style leveling kit. I had a 2007 Z71 with a leveling kit (puck-style), and those trucks were known for wearing out ball joints using the puck-style kits. As a fix, I have thought about getting the Icon replacement UCAs. If I go this route, I will likely get the Bilstein 5100s instead of the puck-style kit. Do you guys think this is a waste? I am really proud of my truck and just want to make sure I'm taking good care of it.
By the way, in case any questions come up:
- 2012 F150 Crew Lariat 4x4 w/ 5.0 3.55 gears
Future Plans:
- winch hidden behind factory bumper
- a little larger, all-terrain tire (33's or 35s at most)
Way the truck is used:
- daily driving (about 1,000 miles per month highway/city mixed)
- pull a light trailer about once every 2 months
- hunting, fishing, camping
- hauling lumber, firewood, and things for the wifey
By the way, in case any questions come up:
- 2012 F150 Crew Lariat 4x4 w/ 5.0 3.55 gears
Future Plans:
- winch hidden behind factory bumper
- a little larger, all-terrain tire (33's or 35s at most)
Way the truck is used:
- daily driving (about 1,000 miles per month highway/city mixed)
- pull a light trailer about once every 2 months
- hunting, fishing, camping
- hauling lumber, firewood, and things for the wifey
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,961
Likes: 888
From: Montana
The front end on these trucks is much more robust than the GM counterparts. Certainly, ball joints will wear out, but I don't see them wearing out super early, as long as you keep the puck-style leveling kit 2" or less. I have 50,000 + on mine with no problem. However, if you have the extra cash to throw at it, I certainly don't see anything wrong with upgrading to the Bilsteins.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 24
From: ME
Before you start telling me to use the "search", please listen to my question. I have read as much as was available about the wear on ball joints from adding a puck-style leveling kit. I had a 2007 Z71 with a leveling kit (puck-style), and those trucks were known for wearing out ball joints using the puck-style kits.
To add to what Stephen and 04XLTRUNNER said... as long as you don't beat your truck hard offroad your balljoints should last several years with a leveling kit.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,358
Likes: 250
my last truck had 40k on it after the LK was put on and I had zero problems. I only went with a 1.5" kit but ended up getting 2" out of it. Like others said as long as you don't beat the truck offroad you shouldn't have any problems. If you do plan on doing a lot of offroading you'd be better off spending your money on an actual suspension lift.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jun 2010
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I think I've decided to go with the Bilstein 5100s. This seems like a really good option that will not over-extend the ball joints. Also, since they pre-load the factory springs some, this may help offset the additional weight of a winch in the future. Thanks for your help guys.
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Franko72
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Jun 6, 2020 07:53 PM
