Exactly! I did the same, they are just using different terms to confuse us but yes both the bushings we mentioned and the ball joint cams are in fact the same part. Some kits have them included.

I wonder if anyone can comment on their alignment results after the level was completed and if re-alignment is needed?

 

Exactly.
As soon as you load up a "leveled" truck its nose is in the air like a 50's lead sled.

 

Anybody know how much the f350's drop with various loads or can post a link where it's discussed? All winter I have a sled deck and sled on the back which is about 900-1500 lbs. I would like to level my truck when it comes in, but I may need to load it up first to check the heights.

 

I think my truck will do just fine leveled....I pull a 12 ft trailer with maybe a pallet of tile, wood or laminate flooring till I get to the job and unload it, cant even feel it behind me.....I haul my cow in ounces home from the store.lol

 

caster bushings and ball joint cams are the same thing

i have a ready lift on order, it should have been delivered yesterday, but the weather has delayed that. I am debating on a track bar relocation bracket or an adjustable track bar when they are available.

I have leveled/lifted my trucks in the past with full Carli or Thuren kits, I think on this truck I am going the simple route.

 

whatever

 

Leave it the way it is and it will squat down some with a sled and deck.
The engineers designed the ride height this way for that very reason.
And you won't have misadjusted headlights blinding oncoming drivers.

 

Can we not get into the kit level vs put a load on it to level debate. That isn't the point of this thread. Let's assume the people reading this thread know they are going to buy a kit to level the truck and want to level it with a kit the right way the first time. This is the same thing as diesel vs gas debate. It all has a purpose. A lot of people don't need a diesel but they wanted it so they got it, same with a level. People want it so let's make sure it is done right.

 

I agree.

I am not certain I will level mine, however this thread seems like a great resource (if it stays on topic) for people who would like to level.

If you do not believe in leveling, don't post in this thread or start a new thread about the reasons not to level. If someone wants to level their truck it's their truck to do so.

 

Very good thread. I have been researching endlessly (like others here) the various leveling kits. Not surprisingly you find each manufacturer trying to distinguish themselves from their competitors. If you go back through this thread you will find telling comments made by tech's from the various companies. It is the comment "REQUIRED" as in they will say "its not required". Caster bushings "required"? Answer..."well not really, BUT"; track bar drop bracket required? Answer "well not really, BUT"; Shock extension brackets or the FOX 2.0 shocks which are longer?.....Answer "well not really, BUT".

I took this all to mean that if the tech was installing the kit on HIS truck he would do it. Better yet I came to the conclusion that if it is MY truck I am.

Go to this link and watch the video on installing a ReadyLift 2.5" level on a '17. It is by Stage3 Motorsports:

In that video there are some parts used that even in some of the ReadyLift kits on their web site are not included in the kit. Below is all the parts they used in the video:
1) 2.5 inch spacer
2) Sway Bar drop bracket
3) Brake Line drop bracket
4) Bump Stop drop bracket
5) Shock extensions
6) No mention of a track bar bracket or the caster bushings

So after all the reading I came to the conclusion that there is not an all in one kit FOR ME. I plan on getting all the items listed above from ready lift BUT with the difference of adding: 1) a track bar bracket (or a longer track bar if available); 2) caster bushings; 3) the longer Fox 2.0's in place of the shock extensions Is it overkill? Maybe, because you get the answer "its not required". But if I am buyng a new '17 F350 I want to do the leveling the best way I can.

 

That's pretty much the conclusion I came to...except I'm going with the shock extension brackets.... the shocks are brand new and ride fine to me...I can always replace later and just remove the extension bracket.

My kit was supposed to be installed Tuesday but ill have to reschedule as my track bar bracket will be here tomorrow but the caster bushings wont be in till sometime Tuesday. I'm sure maybe Wednesday or Thursday they'll be able to do it. I'll take before and after pics.

 

I agree! Sorry for derailing my own thread. Haha

Great video find mjf! As far as the shocks vs brackets go, from the kit prices (correct me if I'm wrong) it looks like the ready lift kit with extensions is $249 and the bds with new fox shocks is $333. So for an extra $84 you get 4 new fox shocks. Seems like a deal.

 

Does the 2in fabtech kit come with castor bushings? The photo of the kits shows lots of parts and I can't tell. I know it comes with brake line extenders and shock extenders. My plan is to ditch the shock extenders and run some longer rancho 7000mt's.

 

If you check their installation instructions for their 2" kit there is no mention of caster bushings or any listed in the parts list.

 

Yes, please post pics and how the install went. Also how the alignment worked out with the caster bushings. Except for the shocks, you are doing exactly what I plan to do as well.