Basic Carli Leveling Kit
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 162
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From: So Cal
Basic Carli Leveling Kit
Hey Guys! Before I get hazed... Yes, I've searched, read, and have already posted other questions lol.
I went in to a huge local shop down here in So Cal on Friday to order my leveling kit finally (I've been gone most of the Summer). I really thought I was going in to purchase a Carli kit and than the guy told me since I'm a road warrior and do zero off roading that I should go with a basic Icon kit. I was quoted $1,900 installed and was amazed at how cheap it was. The shop is booking 2-3 weeks out so I didn't pull the trigger yet. (Fox 2.0s, caster, drop, springs, alignment, and install).
Once I got home I did some more searching and saw that I could go with the lowest Carli package for around $1,300 plus alignment and install. Now I'm torn again... I would do a home install no problem, but I don't want to deal with the brake lines.
Does anyone on here have the "basic/cheap" Carli leveling kit? Are you happy with it? Am I better off just going with the Icon? I know most of this is going to be opinion, but I'm more looking for feedback from people that have either the basic Icon or the basic Carli.
Thanks again!
I went in to a huge local shop down here in So Cal on Friday to order my leveling kit finally (I've been gone most of the Summer). I really thought I was going in to purchase a Carli kit and than the guy told me since I'm a road warrior and do zero off roading that I should go with a basic Icon kit. I was quoted $1,900 installed and was amazed at how cheap it was. The shop is booking 2-3 weeks out so I didn't pull the trigger yet. (Fox 2.0s, caster, drop, springs, alignment, and install).
Once I got home I did some more searching and saw that I could go with the lowest Carli package for around $1,300 plus alignment and install. Now I'm torn again... I would do a home install no problem, but I don't want to deal with the brake lines.
Does anyone on here have the "basic/cheap" Carli leveling kit? Are you happy with it? Am I better off just going with the Icon? I know most of this is going to be opinion, but I'm more looking for feedback from people that have either the basic Icon or the basic Carli.
Thanks again!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
They will be similar in performance, I personally think the street ride of the foxes is a little better than the icon. The Icon has progressive front springs, but it seemed a little more jarring on road to me.
You really don't need to do front brake lines. A 2.5" lift doesn't strain them at all. Carli is the only company that does the lines for 2.5 installs and I think it's just a value added type thing. I bought Carli parts individually (because I wanted Fox 2.5s) and I left the brake lines out. There's plenty of slack.
My vote would be the Carli commuter if you just want a really great, level ride. But in all honesty, you'd enjoy either lift over the stock junk.
You really don't need to do front brake lines. A 2.5" lift doesn't strain them at all. Carli is the only company that does the lines for 2.5 installs and I think it's just a value added type thing. I bought Carli parts individually (because I wanted Fox 2.5s) and I left the brake lines out. There's plenty of slack.
My vote would be the Carli commuter if you just want a really great, level ride. But in all honesty, you'd enjoy either lift over the stock junk.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 162
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From: So Cal
Thanks Tricon! I like the idea of not doing the brake lines.
Here is my next question... Is the Sway Bar Bracket the item that re-alligns the front wheels so one side doesn't stick out more? Or is it the trackbar that does that? The difference between the "cheap" and the commuter is the Trackbar.
Here is my next question... Is the Sway Bar Bracket the item that re-alligns the front wheels so one side doesn't stick out more? Or is it the trackbar that does that? The difference between the "cheap" and the commuter is the Trackbar.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
I don't think either one of those kits come with anything that realigns the front. It will be about .5" off to the driver's side with a 2.5" lift. Carli it's just about to release there's, icon uses the same bar as last year's models so you can get it now for about $500.
I installed the ReadyLift track bar bracket while I wait and see what Carli's track bar looks like. They say it's like nothing else out there... Who knows though.
The RL bracket is perfect for your situation. It relocates the front end back to stock, but it's only ~$140 on Amazon. You can leave it .5" off center for a while (or forever, really) if you want to wait and see what the Carli bar turns out to be.
Icon told me about 80% of their customers don't do anything to recenter the front end on 2.5 lifts, KORE gave me the same numbers. Do you definitely don't NEED to, but if it bugs you enough like it for me, you might just go with the bracket.
I installed the ReadyLift track bar bracket while I wait and see what Carli's track bar looks like. They say it's like nothing else out there... Who knows though.
The RL bracket is perfect for your situation. It relocates the front end back to stock, but it's only ~$140 on Amazon. You can leave it .5" off center for a while (or forever, really) if you want to wait and see what the Carli bar turns out to be.
Icon told me about 80% of their customers don't do anything to recenter the front end on 2.5 lifts, KORE gave me the same numbers. Do you definitely don't NEED to, but if it bugs you enough like it for me, you might just go with the bracket.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
Here's the ready lift bracket, looks like it's back up to $160. Still a good deal.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003AHR9A4/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Forgot to answer your first question, the sway bar bracket drops your sway bar a bit to keep it level with the front axle. It's also not technically required, but the sway bar works better when it's on the same plane as the front axle, so it's good to have.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003AHR9A4/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Forgot to answer your first question, the sway bar bracket drops your sway bar a bit to keep it level with the front axle. It's also not technically required, but the sway bar works better when it's on the same plane as the front axle, so it's good to have.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 185
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I went with the ICON 2.5 along with there shocks and track bar.. Truck rides like day & night.. Both Carli and Icon use progressive springs.. I think the difference is in the shocks themselves..
Like mentioned pretty happy with ICON shocks especially on Louisiana paved roads or lack of..
Like mentioned pretty happy with ICON shocks especially on Louisiana paved roads or lack of..
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
Carli uses a linear rate spring on their 2.5 coils. Progressive on their 4.5.
Slav, you'd need these items for a complete level:
- Carli or Icon 2.5 springs
- Sway bar drop brackets
- Bump stop drop brackets
- 2.0 degree caster cams
- Fox or Icon shock package
- Track bar or track bar bracket
That's about it, it's an easy weekend afternoon install. Give me a shout if you get stuck and Ill help anyway I can...I think I'm only a few miles from you.
I would get the Carli Commuter or level 1 Icon and through the RL track bar bracket in and call it a day.
Slav, you'd need these items for a complete level:
- Carli or Icon 2.5 springs
- Sway bar drop brackets
- Bump stop drop brackets
- 2.0 degree caster cams
- Fox or Icon shock package
- Track bar or track bar bracket
That's about it, it's an easy weekend afternoon install. Give me a shout if you get stuck and Ill help anyway I can...I think I'm only a few miles from you.
I would get the Carli Commuter or level 1 Icon and through the RL track bar bracket in and call it a day.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
If your truck is pulling in any direction then you have alignment issues. These lifts don't inherently have any steering issues.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 156
I have Carli parts. I pieced mine together. I basically have the Commuter kit minus the track bar (not available yet.) I have springs, Fox 2.0 shocks, bump stop relocators, sway bar drops, and originally used their caster shims. I used the Ready Lift track bar relocation bracket. I do have the brake lines, I didn't want them, but I do. The install was actually easier than I thought they would be. I was getting a right pull, just (monday) replaced the caster shims with another set, and my pull is gone. I would go with Carli any day over Icon. Just personal preference, never had Icon, don't have anything to say about them
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
I have Carli parts. I pieced mine together. I basically have the Commuter kit minus the track bar (not available yet.) I have springs, Fox 2.0 shocks, bump stop relocators, sway bar drops, and originally used their caster shims. I used the Ready Lift track bar relocation bracket. I do have the brake lines, I didn't want them, but I do. The install was actually easier than I thought they would be. I was getting a right pull, just (monday) replaced the caster shims with another set, and my pull is gone.I would go with Carli any day over Icon. Just personal preference, never had Icon, don't have anything to say about them
This is like saying "I don't like Avocado's BUT I've never eaten one" How can you say one is better over the other and not know factual ? Both companies are beyond reputable in what they do and the product they provide..
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 156
I would buy Carli any day due to the simple fact of the customer service I have been provided over years of having their products.