Quick question on a 2” level
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 253
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Quick question on a 2” level
I’ve read most of the posts that I can find relative to what I’m about to ask. Looking for more of a straight answer from someone that has jus a 2” level on 37s. Do I 100% need the track bar relocation bracket with just a 2”? I notice some kits have it some don’t. Also do I 100% need the caster shims or will I be fine with just setting front toe? The bds kit which comes with it all is on back order but my rims and tires have shipped. So I was thinking of just putting the 2” spacers up front and ordering shocks and calling it a day. 🤷♂️
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
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I’ve read most of the posts that I can find relative to what I’m about to ask. Looking for more of a straight answer from someone that has jus a 2” level on 37s. Do I 100% need the track bar relocation bracket with just a 2”? I notice some kits have it some don’t. Also do I 100% need the caster shims or will I be fine with just setting front toe? The bds kit which comes with it all is on back order but my rims and tires have shipped. So I was thinking of just putting the 2” spacers up front and ordering shocks and calling it a day. 🤷♂️
think that you could get by without that stuff temporarily, to get things aligned would eventually require those parts though.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,197
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From: Central Wisconsin
You need some way of re-centering the front axle after the lift. This means you need a track bar drop bracket and/or adjustable track bar. The caster shims make a big difference in keeping the truck in a straight line. The caster angle on a stock truck is very low, made even worse after lifting it. Adding the caster shims will make a noticeable improvement, and will strongly reduce the likelihood of suffering from death wobble after the lift.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2018
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You need some way of re-centering the front axle after the lift. This means you need a track bar drop bracket and/or adjustable track bar. The caster shims make a big difference in keeping the truck in a straight line. The caster angle on a stock truck is very low, made even worse after lifting it. Adding the caster shims will make a noticeable improvement, and will strongly reduce the likelihood of suffering from death wobble after the lift.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2019
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There’s definitely a cheap way and a expensive way to go about it. I pieced all my stuff together and bought it little by little. My truck came with a coil spacer lift which I was not happy with, and no trackbar relocation bracket. So I started with a PMF trackbar (since my OEM was worn out and my axle wasn’t centered), then Carli caster bushings, then Kelderman dual SS setup, Fox 2.0 shocks the proper length to get rid of the shock spacer, PMF draglink, and finally Icon 2.5” coils. Extremely happy with how the truck rides now. Smooth as glass and sits perfectly level. Me personally, I’m not a fan of the cheapo kits that use a relocation bracket for the trackbar, coil spacers, shock extensions, but that’s just me.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 336
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There is a lot of info but not enough info...lol. I just installed a Bilstein coil leveling kit which came with new coils and proper length shocks. I also installed a BDS track bar relocation bracket. After the install my steering wheel was off center by about a quarter turn. That was not discussed in any of the youtube videos that I watched about leveling kits. Came here and figured out how to straighten out the steering wheel. To be 100% honest I have no idea if my axle is centered or not. It seems like there are a ton of videos and write ups that give you just enough info to buy a product but not enough to know exactly what you need to do it right.
Im sure Ill end up buying a couple additional items before Im done.
Im sure Ill end up buying a couple additional items before Im done.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 253
Likes: 32
There is a lot of info but not enough info...lol. I just installed a Bilstein coil leveling kit which came with new coils and proper length shocks. I also installed a BDS track bar relocation bracket. After the install my steering wheel was off center by about a quarter turn. That was not discussed in any of the youtube videos that I watched about leveling kits. Came here and figured out how to straighten out the steering wheel. To be 100% honest I have no idea if my axle is centered or not. It seems like there are a ton of videos and write ups that give you just enough info to buy a product but not enough to know exactly what you need to do it right.
Im sure Ill end up buying a couple additional items before Im done.
Im sure Ill end up buying a couple additional items before Im done.
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2020
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The bracket itself is not adjustable but the washer that comes and fits into the slot is offset to move the bar to the drivers side or passenger side based on how much lift.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Arizona
Another vote for caster shims are needed with a 2 inch spacer level. My truck road way to rough until I added the shims. Proper length shocks helped but the shims brought it back to a stock feel. I only have 35 inch tires.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2020
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Lead Driver
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It was supposed to be the BDS bracket install instructions PDF. I downloaded it but wasn't sure how to post it. I just thought it might help the OP. Oh well, its easily found via Google search.
Before you mentioned it and I looked at the instructions, I wasn't aware of that small adjustment that could be made.
Before you mentioned it and I looked at the instructions, I wasn't aware of that small adjustment that could be made.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 253
Likes: 32
It was supposed to be the BDS bracket install instructions PDF. I downloaded it but wasn't sure how to post it. I just thought it might help the OP. Oh well, its easily found via Google search.
Before you mentioned it and I looked at the instructions, I wasn't aware of that small adjustment that could be made.
Before you mentioned it and I looked at the instructions, I wasn't aware of that small adjustment that could be made.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 336
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How do the caster shims work?
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 253
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from what I gather through reading the instructions they come pre positioned. You remove the old slug from your upper ball joint and install these. You set them in a specific position and put everything back together. They give you the degree of caster you lose lifting the front end plus one additional degree of caster. Then you just have to adjust your drag link to center the steering wheel. (Long bar from gear box to the right side knuckle. )