Need Help With Leveling Kit

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Apr 11, 2007 | 05:45 PM

#16

nut1605

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Ok, so I have done some looking around. I have found a Donahoe Racing 2.5" Leveling System from Truck Toyz. Here is the link to it:

http://www.donahoeracing.com/prod_de...l=Super%20Duty

Does this kit come with everything I will need to do the job the right way the first time? Are there any extra parts/accessories I will need to get to make sure no damage is done to my truck? Will this kit make my truck sit perfectly level (at least NOT nose high?) Sorry for all the ignorant questions, this is the first suspension upgrade I have ever done on a truck, and don't want to hurt my baby! Thanks!

Apr 12, 2007 | 09:16 AM

#17

Overkill

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From: McAllen, Texas

The DR 2.5" system includes everything you will need to level your F350. For F250s we recommend adding 4" rear blocks to achieve the same level stance. Though the parking area slopes down towards the rear a bit here is an example:

Apr 12, 2007 | 10:00 AM

#18

levi'sford

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Joined: Mar 2004

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Is the Danahue system the best. How much is the system? I want to do this right, rather than cheap and fix it later. Looks good, Levi

Apr 12, 2007 | 10:37 AM

#19

nut1605

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Thanks for the pic, it helps me visualize what my truck would look like. The only part that worries me is that it still looks nose high. You said the parking lot slopes, but there looks to be a bigger gap between the tires and the front wheel wells than the rear wheel wells. Anybody else with any other pics? Thanks!

Apr 12, 2007 | 10:39 AM

#20

Overkill

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From: McAllen, Texas

IMO, the DR system is the best available. Feel free to shoot me an email for pricing. http://www.trucktoyzperformance.com/contact/

Apr 12, 2007 | 11:10 AM

#21

saltamontes

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2006

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try the gallery, there are lots of pics of leveled trucks.
www.TruckToyzPerformance.com has a gallery as well w/ lots o' good pics

.. now if somebody would just build a 4" duel-rate coilover w/ fox shocks..

Apr 12, 2007 | 11:21 AM

#22

sgthawkusmc

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Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 1,082

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From: VA/NH

Quote:

Originally Posted by Overkill

As a radius arm suspension system rotates around a central pivot point, additional lift without installations of alignment cams will result in loss of castor which will affect stability and cause wandering especially when loaded. Also, extending the factory shocks 2.5" virtually eliminates droop (the ability for the suspension to extend) which limits the wheels ability to follow the terrain and translates into a choppy ride. Alignment cams puts the truck back to factory spec and replacement coils with the proper aftermarket shocks can increase suspension travel and improve ride quality and performance.

I don't doubt that to the letter of design/engineering you're absolutely correct. The shocks I won't debate, but do you really think the 2.5" is going to make a significant difference to caster? I don't get any wandering issues resulting from loss of castor. Neither does anyone else I know with the leveling kits. I'd also be curious to know if the alignment specs are different for Diesels and gas powered rigs?

Apr 12, 2007 | 11:25 AM

#23

RagingBull2k2

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 241

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From: Southern California

I'm getting a wander with the stock springs, not to mention it doesnt return to center... I've heard correcting the castor would get rid of the wander... if anything, I think the truck wont wander anymore with the lift springs, but we'll see... still looking for pics of trucks with 37's and 2" of lift w/ glass..... hmmmm....

Joey

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Apr 12, 2007 | 02:18 PM

#24

Overkill

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Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 609

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From: McAllen, Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgthawkusmc

A stock ‘05+ Superduty 4wd has roughly 3 degrees of castor. Increasing ride height by 2.5" takes that down very near 0 (and negative when loaded). Castor is what give the truck’s steering the mechanical leverage to track in a straight line and return to center (Same principal as the front wheels on a shopping cart). With 0 castor the steering no longer has a mechanical advantage over the ground so the truck will have much greater tendency to follow undulations in the road. The DR system includes 2.5 degree castor adjusters to correct for the loss of castor due to the additional lift.

Alignment specs for gas and diesel are the same +/- 1 degree.