Need Info On Leveling Kit and Bigger Tires
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Lancaster, MA
Need Info On Leveling Kit and Bigger Tires
I want to do a leveling kit on my truck and get some bigger tires under it than the stock ones. What I want to do is get a 2.5" leveling kit, keep my stock King Ranch wheels, and go with either a 33" or 35" tire. I have a million questions. What leveling kit is the best? With a leveling kit I'd assume that I'd need new shocks. Are Bilsteins really worth the big money? How do I know what size shocks I'd need? I want to get new ones for both the front and the rear. What is a good tire these days? I do 99% on road both in the summer and in the snow, but want an aggessive look. Should I go with a 33" or 35" tire. Will a 33x12.5 or 35x12.5 fit on the stock wheels and fit under the truck with minimal trimming at most? Do I need bigger brakes? Will I need to regear? Need some opinons and pics!
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
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From: Sandy, Utah
I went with a Tuff Country 2.5" level & 285 75 18 Toyo Open Country's, basically a 34 X 11.5 X 18. I sit a half inch too high in the frnt from bein level so I'm changin out the 2.5" spacers for 2" spacers this next week
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2007
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From: the woodzies
honestly you get what you pay for when it comes to leveling kits. I put a rough country lift on my truck and had a few problems with it(which they immediatly corrected and sent the right parts) but it is a pretty rough riding kit. as for the tires i would definatly get the 35s. i just put a set of kuhmo tires on mine and they are awesome. I cant beleive the improvement in ride quality from my firestones that i used to have.
here is a picture with my 33 firestones
here is a picture with my 35 kuhmos
here is a picture with my 33 firestones
here is a picture with my 35 kuhmos
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
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with the leveling kit 35's will fit with minimal trimming. With my truck I got the rough country 2.5" and a set of bfg km2's and they arent bad. very aggressive and pretty good on the open road. I only drilled some holes in the plastic behind the tire and zip tied it back to the frame (didnt have any thing handy to trim) but it works and you cant tell it is there
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Gettysburg, PA
truck and info is in the sig but i put 35's on it last week and have plenty of room, few more pics in gallery. Yes Bilsteins are worth the money, not sure if shockwarehouse.com is still having there buy 3 get one free deal on Bilstein HD's.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Gettysburg, PA
diesel shouldnt have any trouble, with my 5.4 I lost about 1.5 mpg going from 33's to 35's. my power from a dead stop is lower but passing cars on the highway is no problem still.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Gettysburg, PA
you wouldnt necessarily need to upgrade them, just maybe put a little better pad on. Im using Motorcraft pads and there fine. You will want to put a dual steering Stablilzer kit on though. the stock one sucks... its half the size of one of my RC ones.
My factory lariat wheels are 18 x 8 and the tires fit fine no trouble, if you have 18's there prolly the same size as mine.
I love the Coopers, the ride is awesome and the little Ive had them off road they were great. I use 2wd with them in place I would have to use 4x4 and a lot of skinny pedal with the Conti's. I have almost 500 miles on them.
My factory lariat wheels are 18 x 8 and the tires fit fine no trouble, if you have 18's there prolly the same size as mine.
I love the Coopers, the ride is awesome and the little Ive had them off road they were great. I use 2wd with them in place I would have to use 4x4 and a lot of skinny pedal with the Conti's. I have almost 500 miles on them.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: the woodzies
I think a dual stabilizer is a little over kill for just 35s.
as rob said your brakes will be fine. as for the stock rims some people will say you need to upgrade to a wider rim but imo they should be fine as long as you do do run really low tire pressure offroad
as rob said your brakes will be fine. as for the stock rims some people will say you need to upgrade to a wider rim but imo they should be fine as long as you do do run really low tire pressure offroad
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Lancaster, MA
Thanks for the suggestion for the steering stablilizer Rob. I have brand new Motorcraft pads on now (did them last week), so that'll put my mind at ease.
Now, shocks... how do I know what I need with a leveling kit? I want to do both front and rear.
Now, shocks... how do I know what I need with a leveling kit? I want to do both front and rear.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 725
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From: Gettysburg, PA
Bilstein HD's if your gonna do just a leveling kit, any more than that and your gonna want to get the 5100 series Bil's. Bilstein - KYB - Rancho - Monroe - Edelbrock Automotive Truck Shocks and Struts - Shockwarehouse.com is a good place to get them from.