PawPaw

Truck look's great!

Newfie FX4

I am wondering if a 2" level with a larger rear block or add a leaf will cause accelerated wear on front end parts? I want to get a small bit of lift and clear 33s, but I am being told a lot of mixed reviews about ball joint life, etc. Thanks.

Tried searching but it always ends up to this thread and I went through a nice few pages but couldn't find an answer.

D Roc

33s fit stock

goneMINIcrazy

Agreed. 33's will fit all day long. Maybe get some Bilsteins and set them at .75" or 1.5" if you're concerned. Any level WILL put extra stress on front end components, exactly HOW MUCH stress no one really knows. Has anyone had their front end disintegrate? I don't think so.

Brett2013fx4

Also the leveling kits really mess up ball joints and all that if you do off road a lot but if you street queen it it won't be as bad?

goneMINIcrazy

I was concerned but after I installed my Bilsteins at 1.5", it all looked pretty kosher.

Newfie FX4

What model Bilsteins do you run? On all four? I'll probably go with them over a level. Are they on par or better than fx4 shocks?

Brett2013fx4

I'm getting the 2.5 kit and 3 inch block but I'm not gonna take it off reading everyday. I'll take it maybe once a month to a trail or a buddies backyard mud pit lol

goneMINIcrazy

Bilstein 5100's set at 1.5" run really nice. Little stiffer than stock shocks but MUCH more comfortable as it's a lot more controllable. Less body roll, and overall less "wobbly".

I'm currently only running the fronts, I haven't gotten the rears yet as I'm being cheap. The rears are said to help do the same for rear. They reduce the jerkiness of the rear end, you know that jumpiness you get when you hit a bump? I've heard nothing but great things about them.

HCFX2013

While they do make the rear end MUCH more stable (less kickout over expansion joints) that post-bump rear end reverberation is more prominent with the Bilsteins. I'm trying to get rid of that reverb but the only possible way is to put weight over the rear axle. The Leer cap I have planned should take care of that. They certainly feel more stable and solid, it's hard to describe. It's a much different and hard to describe feeling. Certainly a positive upgrade over stock though, I'd do it again. The build quality was enough to sell me. That, and ever since I installed the rear Bilsteins I swear to god road noise has decreased. Probably because of the rubber bushings on the top and bottom mounts of the shock.

Anyone that tells you that they ride softer than factory is simply wrong. But I like the stiffer ride. Can't wait to do the fronts, I'm over the nauseating floatiness.