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Leveling Kit & Shock Question

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Old Jan 5, 2018 | 10:06 AM
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Default Leveling Kit & Shock Question

So I dont know alot about leveling kits, so thats why I'm posting this. I would like to raise the front of my truck so that it sits more level. I am also wanting to replace the rear shocks because i tow a camper a lot. What would you guys recommend for rear shocks? I hear good things about Bilsteins, but dont know which model would be the best. For the leveling kit, how much should i raise it to be level? I have stock tires and rims. If I do a leveling kit, will that effect towing any? Also what needs to happen after getting a leveling kit installed... just a front end alignment? Thanks for the help. For reference i have a 2015 5.0. xlt 4 door and tow a 7,000 lb camper
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Old Jan 5, 2018 | 12:39 PM
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When I got my '17, I had 3" of rake, even with the SCab 6.5 bed it was very noticeable. I'm sure you don't want to lower the rear, I did, but most here will recommend bilstein 5100 all the way around. With those you can safely lift the front 2 1/2", you'll still have a slight rake. 5100's on the rear will really settle the rear down for better handling.
Other ways, and cheaper, are spacers on the front, full coilovers, or just adjustable shocks. The adjustable shocks is the way most go, and compared to the other choices, at medium cost.
Myself, and I've done this, full coilovers, in front. Depending on the brand, you'll get some better, higher capacity springs with the units. Everything I described cn be reversed in case you want to sell.
The other way, an actual lift, would be the most expensive, labor intensive, and somewhat reversible way.
For less than $400 USD for parts, the Bilsteins are a good alternative, but there are other brands out there. How thick is your wallet?
Shouldn't affect the towability, other than leveling with the trailer.
Frontend alignment is usually recommended, most times it's just the toein that need adjustment, but to be sure,,,,,,,,,,,

Last edited by johnday in BFE; Jan 5, 2018 at 12:42 PM.
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Old Jan 5, 2018 | 04:09 PM
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Rake is good for towing. The truck tends to ride closer to level when loaded. A level stance is fine for when you’re not towing, but when loaded the back end will sag. You have a few options for the back end:

1. Add Roadmaster Active Suspension or another “helper spring” option to firm up the rear and give you more rake. This will result in better towing characteristics but you won’t sit level when empty.

2. Run airbags in the rear to allow a level stance when empty and a balanced stance when loaded.

3. Replace the rear blocks with a taller set to add rake. Similar results with option 1, although handling will become more dependent on your shock choice.

I typically opt for Bilstein or Fox shocks. Both companies make good products.
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Old Jan 5, 2018 | 04:28 PM
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Towing a camper you don't want to raise the front. Unless you just want to for bigger tires I would avoid it. Get some drop shackles for the rear and some air bags. You can sit level loaded and unloaded.
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