Canon101

Getting ready to level my ride. I over analyze everything when going away from OEM specs. Here's my thoughts, a leveling strut has the spring seat higher up the tube than the OEM which means the spring sits higher up in the wheel well, while a spacer pushes the strut down so the spring seat will essentially sit in the proper spot in relation to the wheel.

Will having the the spring seat higher up allow for a larger wheel fitment without rubbing? I am thinking the Spring Seat will limit the height of the tire. Anyone who actually knows if this is correct or not.

I really do not mind the ride as is for comfort (maybe I just don't know any better) so it comes down to if there is a clearance advantage with the strut over the spacer.

antho

I can't see an advantage here. If your going to rub anything it'll be the upper control arm.

Mb1500

redranger04g

Spacer maintains stock ride quality. If you just want bigger tires go with a spacer.

Canon101

How would it preload the suspension, not disagreeing just wondering?

tuflehundon

Leveled strut like a Bilstien 5100 / Fox 2.0 / etc., will give you a better ride than a stock strut with a spacer. I have had both, and the leveled strut is a better ride hands down. The higher quality strut is what makes the difference.

redranger04g

Well "better" is subjective. Stock shocks with a spacer will be smoother/less firm than Bilstein 5100s at their highest setting. I prefer a smooth car like feel (stock shocks) others prefer a firmer, harder ride.

tuflehundon

Mine rides like a Cadillac. Nice and smooth. Mine is also a heavy supercrew with 6 1/2 ft bed, so it may make more of a difference on a smaller lighter truck. Main thing I noticed was less body roll, and better feel off road.

redranger04g

Are you at the highest setting on the Bilsteins? I'm not saying they aren't smooth, just saying the Bilsteins are firmer than stock. Which equates to less body roll, better handling and better off road.

5.0_FX2

I have to agree here on the better ride. It may be a bit stiffer but the ride is way better than the factory garbage you get stock. Less body roll for sure and just an overall more planted feeling. Plus, if you go with a bigger tire on say a leveled strut the strut will be able to handle the heavier tire better than the stock strut would. Skip the spacer and go with Bilstein or something similar. You won't be disappointed.