So I have a 2010 XLT Screw, and have owned it for the last 13 years. The second thing I did after buying it was to put on a set of AS 1.5 leveling blocks up front, and some 33's. Love it.

After 180,000 miles, it just seems like I'm getting more rub. I used to only get the slightest rub at full lock while going over bumps, now it happens going around sharp curves. Also, maybe it's in my head, but it seems like the front end is slightly lower. The truck has original front suspension, and has not been changed because the ride has been very consistent.

Does suspension droop after years of use? Is my truck actually sitting lower? thus causing more rub?

If so, should I just get rid of the leveling kit and throw some 5100's? or simply get new front shocks? Honestly in all these years, I've never had any complaints with just running the leveling kit, so if just replacing the front shocks will regain the height I seem to have lost, I'm totally fine with that. Any opinions or input would be much, much appreciated. Thanks guys, sorry for the novel.

 

Yes, shocks and struts deteriorate over time. I would've replaced all 4 at least 100k miles ago.

You have to disassemble and reassemble the front shock/spring assembly if you intend to reuse the OEM springs and tophats so might as well upgrade to 5100s and get rid of the strut spacer. Personally, I would buy a set of new tophats and springs to assemble the fronts to avoid having to disassemble what you currently have.

 

Only my opinion after screwing around with these things for years. With 180K on it, I'd rid myself of the whole olde strut, and get some coilovers on there. You not only get an assembled unit, but new springs as well. I wouldn't waste my time or money on the 5100's. Plenty of good coilovers out there.

 

Name one for a similar price that performs better. I will wait.

 

Bilstein 5100's or Eibach Protrucks Sport shocks paired with Eibach Pro lift front coils might be the cheapest/best option. You can pair the Bilsteins with the Eibach springs. You would be into around $600 total not including rear shocks.

Bilstein 6112's might be a good option as they come with a spring but are not as much as traditional coilovers and cost ~$875-900 just for the front. When I did 6112's front and 5160's rear on my Lexus GX460, I think I was into around $1100 total.

 

I installed assembled ft strut/spring units at 90K along with a leveling kit. I did not want to mess with reusing the old springs.

 

Thanks for all the great input so far. Now thinking just delete the leveling kit and go 5100 all around. Anyone running 5100 at 2 inch? Any weird or destructive angle changes? Also, the internet seems to have different opinions on installing new springs or just using original. Any opinions?

 

Sort of apples to oranges. You are comparing a totally new strut. Reusing worn out or OEM springs always seemed halfassed to me.
Then, figure in labor, safety using run of the mill spring compressors, like most do. Plus the subpar finish on the steel body that corrodes after a short time being exposed to salt, etc.
Anyway, yes the Bilsteins do offer a good enough solution, but you usually get what you pay for.
Rancho suspension used to have some entry level coilovers, IIRC, rivalled the price, perhaps a tad bit more, once you figure in the total cost of the Bisteins. And after having had both, I felt the Ranchos performed about the same, possibly slightly better.
The 6112's I have no experience with.

 

Nothing to worry about with a 2" level, maybe your UCA ball joints if they're still original.

At 180k, I'd look into replacing the OEM springs.

What's your budget?

 

Don't really have one. If it needs buying or replacing, I got no problem doing it, I just don't wanna spend money if it's unnecessary. Talked to Bilstein today and they said original 2010 springs would be fine, so think I'm gonna go with that.