First off I would like to thank all of you that have taken the time to post your truck modifications on this board! It has helped me come up with my perfect truck which is nearly complete. I know I’m not the only one out there that has spent countless hours researching web finding just the right modifications to make and hopefully my experience with help others as well.

Here are my current modifications and personal experiences since the modifications…..

1. Rancho Quick Lift Loaded – Front and RS 9000 on the rear. The truck sits perfectly level and the ride is greatly improved over stock. I have both front and rears set at 5 and plan to move the rear up a bit when I tow. While the cost of this is more than using the spacers you definitely get a sportier ride and eliminate most of the body roll of the vehicle. I was torn between the Bilstein and Rancho but the cost savings on labor was my deciding factor. The Rancho Quick Lift Loaded comes with a new spring assembly with the strut thus the savings in labor and potentially offering a better ride as the factory spring is pre-loaded using the other leveling system.
2. Wheels and Tires – Wheels are the Fuel Maverick 20x9 with a +20 mm off set. Tires are Goodyear DuraTracs 285/60/20. My objective was to fill the wheel well have zero rubbing issues with minimal tire sticking outside the fender well. This set up works perfectly and the ride combined with the Rancho Shocks is AWESOME. I was a little concerned going to a heavier ply tire but I’m glad I did as the ride is perfect for me. I’m running my tire pressure around 50 pounds which seems to offer a comfortable ride on the freeway.
a. For those of you that have the factory navigation system mine went absolutely crazy once I put on the above modifications. It was basically useless as it was way off by nearly ¼ of a mile. After doing a quick search on this board I found a post that stated to disconnect your negative terminal on the battery for several hours and that was fixing the issue. I’m please to say that I did this and it now is working perfectly!
b. Fuel mileage did drop as well as my off -the line performance once I put the level kit on and the new wheels and tires. In buying the truck I knew this and that is the reason why I purchased the truck with 3:73 gears.
3. Rear Wheel Liners – To clean up the gap in the rear wheel well of the truck I decided to purchase some factory rear wheel liners. The install was pretty painless and it really enhances the look as well as makes it way easier to clean! Definitely money well spent!
4. 5 Star SCT Custom Tune with AFE Intake-In effort to recalibrate my speedo, get my shift points correct with the new tire size and gain some power I decided to take the plunge with Mike at 5 Star tuning. I tried to get several of my local dealerships to recalibrate for my new tire size and it was like I was talking in a foreign language! I had two of the 3 dealerships I contacted advise me “off the record” to go get an aftermarket tuner. While there is risk involved I feel the reward was worth it to me and I’m glad I did. Mike is AWESOME to deal with and is very quick to respond to any question I had. After a few emails and a quick phone call my intake and tuner was on the way. After about an hour install for the intake and tuner all I can say is WOW what a difference! I’m only using the 87 performance /tow tune and my 5.0L has been brought to life! In cab noise from the new intake takes some getting used to but I like the additional sound it makes. I opted for the intake with the custom lid which does quiet it down a bit. Fuel mileage did increase as a result of the modifications and this past weekend on a 100 mile freeway trip I was able to average 19.3 mpg with 4 people in the truck, 2 large dogs and luggage! My in-town average is currently around 16 mpg.

My next and final install with be the Gibson Swept Side exhaust system to round out my modifications. I hope to have that done in the next month or so and I will post how that goes!

 

Looks slick! I am back and forth on a level or a lift... I love the look of the lift, but the price of the level looks a lot better!

Looking at trucks like yours keep telling me that level is a good way to go!

 

Lookin' good, love the white FX4's.

 

Awesome. Good info and your truck is looking great.

 

Thanks! If turning radius is a factor stay with the level. I drove the same truck as I have with a 6 inch Pro Comp Lift and you needed an acre to turn that thing around. For some that might be fine but I need to be able to turn sharp when backing the boat!

 

So is the ride smoother then factory? I'm torn between rancho and a full blown coil over

 

I would say yes depending on what you define as smoother. The truck is much firmer however you feel as if you have more control as the dampening seems to be much better on the new suspension system. The body roll/lean is gone and the truck holds corners so much better at speed it is not even funny! The stock suspension was like driving a mini-van soft and squishy! Now it is just smooth, firm and you don't notice the dips in the road nearly like you did with the factory suspension especially at highway speeds!

 

Looks very nice and clean. Awesome job on it

 

First time I have seen the Rancho Quicklift Loaded. Looks like a nice product. Might be a dumb question, but do you have to get an alignment after installation?

 

Looks very nice! Great job.