Opinions on leveling install
03-31-2015, 05:58 PM
#1
Opinions on leveling install
Called the local truck shop. They do a ton of business in the area and are typically well priced.
However, I called them and set up an install for a leveling kit. They only do the plates by Ready-lift. My first concern is, I was originally wanting to do the Billstein 5100s or something similar. The guy convinced me that it made no difference, but I have read differently than that here. Second, the parts plus install price is $450, which includes alignment (No alignment parts, just general alignment).
Does this sound good or bad? Seems steep. Told me this install takes about a half a day to do.
However, I called them and set up an install for a leveling kit. They only do the plates by Ready-lift. My first concern is, I was originally wanting to do the Billstein 5100s or something similar. The guy convinced me that it made no difference, but I have read differently than that here. Second, the parts plus install price is $450, which includes alignment (No alignment parts, just general alignment).
Does this sound good or bad? Seems steep. Told me this install takes about a half a day to do.
03-31-2015, 08:16 PM
#2
I did my level kit myself. I'm also a Honda tech for 18 years now..so I did it at my work. It's easy on a lift with air tools. It took me about an hour to put in the level kit and 15 mins for the alignment. It's pretty easy to get the struts out...so half a day seems like a big quote.
03-31-2015, 08:23 PM
#3
I just came across some info that said you shouldn't use a 2" shock and adjust it to max height because it effects the spring rate negatively. Anyone able to verify this?
Ugh, this is turning in to a nightmare. I wish I had someone to just talk to on the phone and figure all of this out. Between all the kits on the market, all of the differences of opinions, I don't know what to do!!
Ugh, this is turning in to a nightmare. I wish I had someone to just talk to on the phone and figure all of this out. Between all the kits on the market, all of the differences of opinions, I don't know what to do!!
03-31-2015, 08:25 PM
#4
Seems a little high. In Canada I paid $200 for the kit, installed myself in about 2.5 hours. Alignment was $100 took an hour. If I had the shop order parts and install probably be around $450-$500. If you live in the US get bilsteins.
03-31-2015, 08:28 PM
#5
I just came across some info that said you shouldn't use a 2" shock and adjust it to max height because it effects the spring rate negatively. Anyone able to verify this? Ugh, this is turning in to a nightmare. I wish I had someone to just talk to on the phone and figure all of this out. Between all the kits on the market, all of the differences of opinions, I don't know what to do!!
03-31-2015, 08:56 PM
#6
Everything I am reading says the Bilsteins are good to go, and Amazon store said they were in stock, so I just ordered a pair. Hopefully they are the right ones. :/ Will update in my build thread once I get them installed
03-31-2015, 08:59 PM
#7
I just had my truck leveled and installed bilstein 5100's on all 4 corners. I like them a lot. Not a harsh ride like some people say, but more firm and feels planted and takes uneven roads and road surfaces muchx better. No more heavy body roll or nose dive in braking. I took the rears off and played with them and you can defiantly compress the OEM shocks much easier by hand than the 5100's which shows why the 5100's are more firm and steady. IMO a great buy wish I would have done it sooner.
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Troponin (03-31-2015)
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03-31-2015, 09:05 PM
#8
I just had my truck leveled and installed bilstein 5100's on all 4 corners. I like them a lot. Not a harsh ride like some people say, but more firm and feels planted and takes uneven roads and road surfaces muchx better. No more heavy body roll or nose dive in braking. I took the rears off and played with them and you can defiantly compress the OEM shocks much easier by hand than the 5100's which shows why the 5100's are more firm and steady. IMO a great buy wish I would have done it sooner.
03-31-2015, 09:10 PM
#9
I just came across some info that said you shouldn't use a 2" shock and adjust it to max height because it effects the spring rate negatively. Anyone able to verify this?
Ugh, this is turning in to a nightmare. I wish I had someone to just talk to on the phone and figure all of this out. Between all the kits on the market, all of the differences of opinions, I don't know what to do!!
Ugh, this is turning in to a nightmare. I wish I had someone to just talk to on the phone and figure all of this out. Between all the kits on the market, all of the differences of opinions, I don't know what to do!!
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GotHonks? (03-31-2015)
03-31-2015, 10:14 PM
#10
Senior Member
Id go with a Coil Over
Whatever you do take your time and make sure you get what YOU want .. ! Many of these guys on here are really knowledgeable , willing to help others and more than a few do a lot of their own wrenching so there is a wealth of knowledge about leveling kits , in fact I think there is a great sticky on leveling kits you might take a look at ... https://www.f150forum.com/f7/levelin...87676/index40/
Its not a cheap deal either way you cut it unless you do it all yourself and go with a cheap spacer ..which is the last way I would go .... IMO Coil Overs are the way to go , and really there is no need to go to the max height on any of the coil overs because its obvious too me that when your pushing it to the max , things break and can go wrong IMO ... I dont know about Bilstiens as far as ride goes , but I had Pro Comp Pro Runners and I thought were great until I went to the FOX 2.0 with heavier Coil springs .... There is a Huge difference in handling and ride comfort but there is also a huge difference in cost ....
Its not a cheap deal either way you cut it unless you do it all yourself and go with a cheap spacer ..which is the last way I would go .... IMO Coil Overs are the way to go , and really there is no need to go to the max height on any of the coil overs because its obvious too me that when your pushing it to the max , things break and can go wrong IMO ... I dont know about Bilstiens as far as ride goes , but I had Pro Comp Pro Runners and I thought were great until I went to the FOX 2.0 with heavier Coil springs .... There is a Huge difference in handling and ride comfort but there is also a huge difference in cost ....
