So my question is starting to become a bit daunting to me. I was told that a 2.5" level will take trucks bearings out of specs and cause some premature wear on CAs, bearings, and CV joints.

Have you guys heard of this, and what do you think about it? And what's a good kit to level with? Also, I want to run 295/70 R17s on my stock suspension before putting on the level. It measures to 33.4" and 11.26 inches wide. Will those fit without trimming? I know a lot of people are saying that 33x12.50s fit stock with the right backspacing. But will a 33.4 inch tire fit?

 

a level does change the factory geometry of the the IFS because it only lengthens the mounting point of the strut (whether it's from a spacer on the top of the strut or a longer strut like the bilstiens), you're control arms, ball joings, cv joins, are all a larger angle... I ran a 3 inch Hell bend steel level in the front and it tore my cv boot. i imagine the actual wear on the bearings will not dramatically change. I have 296/70/17 toyo mt's with the stock rims on and while i never tried them without the level, I don't think they'd rub... I have a ton of room with the level... the back spacing I think is more vital with a wider tire like a 305 or a 315 and also with lifts because they will not clear the replacement steering knuckles.

 

here are mine with a leveling kit... tons of room as you can see

 

actually my wife has 285/70/18's which are slightly bigger with no lift and they don't rub at all (although not as wide obviously)

 

Wide wheel's and offset's that make the tires and wheel's stick out way more than stock is what causes problem's. I ran some 17x8 wheels with stock 5.5 inches of backspacing with 295x70x17 Toyo MT's and never had a problem...truck was leveled 2 1/2 inches though.

 

So I can run 295s stock? And are there CV boot/joint upgrades that will decrease stress on the geometry?

I'm just looking for a beefier look without breaking the bank on a 6" lift with 35s. That'll be on my next truck. I figure a 2.5" level with those 295/70R17s will give me the look I need.

 

What kind of levels have you guys run? I know if I get a lift I need the drop brackets for the transfer case and stuff.

 

There's lots of good information on this forum my young Jedi. Search you must.

 

My wife commented on your wheels saying she liked them. What brand/model are they?

 

Touché, teacher. Naive I am in my padawan ways.