So I've decided I want to level my 2015 4×4 lariat with a 2" rise in the front. What I have not decided is do the what seems to be more common 2" spacer type or do a lifted 2"strut, specifically the rough country ones. Spacers are roughly $75 and the struts are $329.

Seems like from what I've read is 2" spacers are cheap and easy but you will sacrifice ride quality where as the 2" lifted struts are a little easier to install and your ride quality stays the same if not a little better. If that's true then I can probably justify the extra money, Another question is since my truck has 52k miles would it be a decent idea while I'm in that deep to go ahead and replace the strut assembly anyway? Not sure as a rule of thumb how long struts/ shocks last before starting to not perform as well.

Any opinions or personal experience would be appreciated!

 

struts usually last around 100k miles so they likely are only halfway through their service life. though driving conditions will affect that. if you drive on bumpy roads they wear out faster.
spacers are cheap and easy like you said. i've never noticed a change in ride quality with strut spacers. but the 2" leveling struts are designed for the increased ride height and will feel better than factory struts with spacer. but the spacer is a lot cheaper

 

I've went back and forth on this one myself and decided to go the strut route and will be installing the adjustable Bilstein 5100s in the next month or so. I'm in a different place then you as my truck is at the 127K mark so its time to replace the struts. I haven't read where the ride is any different between the two, I just decided it would be better to use the suspension vs. a spacer for my situation. Either works IMHO.

 

I did the Rough Country struts and shocks in a 2" leveling kit, and am very pleased with it all. They're quick to ship, available for advice, the struts and shocks look well built, and the outcome was great. Ride is at least as good, if not better than before.

 

I did not care for the limited control of the OEM coilover so went with new upgraded coilovers/shocks all the way around. Big improvement in ride and handling, I did go to the higher end 2.5 front shocks and matched coils with an Icon Stage 1 but that I understand may be a big reach. Yeah more expensive than a spacer but new better shocks make that method a better deal in my book. KM