Lift HELP

So I'm finally about to put a 2.5" lift on my truck. I tried to put a kit together via Wheelers but I want to check it by you guys and make sure I'll have everything I need. The rear leafs I have linked say "1.5" lift" will that be enough to give me my 2.5" lift and level it? Below is the list of things I currently have in my cart:

Add A Leaf: Rear Struts: Front Struts: Front Springs: Top Plates: CV Drop Kit: Will that be everything I need? Anything I'm missing that I should be getting? For anyone looking for a budget lift kit with good ride quality, currently, this kit is still under $700. Will update as people contribute.

Thanks!

 

I am also looking to do a lift like this.
Would anyone recommend upper control arms? If so, which ones?

 

That looks good to me, except I can't speak for the coil spring choice; someone else can chime in on that one.

Based on my own experience, I would also consider some rear axle shims (2 or 2.5 degree), or a carrier bearing drop. For the cb drop, you could also just grab some bolts and washers from a local hardware store... but either shims or cb drop is fairly cheap. After lifting the rear, your pinion angle might be a little low and can cause some drive line vibes.

May also want to consider upper control arms; I aimed for 2.5", and initially my caster was below 1.

...and my last recommendation, would also be to consider doing the ECGS bushing swap at the same time as well. I waited, and didn't take long before I had the needle bearing vibe symptoms.

 

If you stay under 3in in the front you shouldn't need UCAs. However, every truck can be different so it will depend on your alignment numbers if you really need them.

Personally, I didn't want a uniball ball joint on my UCAs so I ended up going with JBA.

 

The closer to/at 2.5" of lift you are at, you will want to get new UCA's

 

Does wheelers offer a kit for the CV drop? I've seen it on other sites but I don't trust myself to put parts together and hope it works.

 

I've heard some different things. Some people have said they're not necessary right away but they're definitely useful to have.

 

You're the man. Is that the only thing you guys would add?

 

Personally, I would NOT go AAL. If your leafs are flat now, adding a AAL will be like adding a bandaid to a bullet wound. New leaf packs are ALWAYS the better option

 

Just got brand new stock leafs put in via the recall. I figured save a few bucks and go AAL now, then later on go to Dakars.

Other than my one unique situation, I've heard that a new leaf pack is the best way to go.

 

You can always see how it turns out for you; if the truck drives and handles fine after the lift and alignment then you're good to go. If not, add the arms and another alignment later on.

 

personally.... I would talk to Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road


they will likely be able to beat Wheelers price, and she will walk you through EXACTLY what you'll need for your truck.

 

Solid plan; if you can do it now, do it now. Do it once, do it right.

 

I'm trying to get rid of Bilstein 5100 rears and a Wheeler's AAL.

 

FWIW, this is exactly the setup I went with. I still have the 5100/885 front and love it. But I also went with JBA UCAs. The 5100/AAL wasn't enough for my added weight in the back (cap, RTT, and awning).

 

I don't see myself adding all that rear weight. Specifically never adding a RTT. So I may be willing to take those off your hands if you want...

 

We all say that..

 

I need to remove them from my factory leafs. I went with the Dakar medium leaf pack so I simply removed my old leaf pack with the AAL still attached. Everything is sitting in my basement so I hope this is a win/win. I'll PM you.

 

Yea the UCA’s will just be one of those things you can buy if you’ve got the cash sitting around.. otherwise drive the truck, check the alignment numbers, and you’ll have to make a decision from that.

Also, if y’all get together to install the lift let me know. I’d be happy to drive out to Raleigh and lend a hand.

I had the AAL on my 11 and it worked fine for me. Just a heads up cause it will ride stiff if you don’t have any extra weight in the bed.

And I’ll also say that shims will likely help with the geometry and make things drive a little better.