Noob w/ a noob lift/leveling question(s).

Just picked up my 14' DCLB 4x4 Sport and was considering a leveling kit for the front. I don't want to 'lift' the truck. I just want to level the front.

What are the pros and cons to doing this? Is there a better kit than another? Can I simply purchase the correct spacer and reuse the existing OEM shocks? Is an alignment needed following the spacer install?

I'm hoping to just get the front leveled out for aesthetic purposes. Hoping to maintain the stock ride w/o any "issues". I've lifted several Jeeps back in the day and have no desire to go BIG. Been there, done that.

 

So there is no duplication, what info were you able to get form a TW thread search so far?

Frank

 

I've read of some regrets and of a couple of what I was expecting.

Looking for brands and possible areas to avoid.

Usually a simple spacer lift, depending on how much spacer, you can re-use the factory shocks and sometimes an alignment.

I'm not familiar w/ Tacos at all. Is there a front driveshaft angle issue? Do the wishbones get too out of whack with even a minimal spacer lift? Does the ride change? If so, drastically and is it better or worse?

 

Pictures would be great too.

Before and after if possible.

 

Don't use spacers. Get 5100's at .85" to level the front.

 

Here is the long and short of it... read over the OP post, and check out the attached links to what you need/want to learn about. There is really way too much info to be covered by almost any one person on here.

This should cover anything you need to know to make an informed decision on what you want to do.

Frank

 

^Agreed, don't do a spacer lift.

 

Reasons? Again, not looking to go rock crawling. Just want to level it for aesthetics. If it's going to be a PIA and constantly chasing gremlins and more mods to fix the other mods, I'll leave it stock. Generally trucks have more lift in the rear to accommodate heavy loads and riding level when loaded. Since most of us rarely, if ever, carry even close to max load, it seems logical to level the truck. I'd even be down for lowering the rear if that's a better solution. Although I'd prefer to raise the front. Airbags was thought.

Thanks for the link. Completely looked past it while looking at the stickies. Sorry, noob blindness. Can't see the forest for the trees. I'm sure it'll become second nature in a few months.

 

Since I asked for pics I'll post some to keep this thread interesting.

This is the last Jeep I had/built.



This pic was taken in Moab. We were filming a segment for 4WheelerTV. The roll actually made the final editing. Can't find the episode anymore. Had it on VCR and they have some links on their website but I can't find the segment.



This is the new Taco. I added a black Softopper yesterday but haven't taken any pics yet. This replaced my 12' Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Limited as my daily driver. Getting back into motorcycling and needed something to carry, tow the MCs in. My son is 15 next month and trying to get some good father/son time in before he's off to college, etc.



And for shits and giggles, this is my 12 Corvette GS.

 

With the sport and the billies, 1.75" setting will be level. The sport comes with the 3+1 rear leafs. Billies are a better quality option to lift, and it will be a more comfortable ride than a front spacer. It's safer for the front suspension also to use new a strut that's meant for what your doing.

You will need to realign after changing any of the suspension.

 

W/ the new Softopper.

 

If you lift to level, you may be chasing the hum from the front driver's side needle bearing soon after. Weak link in the front diff. Then again, if you don't lift you may be dealing with it later too.

 

Did some more research and it looks like the 5100s are the way to go. How's the install? I'm thinking air bags for the rear as well. Any advice on those? Brand to go with?

 

My advice, not the cheapest but reasonable, get the fully adjustable 5100s that ToyTec sells already assembled. Easy to install and you get to choose what height they are set to, completely customizable... I love mine! At just under level, they feel better than stock!

 

Thanks.

What setting to you have your's set at?

 

That is the beauty of the fully adjustable coil overs that Toytec makes out of the 5100s, there is no "setting". They are infinitely adjustable with two spanner wrenches they provide. You just pick the look you like and get it aligned when you are done. Awesome! I wouldn't have it any other way...unless I wanted to throw more money at it.