Leveling Kit woes...

Bottoming out could just be the weak stock billies...to be honest it really doesn't take much to blow through them. I did it a few times before I swapped them out.

 

I don't have billies. The limited comes with the same shocks as the SR5's

 

Oh right right, probably even worse then. How hard are you hitting these speed bumps? I wouldn't expect it to bottom out at reasonable speeds but if you rolling into it at speed it wouldn't surprise me, lol

 

Anything over like 15mph

 

Yeah, I'd say that's just asking too much of stock shocks. It may be worth noting that it's not the end of the world to get into the bumps on occasion. Truck isn't going to fall apart but it is stressing stuff a bit. The remedy is upgraded suspension for sure though. Anything from Bilstein 5100s up to Kings would probably do the trick.

 

I guess that's the question tho. Should I just throw some upgraded Bilsteins in there? Or Kings? OR just rip out the leveling kit and go front coilovers and AAL and shocks in the rear.

 

There's no reason to keep the leveling kit on and upgrade to bilsteins/kings etc. The bilsteins/kings/etc will allow you to lift without the leveling kit. So you can get back to the same height even with removing the leveling kit and that's exactly what the best path forward is. You will need UCA's at that height though. You could leave the block (rear portion of leveling kit) out back if you didn't want to do an AAL/leaf pack but I would recommend an AAL over a block. They aren't too pricey.

 

Thanks a ton man. You've been very helpful.
I think AAL sounds like a better solution in the rear, but I'm just afraid of it being too stiff. idk. I'll look in to new shocks / coilovers. prices and options.

 

I’ve had mine for about 4-5 months now, 6k miles later and I’ve had no issues at all. Granted I only lifted 1” to avoid this too. You could try a diff drop if you end up getting it to see if that helps. I want to lift more but don’t want to deal with the bushing now. Maybe when I upgrade I’ll swap it out while I’m under there.

 

Thanks for your service! Stay safe out there...all of you!!!

 

This is the reply I got from Kings:

"3" lift is the limit of the factory suspension and is not recommended. Our OEM performance coilovers add approximately 1.5" of lift in the front and that is where the best ride will be. Should you decide to go with a 6" lift company which supplies new suspension components, IE Drop down brackets or new sub frame, to properly raise the vehicle height we can build custom shocks to fit the new longer dimensions."

I need more than 1.5". And I don't want a 6" drop down bracket lift. I thought they could provide me a stand alone coilover/front Shock/back package. Then I could add some UCA's in the front and an AAL in the rear. That email made it sound like they don't offer a stand alone coilover/shock package that lifts over 1.5"

 

What kit are you using and where did you get it from? Thanks

 

Just 5100’s all around, 1” block in the rear. I got it from Headstrong Off-Road.

 

I would honestly pick a route for lifting the vehicle and stick to it. Putting performance coil-overs on and then adding spacers is not a good idea.

IMO you should just get a decent set of springs and shocks for the fronts and a decent set of rear shocks and a new leaf pack in the rear if you are loading the bed a bunch. 1.5" looks great and you won't run into issues with staking lifts. Is there a reason you want more than a 1-2" lift?

Also, don't think you need to spend 3-4k to get a good setup. Kings, Bilstein 8112, ADS, are great, but overkill for the majority of people on here and are in no way the only way to go.

Get the best you can afford.

 

I'm curious, did you get new UCA's as well?

 

Nope, at 1” of lift all around you don’t need them.

 

What they say isn't wrong but their coilovers are adjustable up to 3" lift. It's not recommended (by them) and ride will be a bit stiffer. This is the route most people go though and it's the best way to get 3" of lift if you have to have it.

 

I feel like I'm getting pushed in to a 6" drop bracket. I guess its that or push those kings to 3".

 

Yeah, just depends where you're at on how much lift you need.

If it absolutely has to be 3"+ then yeah you are stuck with maxing out coilovers or going drop bracket. I personally would still go maxed coilovers over drop bracket every day of the week.

I'd urge you to consider coilovers set at more like 2-2.5" of lift. That's the sweet spot that a lot of people go for. Most reports say it still rides pretty good at those heights.

 

Has anyone used this kit? This is at the top of my list right now.
2nd on my list is honestly putting some better shocks on all 4 corners and the Dakar Medium Spring set in the rear.