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I have done the searches and read the different ways to lift my truck, and was wondering is there a way to level my truck without any negative effects?
The Correct Way to Level My Truck
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279 Posts
You can use any number of leveling kits out on the market to level out the front of your truck. The ride will remain the same as the lift spacer does not change the factory geometry of the suspension. In fact other than having the truck aligned after installing the kit, there is nothing else that needs to be done. I say go for it and enjoy your new look.
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137 Posts
I will look into the shocks. All of the leveling kits I have looked at lift the back. Which make or part number is for just the front?
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That is not true.
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1,512 Posts
A spacer is the cheapest way, just get a couple bumpstops and as long as you aren't wheeling too much you should be fine. A lot of folks run a spacer and seem to be content. You will probably need camber bolts and an alignment as well.
Spacer: Leveling-Spacers - $60 (don't be fooled into spending a penny more than $60, a spacer is a spacer, there is no magical science behind one that makes it worth more than $60).
UCA Bumpstop: Amazon.com: Energy Suspension 9.9102G Black HyperFlex Polyurethane Bump Stops:…
LCA Bumpstop: Amazon.com: Energy Suspension 9.9101G Black Bump Stop: Automotive
The better way, imo, is to get the bilstein adjustable shocks.
Bilstein shocks and struts for cars and trucks - Shockwarehouse.com
Set them at about 1" or 1.5" and you should be good to go. Camber bolts and alignment might be necessary.
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137 Posts
I think the adjustable shocks may be the answer to my question. How easy are these to install? Haven't had my truck long and haven't done much wrenching on it yet!
Thanks
Thanks
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327 Posts
Does a leveling kit that uses spacers limit suspension flex. The front suspension flex is already pathetic as is...
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8,530 Posts
Any spacer will limit your flex. If you want flex, you need COs and UCAs.
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9,811 Posts
Yes, it limits the suspension up travel and it causes the the upper control arm to contact the coil bucket at full drop travel.
You could add bump stops to reduce the coil bucket contact noise but then you are reducing your down travel.
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1,512 Posts
You need a spring compressor to get your old springs off the oem shock and onto the new bilstein.
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137 Posts
I will see if I can find a loaner at autzone orsomewhere when I get them. If not I will make one out of a bar clamp or something at work. Do I need to replace anything as far as the shocks on the back? It seems odd to just replace the front?
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8,530 Posts
If you are only leveling, then only touch the front.
If autozone doesn't have the loaner, call a few shops and see what they charge. If you bring them the assembly and have them swap out the spring, it shouldn't be too much. If you have to jerry/ghetto rig up something, it may fail and cause more issues. I am not saying that duct tape won't save the world some day but in this case, its not worth cutting corners.
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1,512 Posts
As dubie said, if you only want to bring the front up to match the rear, there is no reason to touch anything back there.
Unless of course you want to just add new shocks in the rear to keep all 4 corners fresh, you can do that too!
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327 Posts
Thanks guys. I figured as much. I'm used to SFA (Jeeps) and I really got spoiled by my '08 Unlimited Rubicon (SFA and push button sway bar disconnect). I think I will go with the Bilstein 5150 route. I've had great luck with Bilsteins in the past.
My Frontier does great in stock form, much better than I expected, but its limits are ground clearance and front suspension flex. Traction has never been a problem, even with a tire or two off the ground. This truck has really surprised me at what it is capable off even with its long wheelbase, only 10" of ground clearance, and only 31" A/Ts.
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115 Posts
:thatswck: Have you ever seen what a spring can do when it slips out of a comperssor? I was helping a buddy with his jeep when he didnt have his compressor situated right. He set it on the ground outside his shop and when he did the spring shot out and hit him in the hand. Three broken fingers, a broken wrist and lots of blood. Buy/rent a good pair and use them right.
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