I just wanted some advice before I do anything I regret to a $30,000 vehicle. I have a 2004 F150 Black FX4 and I really want to be able to run 35" BFGoodrich mud terrains. I really think this tire looks the best for the truck. However, I know in order to do this I need to install the daystar (or any other leveling system) to run the tire. I went to the local 4wheel drive shop and they said they would never sell Daystar, they would be happy to install it only because I'll be coming back frequently to have it serviced. They gave a strong arguement giving me a question some should consider, "When a 3 ton truck is sitting on rubber, What happens to the rubber" It compresses right! So in the long run your 2" leveling kit will sag causing nothing but problems. My question to those on the board (who have the Daystar) is how long ago have you had it installed? Have you seen any sagging yet? Is it worth the risk? I really want to run 35"s, I just need some advice.

 

Well first, 35s w/ a daystar alone will be tight. You may want to consider a true suspension lift of a body lift w/ daystar.

As for the sag and it going back for service frequently, that's comical. I think the shop is feeding BS to push a larger sale. I'd never shop their again.

 

I agree with the BS however they do strive a strong point with the compression on the rubber spacer. Also I've read many posts and have actually talked to a guy running 35's with the leveling kit and he didn't have any rubbing at all. I just need to know if everyone is happy with their Daystar. If anyone has pictures of the leveling kit with 35's this would be wonderful!

 

Check out the AutoSpring lift kit. No spring compression required

http://www.autospringcorp.com/hotproduct.htm

The 1 1/2" kit gave me 2 1/4" of lift without changing the soft factory ride

 

After reading the post again... I'd have to ask the shop guy "Ummm... who gives a crap about rubber? The Daystar kit is mostly polymers. And last time I checked, polymers don't compress." THe kit will settle a TAD, not even enough to notice.

I'd continue on to tell them I am deathly afraid of my body mounts, since they are gonna compress and smash into my frame!!! And my engine!!! AAAHHHHH!!!!

 

There’s nothing wrong with the daystar kit. Springs, in general, are going to settle a little bit, but that normal. As far as wearing down the spacer
well that’s just

 

Thanks for the information, Now listen to this! I went to another local shop and asked about the kit and they said they had and done many in this area. I asked the price and about went into shock when he told the price of $680.00 for the kit, installation, and allignment. I couldn't believe it.
I figure:
Kit = $120
Alignment = maybe $100
Labor = that leaves $460.00 for an 1 1/2 of labor
This is outrageous! So I went back to the original 4wheeldrive and he told a price similiar. Is this correct?

 

Uh, no.

You should be able to find a place and get in and out of there for ~$300...kit, alignment, labor.

 

Well if the shop doesn't recommend the daystar, what do the recommend? Whatever they got a deal on? An inventory of?

I have had my daystar for over 5000 miles with no problems. The level still looks like the day I had it installed.

I would look on ebay for the kit. They have been on there for some time. Cost me $130 "buy it now". Install was $100 at a 4x4 shop and the alignment was $60.

 

I've had Daystar spacers on my Jeep since 2000 without any problems. The shop was shooting you a line of BS.

 

If you don't mind, what shops did you go to? Are they in the Charleston area?

 

I bid on several and got one for just under $100 on ebay. I got shafted on shipping...I think I paid $15. Big deal...another $15 and 2 days later it was on my doorstep.

Just another option.

 

As for the location, yes I'm from Charleston. I went to Lowcountry 4x4 and they were outrageous then I went to Highrollers in Summerville. HD f150 SC do you have any suggestions?

 

I bought my daystars on ebay for $124 shipped to my door froma guy with a ton of great feedback. I just had them installed for $50 (lower then most). And have yet to get the front end alignment, but will get one on Monday. I'm guessing around $60-$70 for that.

BTW, Has anyone with daystars noticed a knocking sound when driving over a bumpy road? Or will this sound go away when they settle in a bit.

 

I just ordered the Autosprings leveling kit. ($115 on ebay from autosprings including shipping) It seems like that is better than the daystar kit cuz it doesn't compress the spring at all after you install it. It just sits between it and the frame. Also with the autosprings lift you don't need a spring compressor or any other fancy tools, just a wrench/ratchet, jack and some stands. Hopefully I'll find some time to put it on next weekend and let you know how it turned out. Also as far as the alignment I would just buy the lifetime alignment from your local tire/oil change shop. You should really align every other oil change and probably more often if you're going off road and stuff that would throw it off. So for the cost of 2 or 3 alignments you can just get the lifetime and get it done whenever you want to and not have to pay for it. That's what I am gonna do at least.