As the title says, with recent posts concerning ball joint issues with the leveling kits. I have redirected my approach to this bilstein 5100 2" lift kit. Have there been any pro or cons? By stretching the shock/coils does that make the ride quality go down? Or differ in any way? It's not so much that I'm worried about spending xx.xx dollars on replacing ball joints, but I would rather not continue to damage something, if there is a better option. My future setup, will be to stick with factory 18" Fx4's and ad 35-12.50-18 mud or at bfgs, which shouldnt be an issue, unless these kits don't give the same clearance as the leveling kits. Any thoughts? Pictures? or Expirience with these kits? Oh and going with a real lift, is not an option due to clearance issues with garage and this being a daily driver, no offense to daily driven lifted 150's Thanks in advance.


Luke

 

I think 2" of lift from a new shock/spring setup would have the same effect on the ball joints as 2" of lift from a spacer.

A spacer shouldnt change the ride at all... while (depending on who you ask)the bilstein shocks should improve the ride/handleing.

The one knock on spacers as opposed to a new coilover (donahoe, skyjacker, bilstein...ect) is that after you add the spacer (usually 2.5") in some cases the coil will rub the A arm during suspension travel. There is a new design out that has offset built into the spacer to avoid this problem.

So... I personally think it boils down to this. If you are perfectly happy with the way the truck rides and handles the way it is and you just want a few more inches to clear bigger tires then go with a level kit. If you want to change shocks and change the way the truck handles then go with a new coilover or shock setup.

-stephen

edit - Im pretty sure you would clear the 35" BFGs on STOCK rims with the 2" lift

 

Thanks for the quick reply Stephen,

Ultimately, if the bilsteins create the same ball joint issue then I'm back to square one. Only other option is I noticed tonight that they make a 4" Rancho suspension kit, that would Im pretty sure would allow me to park inside my garage as well as drive daily a.k.a through fast food and parking garages, any thoughts?

Luke

 

ehh...just get the promcomp 6' kit! You will love it! It makes your truck handle wayyy better and with the coilovers and the mx6 rear shocks you can totally customize the way you want your truck to ride.

 

the 4" rancho kit actually lifts the truck 5 1/2" according to people here that have installed and measured them. so, watch out for that. If you search there is a thread where someone posted the overall height of the truck with the Rancho and 35s.

I dont know much about the whole ball joint thing... but any of the coil or spacer only lifts are going to change the angles and ultimately *might* affect ball joints.

The rancho 4" keeps stock angles by lowering all the mounting points. (this goes for all the 6" lift kits too). So the hancho shouldnt have any effect on ball joints.

Good Luck

-stephen