i'm a long time reader of this place but just recently joined due to my interest in a lift kit and my dislike of my current set up.


I've currently got AS 2" kit with 35's. I don't have any rubbing issues except at full lock while backing up usually to turn around. My problem with this set up is my truck rides like a piece of crap, seems almost sloppy at times. I have the terrible vibration around 55-60 mph and my steering wheel wobbles at these speeds. Prior to adding the AS and larger tires i didn't have these problems. I've been tempted to revert back to my factory set up, but i love the current look of my truck with 35's which makes it look tougher IMO. 35's and a lift kit would only make it appear tougher.


I'm curious to get some feed back from you guys that have fabtech, procomp and rize lifts. What kind of ride do you experience with these lifts. Unless someone can make me believe other wise i'm convinced that the AS kit is just a cheap fix for good looks but at the cost of a lousy ride. These lift kits that are designed for our trucks would have to offer a better ride than what i've got right now.


Last, since I've already got my wheels and tires what kind of price tag am i looking at to have one of these kits installed and my wheels put back on. I do not have any interest in installing it my self due to time constrictions and only a limited selection of tools so that's out of the question.

 

the leveling kit is not the problem- they have no effect on the ride quality, as it is not altering the spring rate at all. im on 35's. stock wheels and the 2.5" AS it it still rides like butter... it sounds like your tires are out of balance/ maybe out of alignment too.

 

What he said.

 

ya you need an alignment and a good balancing that will take care your current problem

 

I'm not sure if you have gone back and re-tightened the bolts on top of the strut and coilover after 300 miles like the instructions said. After that many miles, the suspension can "settle" can likely cause the effects that you're talking about as well.

Milam

 

Sounds like you need a re-balnce, maybe an alignment, and maybe your upper ball joints might be out. How long have you had this set-up?

The ride is great on-road and off-road with the Rize 8".

 

As everyone else said....sounds like your balance/alignment is out of whack.

 

Could it be the wheels also if not a balance problem? If they were balanced when installed new and the problem has been there from the start. I though in some of the post that I've read here that certain wheels cause viderations as well. Because they don't center well on these trucks. Just asking

 

Thanks guys, i've had this current set up a little over a year. I must have over looked the 300 mile bolt tightening When i had this kit installed i had the front end aligned and so far my tires seem to be wearing evenly and smooth all the way around. When I take it in for my oil change and tire rotation I'll have them check the alignment and maybe instead of a regular tire balance I'll have them road force balanced.


How about the cost for one of these lift kits? From reading different threads I see that fabtech and rize seem to be the most recommended around here. Would it be possible to have one installed for $2K or less? Would I still need my AS to maintain the level look or would the lift kit take care of that?

 

I just ordered a 6" Fabtech for $1500 shipped to my door. I'm going to installing it myself, but I checked and it appears the going rate would be between $450 - $800 to have someone install the lift.

 

Well i think i'll take it in this friday and have the front end checked, bolts/nuts checked, and tires balanced. I'm not a perfect driver but rarely do i hit pot holes and curbs when parking which I've always thought was the main things that would "knock" the front end out of align. With larger wheels and tires I suppose the added weight and stresses may change the alignment more easily with out hitting anything.


Would love to have one of these kits but if I can fix my problem with a couple hundred bucks that would be fine with me. I could take the rest of the money to maybe get one of those in dash DVD/navigation systems. I've been eyeing those for 2 years now since I bought my truck.

 

let us know what you find out.

Milam