When I got my 04 Lariat 4x4 a little more than a year ago I loved it right away. It drove and rode like a dream, I had 4x4 for the Michigan winters, and it was pretty luxurious. I immediately got the mod bug and before too long I had the 2" AS leveling kit and some BFG 305/65/18 AT's on my stock wheels. As soon as I had the AS put on (before the BFGs) I noticed that the front end feel was a little harsher than stock. After adding the big heavy BFGs it was even worse. As you all know, when you spend a bunch of money on what you thought was going to be great stuff, you tend to convince yourself that everything is cool. I did that for a while but I'm getting tired of the way the front end feels when I hit little bumps and patches and pot holes. So now I'm thinking of removing the 2" AS, and removing the rear blocks. I love the way my truck looks leveled out so I figure it will look exactly the same just 2 inches lower all the way around.

Here is my problem and question: I sold my stock tires so all I have are the BFG's. Is there any chance at all that I can run 305/65/18 safely until I can get a new set of tires? Ive searched the forums and I think the answer is a resounding NO!

I guess my point is that I thought I did a lot of research when I decided to go with the AS, but I wish I would have read about the rear block removal first. It seems like a better option for a guy like me who does not take his truck off-roading. Thanks for any advice on the tire situation.

 

Unfortunately I think with that size tire (basically a 35" right?) You won't be able to run it w/o the AS kit. I would just drive it as is until you get the new tires you want. The other option would be to get upgraded shocks such as the billsteins. Idk what to tell ya man I think my truck handles pretty well with 35's on it. Maybe your tire pressure is high causing a harsh ride? Try some different settings and see if that helps Plus I'm sure many people on here would trade you some smaller rubbers for your AT's

 

I too had the 2.5" AS. I recently replaced them with Bilstein 5100 set to the 2" preset. I'm running 35's and clearance is good. Vast inprovment in ride over the AS.

 

Keep the tires and add a 6" lift. Your ride will be just like stock

 

Yeah, tried playing with the air pressure to see if the ride would soften back up but anything from 35 to 40psi made no difference. And I figured much lower than that would cause weird treadwear.

Another smaller reason that I'm thinking of undoing my mods is the skyrocketing gas prices. I know this is a lame reason, and I didn't buy the truck for gas mileage but I suspect gas will be well over $4/gallon this summer. So even though a lift would put all my suspension angles approximately back to stock it's off my list as an option. I love the look of all you guys lifted trucks but I have to admit, I'm pretty much on-road only. So the hit on gas mileage wouldn't be worth the off-road capability gained from a lift.

I'll probably end up posting my tires on these classified and maybe Craigs List or something to see what kind of interest I get. Maybe if I'm really lucky I can sell these really close to buying new ones and then take the AS out.

Thanks for the ideas on the Bilstiens, air presure and lift. And as I thought, I probably can't squeeze those tires in with out the AS.

I feel like an *** removing all the stuff I put in 6 months ago but hey, live and learn.

 

get a full lift kit, there suposed to be way better riding than a spacer, thats my next plan. My spacer made my ride so harsh.

 

one word... BILSTIEN

 

With those tires, which are 33.5" you could run Bilstein 5100's on a 1" setting. I bet your ride would improve greatly. Part of your problem is you went up in load rating on the tires which will provide a harsher ride.

Whatever you do good luck.

 

Yep, you guys have it nailed. Those BFG's are E rated I think, so they give much stiffer ride than stock. This is something else I didn't take into account in all my hasty wisdom. They are supposedly the best AT tire out there and the biggest I could fit with my 2" AS, so I went for it. Again, I feel a little stupid for not puting this all together before I did it. I may consider the Bilsteins but I'm not sure right now. I already kind of blew it once, I want to try to make the best decision this next time around. Thanks for the serious and helpful ideas. I thought sure I would just get ripped for wanting to take the AS out. It's not over yet though....

Tonka, where did you get that cool KR grill on your red truck? (sorry to go off topic here)

 

Have you tried looking at craigslist or the classified's for new takeoffs. I always see take offs 17-18" for $200-500 and the 20's for $700-$1200. Then you could sell the BFG's and maybe make a couple of bucks.

 

I know what you mean. I sort of feel the same way. The truck still drives good but just not as good as before. I bought my tires real cheap, $100 per tire. Toyo 325/60/18, they are a little larger than I wanted but for the price I couldn't pass them up. I also did the AS leveling kit and to tell the truth the truck drives just like stock but once I put the wheels/tires back on it drives like crap over rough sections of the road. The wheel jerks side to side and the rear wants to step out. This summer I'm going to get some Bilstiens and see what that does.

 

This is my problem also, I was going to wait atleast another year before I got the shocks but Im going to have to move it up.

 

Lift It!!!

 

If you get some decent shocks for it. you will fall in love with it all over again. It is that your stock shocks cant handle the load and you need to upgrade them to get the smooth comfort feeling.

 

There are some good options for you in this thread, but I wanted to add:

If you do decide to sell your tires there's a very hassle-free buyer in Louisiana waiting for you. (Me!).