I bought the TrailMaster 2" leveling kit for my '02 2WD. It looks pretty cool and will look a lot nicer once I put bigger tires on. It came with a couple of spacers for the shocks, but they didn't fit my shocks, so I didn't install them. Now the ride is crap... can anyone suggest a good shock that will get me back to stock ride and handling. I'm sure the shock will need to be longer than the stock ones. Also, should I wait to get the alignment done until after I put new shocks on, or do the shocks have no effect on the alignment?

Thanks, Josh

 

Shocks do not affect alignment. I would go with a Rancho or Bilstien shock.

 

I was looking at the Rancho 5000 series. Do I need to get longer ones?

 

I'm not sure. I think the bumpstops limit travel.

 

Maybe it's the alignment that's screwing up the ride...

 

The major problem was tire pressure overservicing. I took the truck in immediately following the installation of the leveling kit to get my exhaust welded and normal servicing. The tire pressure was at 40psi. Upon relieving the pressure, the ride was significantly improved. It's still not exactly how it was, but it is way better. I'll still be changing the shocks and updating this thread when the alignment gets done.

 

I put on 2in daystar spacers on my 02 2wd and the shop I bought them from does a lot of lifts and said the Fabtech 3 way adjustable shock was best they found to account for a longer shock required.

 

Getting the alignment done made the ride almost just like stock. I think I'll still put in new shocks...