Guys, I could use some help. I installed a 2" RL kit to accomodate new tires and rims. I went with a -12mm offset rim and 285/65/R18 Nitto TG tires. In short, it's either the kit or the tires, but the overall ride quality has suffered. The ride in general is okay...it's when I hit manholes or rigid bumps...it's fairly rough. Rough enough to cause noise from the dash and other panels.

I'm just wondering if a set up new aftermarket shocks would alleviate this problem. Any recommendations? Someone mentioned I should get rid of the 2" kit and add some Bilstein leveling shocks. ????

 

The leveling kit shouldn't affect the ride at all. I'd suggest checking your air pressure. That can make a huge difference in ride quality.

 

Those are a LR E LT tire. They will be a bit harder than OE tires. Max is 80 psi, but you will not need anything higher than 50. Do not go below 45.

 

Yup...I learned the hard way with that one. I road them at 35 per my dumba$$ dealer until I learned better. I'm riding them at 50psi now, although the extra pressure didn't really make it ride any worse than it was at 35.

I did figure that it's the tires in general...in that they rid harder than my stock tires. HOWEVER, with that said.....if I like these tires but want to get my ride back, are there any options for improvement?

 

How many miles on your shocks? Usually worn out shocks won't make the ride harsher, but good shocks will smooth it out a bit.

 

And just how did you learn the hard way?? What bad things happened from running them at 35?

 

Approximately 45k miles on my factory shocks right now. A local vendor said the Bilsteins will really provide some "padding" but I don't know about that. I still don't even know if the leveling shocks will eliminate my need for the 2" kit.

For one, I've been "told" that running that tire at such a low pressure is just plain dangerous considering tire construction and that is is rated for a max of 80psi. I don't know how true that is, but I've been told that by multiple supposedly knowledgable guys.

Secondly, the tires were wearing on the outside really fast. I noticed immediately that they started wearing better after a rotation and pushing them up to 50 psi.

 

If you get the 5100, and set them to max, you should, from what I have read, about 1.5" of lift in the front.

As far as mileage, I usually change my OE shocks out at around 30k, although the newer trucks don't seem to have as much a problem as the trucks in the past. I still notice quite a bit of difference with the aftermarket shocks over the OEs at that mileage. I think at 45k, you would also notice a big difference.

 

I'm not sure if 1.5" will give me enough clearance. Do you think I should just go with new shocks and keep the kit? What shocks do you recommend if different from the Bilsteins? Thanks for the responses man.

 

You could still go with Bilsteins, just the regular replacements, or even the 5100 with no lift. If you are sure you need the full 2", you are probably best to keep what you have. Hopefully someone with experience with the 5100s will stop buy to confirm what I remember reading about getting a max of 1.5" off the 5100s. Other shocks I have read about here, but have no experience with are the Ranchos. There are others I am sure. You could also go with les expensive shocks like Monroes or Gabriels. Not as good, but still decent.

 

Again, thanks for the help. I might look into whatever options my dealer offers and just pick some and have them thrown on the next time I get my truck serviced. Hopefully I'll notice a difference.

 

I would definitely look at aftermarket. Dealer would probably cost more and you would not get as good a product. Would not say OE is bad, but not as good as something like Bilsteins.

 

My dealer is very competitively priced and they offer a custom service, i.e. they raise/lower trucks and apply aftermarket products. And believe it or not, they are sometimes lower than other smaller vendors in the area. PLUS, they're rewards program is awesome; I spent $3 on an alignment, rotation and balance last month. The main thing I love about my dealer is I've built a relationship with a single certified mechanic that is the ONLY person who works on my truck. Accountability at auto shops is worth $$$ IMO.

Definitely think I'm going the Bilstein route for sure though.