Hey Everyone. I've spent days searching and reading, but just want some opinions specific to my application. Here it goes:

I have a 2010 FX4 SuperCrew. Stock suspension and wheels and tires. I want to level to make room for my wheel and tire upgrade in the future. I only have 26,000 miles on the truck. The 2 truck places here that I have spoken with have given me 2 different answers.

4wheelparts - go with the Bilstein 5100's over the Rancho and over the level kit
PlanetPickup (I've had better experiences with them) - with current mileage, just go with the DayStar level. Said I won't notice any difference in ride, its cheaper and the new shocks aren't necessary yet. If I insisted on doing the shocks, go with Bilstein over Rancho. Interesting since the level kit doesn't make them as much money as the shocks.

So which way should I go? I'll be honest, I come from a 2002 FX4 that I had cranked torsion bars to level. Ride was pretty stiff with 20's on there. I really love the ride of my truck right now. Do you agree with planet pickup and think I should just go with the level kit at this point since I have fairly low mileage? I wish I could go with a full lift, but thats not in the cards. Thanks for the help!

 

On my 05 I've got the Hellbent Steel 2.5" leveling kit. I remember when I was looking around for mine it was cheaper than the Daystar one. However, I'm not sure if that'll be the case with the newer body style.

 

Go with the bilsteins the shocks will ride better over the leveling kit, and think of it as a long run investment.

 

How do you like the level compared to the stock ride? Are you happy with it? Would you do it again?

Thats what I was thinking. Now if I do go that route, is it a DIY project or is really the best idea to have the pros do it since you reuse the factory coil? I replaced shocks on my old 2002 with no real trouble but there weren't any springs on that one. I'm fairly competent but don't want to get hurt or hurt the truck.

 

I'm not to familiar with the way they come (I'm a 97-03 guy haha) but if it's not the full assembly and you have to re-use the stock coil I'd get a shop to do it. There's a lot more tension on coils on a coil-over than the ones on like the old style coil sprung trucks.

 

Haha. Yeah I really enjoyed working on my 2002. Got pretty confident with it. Still a little hesitant on this one. Plus its still under warranty. And that being said, think either of the options would void warranty? And the Bilsteins being a strut only without the coil is another reason I was considering the Rancho's since they come as a complete assembly.

 

Raised the front of my 2010 2 inches, looked great, except when I had a load in the bed, or hauling a boat. Was going to get the add-a-leafs, but decided to trade it for a new FX4!! It still had the factory ride, but the turning radius in 4x4 was reduced....

 

So did you just do a 2" leveling kit or the leveling shocks?

 

Warranties are always a grey area. Call around to some dealerships and see if they'll do the install, or if it's installed if they will cover it. Some will, some won't. It all depends on what kind of mood they're really in and if they'll look for any excuse to say that's what caused something to wear out.

 

2" Auto Spring spacers.

 

Thanks guys. Anyone have a guesstimate as to how much it would cost to get just the fronts installed at a shop (Bilsteins)? I could do the rears, then take it to them and have them do the install and alignment. Shockwarehouse has them for $350 for all 4. Thats a pretty good price isn't it?

 

I'd guess $100 to 150 range.

 

Thanks. Would you think that would include price for alignment?

 

It's possible but not likely.

 

So you think I need to plan on an additional $200 for install + alignment? Taking my total to roughly $550 including shocks?