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To level or lift, hummm...

To level or lift, hummm...

Postby swandc [OP] » Sep 10 2011, 3:43pm

Level the truck or lift it some, not sure what I would like to do yet. I like the level look, that the RC 2.5" level kit for $64 does, but for an extra $100 I could raise it some more just to get that more of an agresive look. Not looking to rock crawl or mudding, just looks since it is a 2WD after all. I was also thinking what about backing out the key adjustment bolt? I believe I've seen that mentioned somewhere on here in my wandering through topics. Is that even an option or is it cheap option that would end up costing me more $ later on for repair of wear and tear? This isn't anything I plan on doing in the near future so I have time to plan and see what is the best option. This is something I'd like to do myself as well so thinking of what is the easier way or if there is really any difference in ease since I've never done this as well. Maybe one of the wish list items to ask for some help with from the family when they ask for Christmas ideas! :)
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Related Topics  adding a level to my lift   07 Silverado 5.3L Z71 Lift or Level?   2.5" level OR 3.5" lift   You like em level or not?   Opinion on small body lift and suspension lift?   Level or suspension?   Up-Level Radio In W/T?   wanting to level   Level kit   Fluid level   Fuel level sensor   timbren/level kit   Only Need an Inch or so to Level...Need Advice   295's on a 2.5" level? 
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Re: To level or lift, hummm...

Postby Chasmanian » Sep 10 2011, 4:58pm

Lift! :)
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Re: To level or lift, hummm...

Postby swandc [OP] » Sep 11 2011, 1:39am

That's what I'm leaning toward too. On RC's website it states that their 3.5 lift also levels it, just wasn't sure if this was a "blanket statement" that no matter what kit you look at it says that just because it was easier to leave it there instead of taking it off if it didn't apply or what. Wached their quick install video, doesn't seem too too bad of a project to do.
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Re: To level or lift, hummm...

Postby SilverSurfer » Sep 15 2011, 4:24am

I lowered the rear w/ drop shackles, and I like it.

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I was hoping to level it, but 1 1/2" is the most I could do. I may have to put new springs in the front, probably suffering from sag due to age to it level. Not planning on chopping anything.
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Re: To level or lift, hummm...

Postby swandc [OP] » Sep 15 2011, 1:37pm

Ya know, I've never been one for lowering a truck. Just always seemed like defeating the purpose of haveing a full size truck. But the way yours looks there Larry it isn't that bad. May be something to have to keep in mind. Maybe I need to sway away a little from what I've only known. Growing up in Pa everyone raised their truck.
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Re: To level or lift, hummm...

Postby Line » Sep 15 2011, 3:57pm

swandc wrote:That's what I'm leaning toward too. On RC's website it states that their 3.5 lift also levels it, just wasn't sure if this was a "blanket statement" that no matter what kit you look at it says that just because it was easier to leave it there instead of taking it off if it didn't apply or what. Wached their quick install video, doesn't seem too too bad of a project to do.

'
ITS A LIE!!!! no its not to bad but it sure as hell aint easy they say 2-4 hour install but it took me 8-9 hours AND IM A MECHANIC, but it does level it as well as lift i like it, i dont have any pics to put up my internet here doesnt work well with uploads but it does actually sit a lil higher in the front now...its barely noticeable but its there, and if you have a 2WD you shouldnt lift it, any of the benifits you have from not going the 4X4 route are lost in a lift IMO just saying i lost 1 MPG with the 3.5" lift
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Re: To level or lift, hummm...

Postby ricka182 » Sep 15 2011, 5:18pm

I say it's a money thing. I just recently leveled my truck, mainly because I didn't really have the money to lift it all the way around. I could barely afford the RC Keys, but I lived on cup o' noodles for a week to save some cash.

I love the leveled look and ride. I wouldn't want too big of a lift anyway, as I only have a 1500. My next truck will probably be a 2500HD, and that will get at least a 4" lift.

The keys are a good option, and are fairly easy to install, if you don't run into any problems. I also wondered about just cranking on the torsion key bolts, but heard it could put undue stress on the truck, and cause premature wear. I didn't want to take any chance, even though I thought using the keys achieved the same as just cranking the bolt.

Depending on what kind of suspension your truck has, you could also look into adjustable shocks. Bilstein and Rancho both make a great set of shocks that can be adjusted, therefore leading to a leveled truck at the same time.

Here's my leveling thread.. : Leveled my truck with RC keys
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Re: To level or lift, hummm...

Postby swandc [OP] » Sep 15 2011, 6:31pm

Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated. I wasn't even thinking of the fuel economy part of it by raising it. So far I've only looked at the piece that attaches to the bottom of the shock, haven't really looked into the replacing the key option. I'm guessing it's more of a personal choice, but is going with replacing the key better than adding the piece to the shock or vice versa?
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To level or lift, hummm...

Postby TucsonJoe » Sep 16 2011, 12:12am

I installed drop shackles and I love it
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Re: To level or lift, hummm...

Postby starspangled6.0 » Sep 16 2011, 1:12am

Good grief, what a great looking truck!
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