Man it's nice having friends with access to a full service shop. Glad I didn't try this in my garage, it was more involved than I expected. Plus got a chance to do an alignment after.
The Bilsteins actually gave me more lift than I expected in front. Now I am looking to get about an inch lift in the rear. What's the best option for this?
Here are some progress pics and some finished pics from this morning.
that sits really nice good job man. which bilsteins did you use. im looking at changing out my shocks as well. did you need to use a spring compressor?
Thanks! I used the Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks. I put them on the highest setting and got much more lift than I was expecting (not that it's a bad thing). Now I have a reason to lift the rear a little. I do haul a 4-wheeler in the bed and pull a 16ft tandem trailer sometimes so I still want a little rake. We did use a high quality spring compressor which is mounted on the wall, I would never use a cheap-o spring compressor while working with something under that amount of pressure.
you could use airbags like the ones firestone make that way it adjustable and if you do load up the truck you can level it back out. whereas with blocks theres really not adjustablity.
I think something more for looks, I don't load anything too heavy so I never squat it too much. Just think maybe 1-2" in the back will set it up so that when I am loaded it will sit closer to level.
I know in the pictures it's hard to tell but the front already has 1/2" in height compared to the rear so if I put my 4-wheeler in the bed it will probably look pretty awkward.
Thanks! I got the tires off of E-bay from a company called Discount Tire Direct. I think I got a pretty good deal on them and I had them in 3 business days. Not sure if I should post price on here or not... some forums with sponsors frown upon it.:4-dontknow:
If you go with add a leafs, your ride will get stiffer. Since you are mainly just going for looks, I think blocks would accomplish everything you are looking for just fine.
If you go with add a leafs, your ride will get stiffer. Since you are mainly just going for looks, I think blocks would accomplish everything you are looking for just fine.
Looks awesome! My Bilsteins came in yesterday and i plan on putting those same tires on too! I also have a set of Monroe Sensa Tracs on order. A couple of people have them and love them. They claim that it lifted their rear end at least an inch! They are a coil over shock that helps with heavier type loads! Ill attach a link! http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product__18570203-P_50_R%7CGRPSHOCAMS____
Looks awesome! My Bilsteins came in yesterday and i plan on putting those same tires on too! I also have a set of Monroe Sensa Tracs on order. A couple of people have them and love them. They claim that it lifted their rear end at least an inch! They are a coil over shock that helps with heavier type loads! Ill attach a link! http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product__18570203-P_50_R|GRPSHOCAMS____
Man that setup looks great! I like the wheel gap in the rear and the front seems a tad much for my taste. I would just take down the setting a bit on the 5100's and level it out myself.
I thought about that as well but those Bilsteins were not any fun getting in there. I would have to take the struts out, put them back in the spring compressor, adjust the setting, reinstall the struts, and do another alignment since it will throw the toe out of whack. Thought doing some blocks in rear seemed like an easier task. Also when these tires are done I may think about going with something a little taller.:smileup:
I don't seem to notice any rubbing and have yet to install spacers. I do have the Bilsteins set on the highest setting, I wonder if that makes any difference :4-dontknow:
I hope to have some spacers soon though, they are really close to the UCA.
How much gap is there between the top of the tire and the wheel well? The new stance looks great, and I'm curious if just leveling mine out will do that. Thanks
How much gap is there between the top of the tire and the wheel well? The new stance looks great, and I'm curious if just leveling mine out will do that. Thanks
I haven't measured that yet, but I can. I think it was 42.25" from the ground to the wheel well in front and 40.75" in the rear the last time I checked. I ordered some Firestone Ride Rite airsprings for the rear today and will get them installed soon to get the rear up a little.
You have a link to a thread with pics of your ride? I'm interested in seeing what it looks like with that lift and size tires. Seems like I may end up having a similar setup lift-wise when I'm finished.
going to get the Bilsteins also. Was wondering how you felt about the ride of the truck now? I have a buddy here at work that said when he installed the Bilsteins on his Toyota Tacoma, it made a huge difference in ride quality and handling.
Thanks in advance,
Dave:smileup:
There is def a difference in how the truck rides with the shocks and tires. It seems to float over bumps instead of going through them. Kind of feels like it just catches the top of bumps if there are multiple bumps in a row. Will take me some getting used to but I can't imagine coil spacers being any better.