Benefit of leveling kit?

Sorry, but need some clarification.

What benefit would a leveling kit have? I drive a 17, Taco and have heard mixed opinions on these. I would like some TW advice on this.

Also, what leveling kits are recommended?

Thanks

Bubble

 

Mostly looks.

Before the leveling lift defenders crawl out of the woodwork, we'll add a bit of body clearance for approach angles off road and a touch of tire clearance.

That's a bit nebulous though, and is more dependent on wheel fitment and tire selection, along with trimming and cab mount chops.

The only way to get axle line ground clearance is with taller tires.

 

I read it wrong and recant my sarcasm point.

One of the links he listed, had zero responses and same basic question I had. Thanks guys.

 

Pro's
-Looks better, beefier
-bigger tires fit easier
-approach angle is better
-feels bigger and manlier
-Cheap if using a spacer lift

Con's
-Spacers have poor geometry and travel, causing bump stop in the shock
-offroaders will call you a poser online
-poor ride with using preload bilstiens and oem springs (there is no disputing this, preload means firm)
-alignments are hard to set above 2" lift without upper control arms

I always suggest starting with a level kit if interested and move up to proper full shock lift if desired later on.

 

I think the problem with these repeat questions is because it causes more of the same information to be spread out. What I mean is that people on forums like information to be condensed and they mostly do not like repeating themselves twenty times.

 

I think I'm going to get one for looks and looks only. I don't see much other benefit IMO.

 

Aside from looks, which are subjective, one of the key benefits of a leveling kit occurs if you have imbalanced the stock suspension, and need a relatively cheap way to re-balance it. One example would be putting on a relatively heavy front bumper with a large winch and several light bars and so forth. The added weight may cause the front suspension to sag. This sag could be eliminated using a leveling kit.

Keep in mind i'm talking about a really heavy front bumper, and if you're planning on something like that it would probably be better do do a complete suspension overhaul.

 

You can always level your truck with good suspension and then have all the pros of a better performing truck without the negatives of hockey puck spacers.

Spacers are the padded bra of truck suspension. I understand that for a lot of people they work just fine though.

 

Can you elaborate on the poor geometry? How would it affect handling?

I lifted my 3rd gen with 5100's set to the highest notch and like the ride after, so preload wasn't an issue for me.

I want to level out my 1st gen (about 1" or so in front) and since it's a 100% road driven work truck, I was hoping to save money and just go with spacers.

 

]I'm set on the 4th setting on my Bilstein 5100s with factory coils and it rides, handles and absorbes bumps better than my factory Sport suspension. Don't believe this bullshit that it will rides stiff and like complete ass. I here to tell you mine rides night and day better than stock. Put some Bilstein shocks and a one inch block in the rear, it will sit nice, ride great, good to go off roading and won't break the bank. Also a spacer lift isn't all the bad, check out low range 3/1 leveling kit.

 

I’m never on level ground so I doubt a leveling kit would do me any good.

 

I did the same leveling kit 5100 Bilstiens at 2.5 inches, 1 inch block rear. On TRD Off road manuel. Did excellent going up to Calcite Mine Anza Borrego. Problem is if your caring a load. Stock rear leaf springs are garbage. Packed camping gear for 4 and bottomed out rather easily. Just got old man emu heavy today. Need to break in but very nice. I will eventually beef up front coils too 500# for peace of mind when I do add winch and light bars. Thinking on getting Southern Style Slim Line with bull bar. Future winch will be waterproof 9000#. Running KM3 285/75/16 occasional rubbing on UCA , not much at all. Not satisfied what I've seen to replace stock UCA so still doing my homework. I agree with Bishop84, start with a leveling kit, get out there and find out what fits your needs. Good luck!

 

It's a pickup truck made to carry a load , put shit in the bed and it'll be level.

 

I put about 700 lbs without an issue.

 

The teraflex leveling kit seems a lot better than many other shock upgrades.