So, last summer I installed a 2 1/2 FRONT lift kit (new shocks, good spacer ring on top). My intent was to "level" the truck (wasn't fond of the way the front angled down). ((stock tires))
Well, turns out, now I'm having second thoughts...the front seems a tad too high (maybe I should've gone with a 1 1/2 in spacer)...
So yesterday I put a rather heavy load in the bed. Not a super heavy load, but enough that the front end definitely appears significantly raised. Like doing a wheelie down the road...

Option 1: Take the ring out and put a smaller ring.
Option 2: Add a "lift" to the rear of the truck.

I like Option 2; however, I'm don't want to get caught in the trap of "raise the front a little", now "raise the rear a little"..now "raise the front a little"...now raise the rear a little.

I don't haul a load very often...perhaps 2-3 times a year. Basic daily driver; mostly everything stock, nothing fancy.

Also, I want inexpensive...something simple....something that just gives me a bit more "support" in the rear if I get a load of top soil or perhaps some bags of concrete.

Any suggestions/recommendations?

2wheel drive. Rear configuration: leafs OVER the axle.

 

I hear ya. I did a 2 inch spacer to level it but got a higher front than rear.

I have airbags now, so 25 psi keeps it level. The rear on a 4X4 has a pretty good block in it already, but a 2 wheel drive may not. You could maybe find a block for the rear of the right size, but may need to get longer U bolts...definitely cheaper than airbags or re arced springs......

 

Thanks 6slug.
"Block"..? Are you refering to the rubber bushing/bumper?

 

I added Firestone airbags, they are a bolt on option and I run 18-20 lbs when towing my 5er.

 

the block is between axle housing and springs held on with the 2 u bolts

 

Airbags then you can adjust to any load, mine can take up to 100lbs of air, I run them at 25 with my 5th wheel with a tongue weight of 2500 lbs, does not sag at all.

 

It's a steel/iron block the spring pack sits on over the axle tube held down with 4 "U" bolts, the aftermarket suspension people usually offer them.

 

Did allot of checking. Finally decided to go with a set of Gabriel Hi Jacker air shocks. $70+change at auto zone. Plan to install them tomorrow. That'll leave me with a practically new set of shocks I'm removing...but I guess I'll call that a "learning tax". ...

Anybody have experience with the Hi Jacker air shocks? I think Gabriel is a reputable brand name....?

 

We used to have them on an old farm truck, IIRC they worked pretty well...

Good luck with 'em.

 

Installed the air shocks. The driver's side one looked to be more challenging, so I started with that one. Took about 25 mins. The passenger side was totally different story (easy look was deceiving...) First had to remove one of the muffler hangers to get good access to the upper nut/bolt. Then, the nut it was seized....used a can of pennetrating spray...waited... finally got it broke loose. The started on the lower bolt. The rear stabilzer bar (?) was blocking extraction of the bolt...had to figure how to get clearance (finally figured out how). got it all disassembled. installed the new shock. Re-assembled the muffler hanger. Re-assembled the stabilzer bar. Took lunchbreak. Put air in the shocks..... One had a leak ...(at the top of the shock where plunger enters the shock). guess which one had the leak...gggrrr.
but, Autozone was good about it... they accepted the "bad" one and opened a new box and gave me a good'r one.
this time it only took 30 mins to undo and then 10 mins to get it back together.

Aired them up...still holding air this a.m.
considering getting an on-board air compressor... any suggestions (make/model)?

d

 

I had a small one on my pre-runner for airing up tires and operating the air horn...

It was small but could put it out, I forget what make it was but I will search around and post.