I finally got the mess from the previous owner's cheap-out leveling kit cleaned up. Basically a whole new front end - joints, upgraded steering, drop pitman and Thuren track bar has the truck steering like new again with no DW. Now I'm considering replacing the front springs with 2" upgraded springs. I understand they will ride better than the stock springs with leveling pucks. All the 2" leveling spring kits I've seen do not have new lower arms. Is that a good thing? At what point do the lower control arms need to be lengthened? Should I go with a whole new higher lift including the lower arms just to be sure the front end is right? I'd like to get more than 20k miles out of this front end.

(2007 SRW QC LB 48RE)

 

New arms are typically needed at 3"

 

Been running a leveling kit by Lorenz for about 1 1/2 years with stock control arms, although they are angled slightly more than at stock height there haven't been any problems.

 

Don't think I'd run just aftermarket lower arms. You have some adjustment on the factory ones, any more than that and your u joint would be at a pretty bad angle. I maxed my factory ones out at full long, gives the steering a more positive "on center" feel too. I'm thinking of going 1/2" longer top and bottom to center the axle more in the wheel well, if my Kore HP kit raises the truck more than it is now with my spacers.

 

Anybody know the real difference between springs and spacers? Worth it if you already have the spacers/pucks?

 

Difference is simple: looks v. function. The spacers are just for looks and work with stock coils, which are a constant rate spring and kind of stiff. The good replacement coils actually improve the ride (kore, carli, lorenz) with different rates as the suspension cycles, typically with a softer rate in the upper few inches of travel, then becoming progresivly stiffer as the coil compresses further. Coils actually increase total travel in the front, spacers do not. Result is softer ride on the small bumps, and nice firm rates for taking on the big bumps. Well worth it in my opinion, but my trucks main purpose is hammering up and down 4x4 roads all day long. I think the replacement coils require longer travel shocks as well, so you probably can't just replace coils.

 

I'm looking at the Kore kit right now. Needs shocks anyway. I think you answered my question real good, bradler - thanks!

 

I'm running the Lorenz coils on mine. They've been fine. The Kore leveling or better yet the HP is a good buy though.

 

Go Carli their the best, all the rest are second best!