hello to all.im looking into hell bent steel leveling kit for the new truck.anyone have them? do they like them?..ease of instalation any info would be a great help.thanks in advance...by the way the truck is a 2012 2500

 

I put Tuff Country on mine, but used HBS's instructions because Tuff Country's sucked. Do a search, there are at least two posts here on leveling kit installs (including my experience). The hardest part for me was getting the springs out, had to use a spring compressor as my axle was on the floor and the brake lines stretched to the max and the springs wouldn't come out (let alone go back in with the spacers).

I like doing things myself, and saving a buck. But this is one that if I had to do it again I'd gladly pay Les Schwab the $100 and have them do it.

 

i've had hbs 2.5" spacers on mine for over a year without issue.
installation for a spacer lift will probably be the same on any brand.

 

thanks too all.we got them done in a little over 2 hours.then on to the alignment rack.pics too come soon.Mark

 

I'm looking at these as well. How was the installation? Is a spring compressor required? I'm thinking of buying the HBS spacer and taking it to my local 4 Wheel Parts shop and let them install it.

I'm trying to decide between 2" and 2.5". My truck measures 40-7/8" from the ground to the center of the front wheel well and 43-5/8" from the ground to the center of the back rear well. A 2.5" leveling kit would put the front about 1/4" lower, but I wonder if that's TOO level. I don't want the front to look higher than the back if I'm towing something. However, if I go with the 2" then the front will be 3/4" lower.

Thoughts?

 

Also, why the alignment rack? The HSB website claims that alignment isn't affected.

 

Please look at my post regarding my HBS install. I also have pics and accurate measurements.

When I installed my kit, the alignment was WAYYYYYYY off and I paid particular attention to get it as best as I could. I definately recommend alignment after changing the geometry of the front.

 

Link? I'm not having much luck searching.

 

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...t300483p3.html

 

Thanks for the link. Is it necessary to install the sway bar drop mounts? The HBS site said to try it without first and if you need it then install it later.

 

I can only speak for my truck, but, there was no way I could make it work without them. I STRONGLY recommend it.... It was the only way to make it work on my truck.

 

I crawled under my truck tonight to take a look at it and I see what you're saying about it not working without them. I've sent Hell Bent an email asking to add them to my order.

 

One more comment on this...

I've seen a lot of people indicate that adding a leveling kit would eliminate rubbing for 35" tires. How does this work, exactly? The control arms and sway bars that the tires rub against when turning sharp are lowering right along with everything else. It seems to me that the only thing that might prevent rubbing is additional backspacing on the wheel. Yes?

I guess my question is...I shouldn't expect this leveling kit to have any affect on my rubbing 35's, correct? This will only level the truck and not really affect anything else.

 

I have the Dura Grappler which measure just below 35"

I have ZERO rubbing but they are pretty close at full tilt. I guess if you have offroad tires they might rub but there are alot of members that say with this kit and 35"s you should be OK.

My guess is that you will have no rubbing with A/T tires.

 

Interesting. I hope you're right. The Nitto Trail Grapper M/T's have pretty aggressive sidewall tread so I suspect I may still have some rubbing, but if the leveling kit eliminates that or at least reduces it significantly then that alone makes it worth the time and money.