Looking for a lift kit, but have a few comments/questions first.
1. I just want something that will just lift the front-end so that the truck appears "level" (not so much leaning forward).
2. Will I need to replace the existing shocks/springs? (standard/2wheel drive)
3. Will lifting the front end result in different handling performance?
4. If I pull a load (2-3 times a year) will it handle differently--better/worse?
5. I imagine I will need a new front end alignment--yes/no?
6. Lift-kit size? 1inch? 2inch? 3inch?
7. Any recommended kits? Purchase source?

See signature for truck details.

Thanks!

 

Coil spacers will get you enough lift to get 35" tires and level the truck. If you want more air go with a completed kit with rear blocks a bigger coil spacers (this is the least expensive route). You will also need longer control arms and a drop pitman and trackbar relocation bracket. Tuff Country makes an OK product if your not into heavy wheeling. Look at Skyjacker, Rize, Procomp, etc. ect. if you want a better product however they are more expensive. They have new coils and beefier components. At a minimum upgrade the track bar or you will be buying a new one almost every year like I did.

Alway's nice to hear from a Texas CTD owner!!

I'm from Fort Worth. Good luck.

Tom

 

1. I just want something that will just lift the front-end so that the truck appears "level" (not so much leaning forward). Daystar or Tuff Country coil spacers.

2. Will I need to replace the existing shocks/springs? (standard/2wheel drive) With 2.5" spacers no, 4-5" spacers or new coils yes.

3. Will lifting the front end result in different handling performance? Depends on the lift height and quality of components.


4. If I pull a load (2-3 times a year) will it handle differently--better/worse? Same as #3.


5. I imagine I will need a new front end alignment--yes/no? Yes.


6. Lift-kit size? 1inch? 2inch? 3inch?
If I did it all over again I would go with a Rize 8" but I'm like that

7. Any recommended kits? Purchase source? If you do the install yourself places like JEGS and even E-bay have decent prices.

 

Its a 2 wheel drive.

You can probably get a 2" that will level it out. I am unfamiliar with the springs, if they are coil you could probably just get junkyard/take offs 4WD front springs and cut them down.

 

Being it is a 2wd it is IFS up front fellers. Spacers should do the trick in the coils and you are done - regular shocks should be long enough. I wouldn't try to lift any higher than 2" since it is a standard dual control arm IFS setup up front in the 2wd. I always wanted to lower by rear by a few inches but they only seem to make kits for the 1/2 tons, plus for most folks they'd call that sacrilege.

 

A common problem I've noticed on the forums with leveling kits, is that when people do tow, it makes the rear sagging that much worse. The truck is designed with the rake as part of it's factory squat while towing. Many of these guys end up adding something along the lines of air bags if they frequently tow and have a leveling kit.

 

Wow--allot of good/useful info replies--thanks yall! While I am still considering it, I think I'll wait a while and think on it a bit more. Not really looking for high-rise and big air...just getting to level. Appreciate the suggestions! -d

 

I used the rubber slip in coil spacers at O'Reily's. 10 bucks and got the front up an inch or so and looks much better with no ill handling.

 

"The reason Dodge raked the truck so steeply is so its always going downhill, which improves fuel mileage" -Unknown

Old, but still funny!

 

SixSlug, that is what I always tell my wife.