Are level kits just for looks?

[K-MU]

hi there, I do too much dirt roads (not in good conditions and at high speeds), will a front level kit help the trucks performance on 4x4(off-road)? are they just for looks?

THX in advance...

[joekrz]

Originally Posted by K-MU

hi there, I do too much dirt roads (not in good conditions and at high speeds), will a front level kit help the trucks performance on 4x4(off-road)? are they just for looks?

THX in advance...

I think you will gain more ground clearance on the front end.

On a related subject, do the leveling kids cause any premature wear on the front end components?

[QWIKWHIP]

I would have to say that for most, it's purchased just for looks. However, it depends which kit you use. They will all give you greater ground clearence which is always good for offroad. If you use the spring spacer type there have been reports of premature shock failure. If you use Prerunner Greg's kit which spaces the whole shock there have been no ill effects reported as of yet. As far as long term...it's too soon to tell but I don't foresee any problems. The CV angles are only minimaly increased so I don't think it will harm them.

[Gordkoff]

Level kits are both for looks and can be used to put larger tires and wheels on the truck ( so adding ground clearence ) As for the wear and tear on the drive line, most of the added stress is from the extra weight of larger tires and wheels. Especially if you don't run the correct offset.

Cheers
Gordon

RC-XXX.com

[pluckyew]

for 99% for looks.
of the trucks that i've seen on rough dirt trail needing a 4x4, I rarely, if ever, see a pickup with lift kit.
most of these are for show offs

on beaches, i have seen pickups with wide (and tall) tires, 35s to 38s x 12.5. to 15s, that require lift kits.

once i install in the selectable lockers in both my axle differentials and have installed a warn 12k winch and brush guard bumper, I'll consider lifts...but only after i get stuck or hear bottom scraping.... I'm more concered about flipping over (to to higher center of gravity by lifts) on some narrow mountain trail and tumbling down a cliff.

[QWIKWHIP]

Originally Posted by pluckyew

for 99% for looks.
of the trucks that i've seen on rough dirt trail needing a 4x4, I rarely, if ever, see a pickup with lift kit.
most of these are for show offs

on beaches, i have seen some pickups with wide (and tall) tires

I have to disagree, here in upstate NY every serious offroad truck has at least some sort of lift. All the non-lifted trucks always get pulled out by the lifted ones. Although... most trails around here are rutted and muddy so you need a lift and good tires. That's why I leave my truck on the road and ride shotgun! Too much money to bang her up yet.

[ruauman2]

OK, here goes...

It is for looks only to 99% of the trucks. Vehicles are designed so that bumper heights are compatable with other vehicles on the road. When you raise your vehicle, you make your vehicle more unsafe to other drivers and you can actually go over door protection beams, bumbers, etc in the event you are in an accident. How would you feel if your 'raised' vehicle was in such an accident? Of course the severity of the problem you create is directly related to how high you lift the truck.

I know there are plenty of people that may find this argument bothers them and they will want to respond with their side of the issue. Go for it! My position is that each person must be aware of changing the safety design of the truck by putting a lift kit on their truck.

[Titanoholic]

Personally if it is 99% looks I wouldn't get it if you plain on hauling/towing. I have seen pictures of Titans with 700+ pounds of tongue weight on the hitch and the Titan is almost level then. So if you have this leveling kit and you are towing or hauling a heavy load, your Titan will appear to look wimpy and overloaded because the rear end of the truck is lower then the front. Plus I agree with ruauman2 100%!

[Mike H.]

Since it is IFS, you will gain ground clearance at the cross member (between the A-arms) regardless of whether you put on larger tires or not.

This is not true for live axles (such as the rear). You can do a spring lift, but unless you put on taller tires, that axle tube/pumpkin ain't going up.

[MaxPowers]

I say it is for style a lot of the times too. I mean it's your own truck so you can do whatever you want with it so you should do what you think looks best since everyone has different tastes in what they like.

[pciley]

Would be great for Glamis over the sand 'whoops' where the front bumper scrapes just slightly. Another 2" up front would really help me out.

Mike H, regarding ground clearance on live axles, that's not the only factor with a lift. You will also look at high-centering. If the rest of the truck, frame rails and all, are farther off the ground then you stand a much greater chance of making it through some rough stuff without getting stuck while cresting a hill or over taller whoops, deep sand/mud, etc.

BTW, another 2" up front won't kill anyone in an accident. If anything, I would feel safer if going up against a semi or other lifted truck in an accident.

[phillipyang]

It can still accomplish both tasks but a lift mod will have its pros and cons in safety, cost, use, etc.

IMO, its for looks and it looks nice installed

[ruauman2]

With all due respect, how do you know that 2 inches of lift will not "kill anyone?"

[Mike H.]

Originally Posted by pciley

Mike H, regarding ground clearance on live axles, that's not the only factor with a lift. You will also look at high-centering. If the rest of the truck, frame rails and all, are farther off the ground then you stand a much greater chance of making it through some rough stuff without getting stuck while cresting a hill or over taller whoops, deep sand/mud, etc.

BTW, another 2" up front won't kill anyone in an accident. If anything, I would feel safer if going up against a semi or other lifted truck in an accident.

That is 1000% true, especially on a long wheelbase truck like these. Even on some old short frame trucks like my old '72 K5 Blazer, the darn transfer case hung very low. I was speaking to that magical "ground clearance" figure that the manufacturers love to quote and compare each other too. The only way to improve that figure in the rear is tire height.

Shoot, 2" is 2" better all around. That's 2" more center clearance in the front, 2" deeper water, better tire clearance, and so on. I'm working up a 2" kit for my rear now.

[Mike H.]

Originally Posted by ruauman2

With all due respect, how do you know that 2 inches of lift will not "kill anyone?"

I'd think that in a small vehicle where our extra 2" might make a difference, the 5000# weight driving the impact will have already killed them.

I'd rather be up the extra 2" to be a little more on par with the other trucks on the road, such as the Super Duty's and 1-tons.