Harmful level kits?

[bbolton]

I've been toying with about every leveling kit known to man and have narrowed it down to a 2.25 - 2.4" front only level. However, I've heard some stories about "sit on top" spacers like the Top Gun and Readylift levels screwing the suspension...putting additional strain on the CV boots and such. I've heard that "in the coil" spacers are better for your truck, though they provide a stiffer ride. Is there any merit to this, are "sit on top" spacers harmful? If so, are there any "in the coil" spacers for the front only? Thanks fellas!

[fire_mike]

sit on top spacers are just fine. They put the exact same "stress" on the ball/cv joints. If you are worried about it, just add a front differential drop kit. They say the drop kits are not needed for 2.5" front lifts, but I think it would be a good idea.

[bbolton]

Originally Posted by fire_mike

sit on top spacers are just fine. They put the exact same "stress" on the ball/cv joints. If you are worried about it, just add a front differential drop kit. They say the drop kits are not needed for 2.5" front lifts, but I think it would be a good idea.

The diff drop is only needed for 4wd correct?

[mxsjw]

Originally Posted by bbolton

The diff drop is only needed for 4wd correct?

That is correct sir, there is no diff to drop on the front of a 2wd.

[Sequoia2003]

I'm old school and in my opinion the only lift that is worthy are those that replace the OEM springs and shocks. Lifts using spacers or blocks is strickly for looks and is almost worthless off road.

I was researching lifts too for my Toyota because I was just about to purchase the KORE lift kit KORE Recon Series Dodge Lift Kit for my Dodge Ram. Now I'm looking for a company to lift the Tundra that does not use spacers or blocks. I think I may be going with FabTech for my lift.

[wildbill129]

Here is the review by Tundra Headquarters of the Truxx 3" lift.

Truxxx Tundra 3" Lift Kit Review | tundraheadquarters.com

It is spacer above the strut, making it longer. The review addresses the concerns you have. Bottom line, jury is still out on that one (whether or not it causes harm). They prefer the Toytech, which is a coil spacer. Toytech and Tuff Country both make a 2" front only coil spacer. It leaves the truck with a little rake to it for towing/hauling.

Myself, I think I am having the Tuff Country 2" put in. It's a temporary solution until some of the other manufacturers come up with some reasonable coil/shock combos that don't break the bank.

[FIVEPOINTSEVEN]

Originally Posted by wildbill129

Here is the review by Tundra Headquarters of the Truxx 3" lift.

Truxxx Tundra 3" Lift Kit Review | tundraheadquarters.com

It is spacer above the strut, making it longer. The review addresses the concerns you have. Bottom line, jury is still out on that one (whether or not it causes harm). They prefer the Toytech, which is a coil spacer. Toytech and Tuff Country both make a 2" front only coil spacer. It leaves the truck with a little rake to it for towing/hauling.

Myself, I think I am having the Tuff Country 2" put in. It's a temporary solution until some of the other manufacturers come up with some reasonable coil/shock combos that don't break the bank.

I agree...Most of the companies are out of their minds with pricing right now because the Tundra is still new and they can get the high prices because there is such a small selection of true non-spacer lift kits. As more companies flood the market with competing true suspension lift kits the prices will come down a lot. Stay PATIENT.

[P90wn3r]

I went with some 2" off ebay for $94. Couldn't be happier; and easy to install. The companies charging 2-3 times that amount claim that others aren't properly designed for the suspension and what not, but it's complete BS. If it wasn't angled, it wouldn't fit!

IMO, the 2" is all you need. I couldn't imagine it being higher, the front would look like it was pointing up. 2" IS the level, don't go higher if you want a level look.

[ballin]

Originally Posted by P90wn3r

I went with some 2" off ebay for $94. Couldn't be happier; and easy to install. The companies charging 2-3 times that amount claim that others aren't properly designed for the suspension and what not, but it's complete BS. If it wasn't angled, it wouldn't fit!

IMO, the 2" is all you need. I couldn't imagine it being higher, the front would look like it was pointing up. 2" IS the level, don't go higher if you want a level look.

the rear is 3'' higher than the front,stock. adding a 2'' spacer will not be level. once the 2'' spacer is in it will be even lower once you get an alignment and driving around abit.

[ex-chevyguy]

Originally Posted by P90wn3r

I went with some 2" off ebay for $94. Couldn't be happier; and easy to install. The companies charging 2-3 times that amount claim that others aren't properly designed for the suspension and what not, but it's complete BS. If it wasn't angled, it wouldn't fit!

IMO, the 2" is all you need. I couldn't imagine it being higher, the front would look like it was pointing up. 2" IS the level, don't go higher if you want a level look.

Mine sat 4" higher in the back when it was stock. I have a 2" lift in the front of it now and it looks better but still doesn't look level. I do think the back being higher than the front looks better and that if I did a 4" lift in the front to make it truely level, it would look weird. Is my truck unusually high in the rear? The front fender sits at 36" and the rear sits at 40" stock. Do the reg cabs sit higher in the rear than crew maxs or something?

[P90wn3r]

I consider level to be when the distance from the front and rear of my running boards to the ground are equal. They are equal with the 2" kit. I also have the XSP package which includes tires that are 12.4" wide which could contribute to this due to the front suspension geometry. MINE is 100% level with the 2" kit. I don't use the distance between the tires and the top of the fender as that's not "level". Every truck with a 2.5 or greater lift in the front with nothing in the rear looks like it's ready for take off.

[rockstate45]

Originally Posted by Sequoia2003

I'm old school and in my opinion the only lift that is worthy are those that replace the OEM springs and shocks. Lifts using spacers or blocks is strickly for looks and is almost worthless off road.

I was researching lifts too for my Toyota because I was just about to purchase the KORE lift kit KORE Recon Series Dodge Lift Kit for my Dodge Ram. Now I'm looking for a company to lift the Tundra that does not use spacers or blocks. I think I may be going with FabTech for my lift.

Yeah, I agree with you. I hear that Kore is releasing a lift for our Tundras though soon. It might be worth the wait if you're waiting for the Fabtech to come out. I've heard nothing but good things from Kore from the few people that know what it is.

-rockstate

[07DCwhiteSR5]

Originally Posted by rockstate45

. I've heard nothing but good things from Kore from the few people that know what it is.

-rockstate

dont tehy do exhaust and intakes too? seems i remember this brand coming up when i had my 2003 hyundai tiburon GT...

[rockstate45]

I doubt it. I think they just make lifts.

KORE Suspension - Dodge Lift Kits - Dodge RAM Suspension - Dodge Lift Kit - Dodge Suspension

There's a link to it ^

-rockstate

[Sequoia2003]

Originally Posted by rockstate45

Yeah, I agree with you. I hear that Kore is releasing a lift for our Tundras though soon. It might be worth the wait if you're waiting for the Fabtech to come out. I've heard nothing but good things from Kore from the few people that know what it is.

-rockstate

Wow are you serious about Kore for the Tundra! I'm gonna wait then. I did hours and hours of research ok more like months of research and Kore hands down was the best lift for the Dodge Ram 2500. Kore's lift is only 3in up front and 1in in the rear which is all I needed and for my Tundra is exactly what I desire. I only plan on upping the tire size to 33x12.5x18.

Thanks for the info.