You will need a spring compressor for leveling kits that use a spacer between the spring and the coil top plate. Similar to the video on the previous link, the ones that use just a 1.5″ spacer on top of the coilover are rather simple.
In order to install the rear blocks, you must:
Press clamps (one on either side of the OEM U-bolts) are used to hold the leafs together in step four.
5 Remove the U-bolts (This will release the rear axle, but will sit still assuming you followed step 3)
6 – Lower the jack under the transfer case after removing the U bolts (do each side separately) so that the axle will drop on the side from where you removed the U bolts.
8 – Raise the rear axle until the new lift blocks and leaf springs fit tightly together.
In This Article...
Can I put a leveling kit together on my own?
Today, aftermarket leveling kits are the most often used suspension upgrade for 4x4s, and for good reason. They are a straightforward, low-cost, and simple to undo alteration that can enhance the 44’s appearance and functionality. If you’re anything like the majority of 44 fans, you probably can’t abide leaving anything unattended. Driving a 44 in its factory configuration looks impossible. However, you probably don’t want to dramatically modify your daily driver’s comfortable factory ride or reduce its handling, performance, or dependability. If you fit this description, a leveling kit is ideal for you.
Almost always, stock 4x4s have a raked stance. The front end of a 44 is purposefully lowered by OE car manufacturers to give it a more wedge-like appearance. The vehicle’s wind resistance is reduced thanks to the nose-down position, which improves fuel efficiency. The purpose of leveling kits is to enhance the ground clearance of your 44 and level out the uneven stance. Most of the time, the minor rise will permit larger tires. A leveling system can improve both on- and off-road handling when used with premium aftermarket shocks. With all these wonderful advantages, it’s simple to understand why leveling kits are so well-liked. More widespread acclaim raises questions. For those considering installing a suspension leveling kit on your 44, we’ve listed the most frequently asked questions and their respective responses.
Because they require fewer parts, suspension leveling kits are much less expensive than full lift kits. The simplest leveling systems consist of just two spacers and some hardware, like this Daystar kit for a 20152018 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.
Why Are Leveling Kits So Inexpensive?
For various reasons, leveling kits are much less expensive than lift kits. The main justification is that leveling the suspension simply requires fewer parts than lifting a car three or more inches does. A large number of lowering brackets and other parts are frequently needed for complete lift kits and systems in order for the steering and drivetrain of a 44 to operate properly. The wheel travel is typically unaffected by the cheapest leveling systems. They merely raised the 44’s riding height a little.
Should I Just Get The Cheapest Leveling Kit?
Numerous items could be the subject of the same inquiry. Should you get the cheapest engagement ring, tires, plane, or parachute? Despite the fact that some of these things could be fatal, picking the best leveling kit will rely on how you want to utilize your 44. You get what you pay for with everything, of course. The cheapest leveling kits will work just fine if all you want to do is drive around in a 44 with a level stance. You’ll probably want a little more complicated and expensive leveling kit if off-road performance and handling are vital.
The vehicle being leveled will normally determine how much lift a leveling kit delivers. To sit level, some 4x4s require a greater front lift than others. Some leveling kits are even movable, allowing you to change the suspension for your preferred ride height.
How Much Lift Will A Leveling Kit Provide?
The vehicle model that is being leveled often determines how much lift a leveling kit offers. Different car types have stances with varying levels of rake. To achieve a level stance, some 4x4s require a little bit more lift than others. Most leveling kits boost surfaces by 1-2.5 inches. A leveling kit might not be for you if you have a specific tire size and lift height in mind. If so, you might want to think about a full lift system.
How Big Of A Tire Can I Fit With A Leveling Kit?
Your options for tire size are constrained because the majority of leveling kits only provide 1-2.5 inches of elevation. In general, a tire that is one to two sizes larger than standard should fit. For some situations, a tire up to three or four sizes larger than standard may be used. The greatest tire size that is practical will depend on how you intend to operate the car, how much tire rub you can tolerate, and how much fender trimming you are willing to do. With a leveling system and the appropriate tire size, for instance, a street-driven 44 may never experience tire rub. When the sway bars are removed and the suspension is articulated, that same setup may experience excruciating tire rub off-road. The majority of leveling kit manufacturers include tire size recommendations, and some even suggest wheel backspacing.
Your 44’s off-road performance will increase if the shocks are upgraded. New performance shocks are a component of several leveling kits. If you want to drive in this manner and your factory shocks are worn out, you should replace them when you install a suspension leveling kit.
Do I Need New Shocks?
Not every leveling kit calls for brand-new shocks. The factory shocks are frequently kept in the least costly kits. However, you should consider new shocks obligatory with the installation of a suspension leveling kit if your original shocks have 20,000 miles or more on them, you want to take the car off-road, or if you drive aggressively. Performance shocks, which will aid in controlling the heavier, bigger diameter tires over uneven terrain, are included in certain high-end leveling kits. Bump stops may need to be relocated in order to use leveling kits with certain applications so that the stock shocks don’t bottom out and sustain damage. The usage of spacers on various Toyota 4x4s’ factory front struts frequently results in issues like these.
Can I Use Shock Extenders With My Leveling Kit?
If your car already has better than stock shocks, or if your factory shocks are still in good condition and you want to spend the majority of your time on the street, you may be able to keep them with the help of shock extenders. Not all applications can employ shock extenders, but if money is short, you can use them to save a little. Some inexpensive leveling kits come with shock extenders and have optional shocks. If you choose with the extenders, you may always upgrade to better shocks when your budget allows in the future.
The majority of leveling kits are missing components for the rear suspension. Some leveling kits, nevertheless, come with premium front and rear shocks. When driving vigorously off-road, larger diameter shocks with reservoirs help limit suspension movement and better dissipate heat.
Will My 44 Need An Alignment After Installation Of A Leveling Kit?
Yes, after installing a leveling kit, your 44 will require an alignment. All IFS 4x4s require a complete alignment, although solid-axle 4x4s can usually get by with only adjusting the draglink to center the steering wheel. For optimal handling and road etiquette, certain solid-axle 4x4s also need caster adjustment. The necessary parts are included in a lot of leveling kits. Poor handling qualities and early tire wear will result from improper alignment work.
Do I Need To Lift The Rear Too?
The rear suspension can be changed in more sophisticated leveling kits to boost performance, but most don’t. A leveling kit’s aim would be somewhat defeated by raising the rear suspension. Usually, leveling systems that are intended to enhance off-road performance include premium front and rear shocks. These shocks might have reservoirs to help with heat dissipation, and they might even have external adjustment knobs so you can fine-tune them for your desired ride no matter the surface.
The coil spacers’ construction material is not particularly significant. One may argue that polyurethane coil spacers help the frame and cab to a lesser extent by absorbing some of the harshness from the front suspension. Nevertheless, there wouldn’t be much of a riding difference between spacers made of steel, aluminum, and polyurethane.
Are Polyurethane Coil Spacers Better Than Steel Or Aluminum?
There actually isn’t a material that performs better than another when it comes to coil spacers, which are used to separate the coil from the frame and level the vehicle’s stance. One may argue, however, that polyurethane spacers will aid to significantly muffle chassis noise brought on by bumpy roads and washboard trails. A small bit of the harshness that an aluminum or steel coil spacer would transfer to the frame and 44 cab may be absorbed by the polyurethane’s modest flex. Whether or not you have spacers, the factory rubber coil isolator typically accomplishes this task. Steel, aluminum, and polyurethane coil spacers are barely different in terms of roughness. Regarding durability, it’s difficult to argue against the fact that polyurethane is immune to all major road chemicals and vehicle fluids, whereas a steel or aluminum spacer might rust.
Can I Install A Leveling Kit At Home?
A leveling kit would normally be one of the simplest lift kits to install at home out of all the different lift kit types. Your skill to turn a wrench will ultimately determine if you can install a leveling kit in your own driveway. Installations for some 4x4s with independent front suspension may be more difficult. Many simply use a spacer between the car frame and the front suspension struts. In this instance, putting in a leveling kit on an IFS 44 would be quite similar to doing the same thing on a lot more straightforward solid axle front suspension. A good floor jack, solid jack stands, and a variety of standard hand tools are needed for the majority of leveling kit installations. When you’re finished, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with the alignment shop. Your neighborhood 4 Wheel Parts business may easily take care of it if it is too much for you or you want to spend less time cursing in your driveway.
My truck will leveling kit harm it?
A leveling kit will alter the vehicle’s overall appearance, which will put more strain on the suspension system over time.
The good news is that with expert installation and regular maintenance, these issues can be avoided. The suspension supports the full weight of the car, thus if the kit is not put properly, the suspension will deteriorate more quickly than usual. Drivers should perform a full alignment in addition to installing new shocks and a leveling kit.
Ball joints: Are leveling kits harmful to them?
These days, elevating sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks is a highly common mod. That may either be incredibly rewarding or a complete misery. Now that we’ve arrived at Trick Trucks in Lanham, Maryland, we’re speaking with Keith Dillard to get some advice on how to do it properly. Now, what is the most important thing for our visitors to be aware of before beginning a project like this?
Make sure your car is roadworthy, that it will pass inspection, that your ball joints, tie-rod ends, and similar components are in good operating condition, and that everything else that could prevent you from stopping or steering is. KEITH DILLARD
PAT GOSS: Alright, given that some of the things we’re going to do will put them under more strain?
Right, KEITH DILLARD. Larger tires will cause your brakes to heat up considerably more, create additional stress, and shorten the lifespan of your steering components like your steering box and any ball joints. It will put a ton of additional stress on it!
BY PAT GOSS OK. In a road-worthy vehicle, a good solid foundation is the best starting point. What will happen next?
The second consideration is how complete your outfit is, says KEITH DILLARD. Make sure you purchase a full, comprehensive lift kit that includes all the shocks, springs, alignment shims, drop Pitman arms, brake lines, and other components you’ll need for a successful installation.
PAT GOSS: All right, well, tiny things like shims, for instancewithout those, you can’t complete an alignment, which results in tire wear, handling issues, and all sorts of idiocy.
You will wear down the outside of your tires and everything else, Keith Dillard says. Your ball joints will age more quickly if they are not aligned properly because you overload them in one way or another.
PAT GOSS: All right, one of the points raised is that buying a kit based just on price is ineffective; you also need to consider the kit’s completeness and the quality of its pieces, which can range anywhere from twenty-nine cents to several dollars.
Right, you want to go to someone that is knowledgeable about your kits and what they are offering you. They may advertise anything by using the internet. However, go somewhere that is knowledgeable about what they are selling.
BY PAT GOSS Now that I’ve said that, I assume you need to make sure you understand what you’re getting into because there may be some tradeoffs involved.
Timothy Dillard This is accurate. Once you elevate your car, there is absolutely no turning back. Give or take a little bit, the quality of your ride will essentially remain the same. The problem isn’t the tires; it’s finishing the lift kit.
BY PAT GOSS When you purchase finished goods, the springs and shocks are coupled together, making them a full package.
This is accurate, says KEITH DILLARD. For that vehicle, everything is planned and constructed to operate together. The suggested tire and rim sizes are provided by the lift kit suppliers.
PAT GOSS: Alright, so let’s make sure the car is in good shape, acquire a complete kit, and make sure we understand what we’re getting into.
Write to me if you have any inquiries or comments. MotorWeek, Owings Mills, MD, 21117 is the location.
Why weren’t trucks leveled at the factory?
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You might not be aware that pickups aren’t level out of the box. We’ll go through each one so you can understand why a truck isn’t leveled during construction and determine if you want to purchase an aftermarket leveling kit or not. There are actually quite a few distinct reasons for this.
Why then don’t pickups come level from the factory? Because the bed will sag somewhat when towing, pickups are typically not level out of the factory. When this happens, it pushes the nose up and reduces visibility. Additionally, pickups lack a level surface to aid with handling and aerodynamics.