[Clockwork]

I'm going to be getting new tires this fall and really want to get 35x12.5/17 Trail Grapplers. My truck is stock height and stock wheels now. I plan on keeping the stock wheels or maybe going to H2s if I can find a reasonable set close by. Is it worth putting on a 2" Hell Bent Steel leveling kit to clear 35's better if I'm planning on putting a Carli set up in a year?

From what I've read on here I should really only rub the control arms at full lock at the stock height. What do you think???

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dunks Performance]

shouldn't be hard to find a used spacer kit, will look better, give better clearance, and won't cost much.

 

[ban89]

leveling spacers will have no affect on your tires rubbing your control arms.

The H2 wheels will help keep them off the control arms since they have a lower BS than the stock wheels.

 

[Skyd Ram]

I would just run everything stock for now since the rubbing on the control arms won't really hurt anything. I run those same tires on my '07 with a Carli setup. Tires rubbed on the stock control arms but didn't touch the fenders. I then added the Carli control arms and now it doesn't rub anywhere. The Carli control arms are offset for a little additional tire clearance.:thumbsup:

 

[elephantrider]

get the hbs spacer. you'll be really
glad you did. it will look killer with
the 35's on a dually :thumbsup:

 

[madakira]

I would just keep it stock if you are planning on getting the Carli kit later. I have some 2.5 Hell Bent spacer that i can sell you for $30 if you really wanted them, but i would recommend keeping it stock. It rides like crap with the spacers. That's why I took mine off and got my suspension upgraded to a real suspension.

 

[Broke Down]

changing out my spacers for Carli coils tomorrow :thumbsup: imo, when i put my spacers on it felt like my truck rode rougher.

 

[elephantrider]

cant say my truck rode any rougher with the
spacers. it did turn up a notch when i put
the 19.5's on, though.

 

[05ram25004x4]

I agree with madakira and Broke Down, keep it stock until you get your carli stuff. I have 2" spacers now and HATE the ride. Thuren setup with 2.5's should be here in about 2 weeks

 

[madakira]

I agree with madakira and Broke Down, keep it stock until you get your carli stuff. I have 2" spacers now and HATE the ride. Thuren setup with 2.5's should be here in about 2 weeks

You will love the Thuren set up. I am running his stage 6 right now. Best thing I have done so far.

 

[Clockwork]

Thanks everyone!

I think I'll keep it stock and save up for my Carli set up. Plan to go with the Starter kit, track bar and control arms with a PSC steering brace. I'd like to get the Performance 2.0, but that would keep me from getting control arms and '08.5 steering with a Carli lower dampener. Not much serious off-roading here in the corn fields of Indiana.

We'll see how business goes the rest of the year. Either way...George you'll be hearing from me!

I may still try to find some H2 wheels in the time being for a little extra clearance and rim width.

 

[Broke Down]

sounds like a plan! be patient and reap the benefits

 

[BadBowtie03]

why would the spacer make the ride get worse? isnt that impossible? Im asking because it isnt squeezing the spring any tighter or anything it is just mounted down a little lower... right? maybe i dont understand the physics exactly?

 

[Skyd Ram]

why would the spacer make the ride get worse? isnt that impossible? Im asking because it isnt squeezing the spring any tighter or anything it is just mounted down a little lower... right? maybe i dont understand the physics exactly?

You are correct that it doesn't change the spring rate because you are not adding any preload. Most guys notice the decreased ride quality because they have increased the angle of the control arms which transfers more of the bump impact into the arms and the frame. Alot of guys also don't change the shocks to at least longer units that will allow the axle to not have limited down travel. Plus as the same time, heavier tires are usually added and the stock shocks have a hard enough time handling the heavy unsprung weight of these axles.:thumbsup:

 

[BadBowtie03]

yeah that all makes sense. I agree with you about those control arms. They would be at more of an angle. Makes sense. thanks

 

[miak2000]

Hey, you can have my levelers! I'm also waiting for a set of the next batch of "Thuren" springs. Don said 3 weeks out. Whatever you decide, don't loose your stock upper spring retainer like me. They are $60 and hard to find! Im sure i'll find mine as soon as i get the new ones-LOL.
Hey, do you all think Bilstein 7100's are worth the xtra money? I run up and down alot of choppy dirt roads.

 

[Smoker03]

Hey, you can have my levelers! I'm also waiting for a set of the next batch of "Thuren" springs. Don said 3 weeks out. Whatever you decide, don't loose your stock upper spring retainer like me. They are $60 and hard to find! Im sure i'll find mine as soon as i get the new ones-LOL.
Hey, do you all think Bilstein 7100's are worth the xtra money? I run up and down alot of choppy dirt roads.

If you're going with Don's springs, I would ask him about his Fox 2.0's that are valved specifically for his spring rate. The price is right to :thumbsup:

 

[miak2000]

Don's springs

Thanks. Yea, he ran the 2.0 Fox by me. Good deal. I ended up going with the King 2.5's. I know i would not have been happy until i have the best. I'm spoiled! :thumbsup: