Smooth drive, minimize float, 33" Tires--what leveling or suspension to choose?

[mardigan]

HI all,

I have a stock bighorn/lonestar, and want to add 33's to it. I want to level it/raise the profile for the 33's and have no rubbing.

Here's the challenge, I want it to drive as close to stock ride quality as possible--for instance, I love the look of 35's and 3.5" lift, but when I test drove a friends in this setup, I felt like it floated around in the steering at higher speeds, which I hated.

This was enough to convince me to want to go with lower 33" tires instead, and try to go with a leveling approach vs a lift. Would appreciate any thoughts/advice on options I should consider?

Thoughts on best leveling approach, and should I consider different shocks (I like the idea of Rebel having upgraded shocks, and wouldn't mind doing the same to increase my offroad performance.

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[Gren71]

I would consider Beilstein adjustable front struts. You can change the height to whatever level, or close to level, you are looking for and they use your stock springs.

 

[mardigan]

Thanks for the reply, just found my way into Beilstein 5100 threads, they seem the way to go from my reading. Forgive a really dumb new guy question, I'm just adjusting the front for rake, and a 2" level then, is there nothing to be done to the rear of the vehicle in this scenario?

 

[Gren71]

Thanks for the reply, just found my way into Beilstein 5100 threads, they seem the way to go from my reading. Forgive a really dumb new guy question, I'm just adjusting the front for rake, and a 2" level then, is there nothing to be done to the rear of the vehicle in this scenario?

If your “leveling” then youre making the front height the same as the rear..for example the ground to center of wheel well height is the same front/rear.

Id suggest keeping a little rake..say 1/2 - 1
Inch. That way you don’t look like a dog running while pooping as you drive. IMO a common mistake folks make is the be perfectly level while parked…and not knowing they look stupid driving..not to mention the whole headlight misalignment issue that comes with “level”.

As far as the 5100s go..you can do the front and the rear at the same time. But be aware you’ll notice a slightly stiffer ride as the billsteins are a little stiffer than oem. I THINK if you do only the front you wont notice the difference much if at all since the majority of the truck weight is on the front.

 

[PurpleRT]

Another thing to keep in mind when “leveling” is if you have the sport style hood.. the fronts gonna look nose high with a level I suggest keep a slight rake. A little rake doesn’t look bad on these trucks won’t you get rid of those pathetic 32” stock size ties and if you do load the bed up it won’t have that Carolina squat going down the road that the young folks love.


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[Scram1500]

For what its worth 33's fit stock ride height with no rubbing

 

[mardigan]

Keep me honest team, spent hours reading the long 5100 Bilstein thread. My takeaway is this (and I'm looking for confirmation) I can do 5100's in front, #5 setting, and get about a 2" lift. Results may vary, but I don't have off road package. I can leave stock springs. I can add 5100's to rear, and from what I can tell, I don't need to add or change anything else there if I add rear shocks. Some people add Mopar UCA....but many say its not needed so I plan to not do so. Doing all this will leave me with minimal rake. Sound right? Then I plan to put on either 33's or 34's. Goals are to raise the profile for 34's, leave minimal rake, and maintain as close to stock ride quality as possible. Seem like this will work?

 

[HSKR R/T]

As Scram1500 said, you do not need to touch your suspension to fit 33s or even 34s. They will both fit with the stock suspension. Unless you just want the look of the front level. Also, if you do a front level, IMO, 33" tires will look small in the wheel well.

 

[Ready Go]

If you want a 275/60R20 (33") that is a P-rated tire, the Firestone Destination AT2 weighs 42lbs (only 4lbs more than OEM) and has a rep of being super comfortable & quiet.
I had planned on going with this tire, but as @HSKR R/T said above, I wanted a beefier looking tire, so went with a 285/60R20 (33.5") Bridgestone Dueler AT Ascent (which does also make a 41lb 275/60R20).