What makes leveling kits so bad when towing with IFS? Is there a way to raise the front end a couple inches without jeopardizing the longevity of the front suspension? I want to put just a tad bigger tires on my truck because the rear tires look like rollerskates, but I'm afraid they won't fit up front. Plus, the truck just has too much rake in general for my taste. I definitely don't want to mess up any parts though.
cranking them too far will hurt steering components and cause a harsh ride due to not enough suspension droop. Check out Cognito Motorsports' leveling kit, I've seen very good reviews on it, especially when combined with the steering components. Seems that they've done their homework. Cognito Marc
Green keys aren't any better then cranking the T Bars. You can fit some 285's rather easily (little bit of cranking, some minor trimming), and a lot of Duramax guys fit 315's without a whole lot of trouble. 285's will look much better then the stock 245's.
Every little bit you raise the front is going to be detrimental to longevity of components. Simply put, the increased angles cause accelerated wear on most all components. On my ’02, I fit 285-75/16s with NO cranking or trimming. All I did was reshape a “bump” on the driver’s front fender liner. I’m told the ‘03+ can fit 285s without lifting but you may have to space out the bumper or trim the front lip of the fender opening. This alone fixes the “roller skate” look IMO without compromising payload and pin weight capability. If you just can’t stand the rake at all, then drop the rear by removing the short leaf and make up the capacity with bags. From what I’ve been told, this nets a nice improvement in rear suspension harsh ride when unloaded, and a little air will keep it level up to full rated weights and beyond. I’ve often thought of doing this, but it’s just not been a high priority for me...
Instead of using green keys or cranking the t-bars, could you use an aftermarket suspension lift kit? I've installed several lift kits in SFA trucks but never an IFS. I'm not sure if it would cause the same wear concerns or not????
Most IFS lifts use increased angle as some component of their total lift. So maybe the diff is spaced down 3" and the angle is increased so spindles are 1" lower, for a total of 4" lift. It's generally more complicated than this, but that's the gist. So yes, this scenario would be at least equivalent to additional wear from 1" cranking, assuming no other lift components contribute more problems/wear. And there are often other aspects of the complete system that are not properly adressed in a commercial lift. For instance, the idler is a known weak point in the stock system and frequently lasts only about 50k (depending on PM). Many "lifts" only concentrate on moving the spindles down (just like "cranking" but with less angle on CVs) and do nothing for the steering. The added angle on the tie rods increases vertical force on the idler, and suddenly the idler is lasting maybe 10k *with* PM, and the next thing you hear is how the *JUNK* GM IFS is POS when it's really the owner's fault... Only if a lift could provide factory geometry would it have any chance of matching factory longevity, they put a LOT more effort into the original design than any lift manufacturer would ever consider.
And on the "green keys". Yes, it's just like cranking. The only thing "green keys" (or anything like them) does is keep the lever arm flatter after the rotation of the t-bar is in it's new position. It effectively lets you crank them *further* without binding the mechanism. And yes, cranking the bars gets you closer to bottoming the suspension so you frequently hear/feel as though someone has smacked the front suspension with a hammer while crossing relatively benign dips. Surprised the heck out of me the fist time I heard it. And the ride in that truck was absolutely terrible, but he had fit something like 35s on it by only cranking the bars. He informed me that it was "fine, everyone is doing it!" And he probably got rid of the truck due to the damage/repair that was certainly looming on his horizon, and will forever more complain about that POS GM IFS followed by his anecdotal evidence of frequent expensive repairs...
Not at all. "Dealing with the consequences" is one option, but that is not the only option for changing the appearance. See my posts above... You can also do the research (can't trust sales propaganda) and pay for a top-line kit that alters all components appropriately for the lift. This is really no different than SFA where "cheap" kits often do not adequately correct for things like steering geometry, shock travel, and/or brake lines.
You are right there. The only SFA lift kits I have installed were Superlift and Rubicon Express. Both very good quality. Looks like I will have to do some research. Still havent heard what changes will be made on the IFS for the 08's...:dunno:
Try this link. I've heard good things about this leveling kit. http://www.suspensionmaxx.com/Silverado.htm
A turn or two isn't going to make that much difference on the ride quality, more than that and you will know. I am running 285 70 17 BFG AT's on H2 wheels. I don't rub, but I do have the green keys on there. They are NOT turned much over stock, in fact I am still resting on the bump stops. A turn or two to fit some 285's and you will be happy. The ride is still good.
Those are essentially the same result as "green keys", only adjustable. The net effect is the same as "cranking" except you don't have the arc effect of changing the lever angle and maybe running out of adjustment or stripping the adjuster. Either way, if you only jack up the front using any technique, you are increasing angle on CVs and suspension/steering components and it *will* decrease useful life. If that’s acceptable, then by all means have at it. But don’t join the crowd of IFS bashers who decry the “weak and trouble prone” GM IFS when things fail well before they normally should.
http://www.cognitomotorsports.com/01-06_GM_8-lug/2-3_leveling_system.htm here's the updated link to perminatemarkers post. the link was dead:doah: I like that kit might have to go with that one once i decide to lift it.
I had my T-bars cranked up 1.5 inches, I only wanted an inch. I am going to go back down at least 1/2 inch. Occassionally I hear some noise from under there and it makes me worry. I don't know if it is anything that is binding or just noise, but I am going to go back down a little and see if it goes away. I did it to clear 285s. I had some rubbing issues. The rubbing went away when I raised it, but since the guy took it up higher than I wanted it I am going to go back down to where it will at least make me feel a little better until I can lift it.
I have my t-bars cranked up for 1 1/2 of lift and the front rides ruff kinda feels like worn out shocks but then I have 100k on my truck now. the stock shocks are short and could use an in on them some of the leveling kits sell spacers. or you can buy longer socks that will help the ride too.
Yes go with the longer shocks they are worth it. I have the cognito level on my truck and love it i have the torsions cranked about 6 turns and with the Pro Comp shock the were in the kit it rides even better then when it was stock.
