High mileage suspension/steering refresh.

[Epik]

I found this kit on amazon, & I noticed it comes with shock extenders, is this a decent kit & is this a good idea?

https://www.amazon.com/Protune-Suspension-Forged-Leveling-Extender/dp/B071K7G1F1

 

[Epik]

So I’ve been doing a lot of research lately and I’m coming across mixed reviews on leveling. My main question is, if I level my truck by lifting it 2 inches in front using the keys, will I need aftermarket UCA’s like the ones from cognito? I’m seeing tons of videos with leveled trucks resting on the bump stop with factory uca’s. I’m ready to pull the trigger on my replacement parts, and a leveling kit, but I don’t want to spend big money on the cognito stuff if I don’t need it. Cranking the stock keys sounds like a bad idea versus buying lift keys, because from my understanding it makes for a far stiffer ride, correct? My main concerns are getting everything nice & tight again, and bringing the front end up to a close to level stance, while maintaining a factory like ride quality. Any concrete real world info would be much appreciated.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

So I’ve been doing a lot of research lately and I’m coming across mixed reviews on leveling. My main question is, if I level my truck by lifting it 2 inches in front using the keys, will I need aftermarket UCA’s like the ones from cognito? I’m seeing tons of videos with leveled trucks resting on the bump stop with factory uca’s. I’m ready to pull the trigger on my replacement parts, and a leveling kit, but I don’t want to spend big money on the cognito stuff if I don’t need it. Cranking the stock keys sounds like a bad idea versus buying lift keys, because from my understanding it makes for a far stiffer ride, correct? My main concerns are getting everything nice & tight again, and bringing the front end up to a close to level stance, while maintaining a factory like ride quality. Any concrete real world info would be much appreciated.

Are you referring to the jounce stops? Those are supposed to be in contact as they are the fulcrum for the torsion bars.

The ONLY difference between stock or lift keys is how the are indexed. Unless you're trying to go higher than than stock keys will let you, the only difference will be how far the bolt is cranked to hold you at the desired height.

 

[Epik]

Are you referring to the jounce stops? Those are supposed to be in contact as they are the fulcrum for the torsion bars.

The ONLY difference between stock or lift keys is how the are indexed. Unless you're trying to go higher than than stock keys will let you, the only difference will be how far the bolt is cranked to hold you at the desired height.

Not the jounce bumpers, but from what I’ve came across on YouTube & by searching a couple threads on here, when you lift the truck using the keys, it reduces the distance between the upper control arm & the frame. Let me find some of the links, & I will post them here so you can see what I mean.

 

[Epik]

Finally got to diag everything with the help of a friend. Turns out my A-arm bushings and balljojnts are fine, along with both the inner and outer tie rods (very surprising at 262k) My culprit seems to be worn pitman arm, idler arm, & steering box. I will be buying those parts, along with the cognito pitman/idler braces, new end links for the the front, & some torsion keys.

What brand replacement steering box do you guys recommend?

 

[Epik]

Ok. So my mechanic is in the middle of the job, and indeed one of my front shocks is toast. I plan on leaving the car stock height, so can I use 5100’s at stock height, or should I just stay with the 4600’s? Is there any benefit or difference with the 5100 at stock height?