Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
A PacBrake air tank can store enough air to keep the suspension level and supply enough pressure to operate an air wrench – an important benefit to those who work on jobsites without full amenities. SUSPENSION: LIFT & LEVELING KITS BLOCKS VS. SPRINGS Most lift kits level out the truck's rear suspension with either replacement leaf spring packs or blocks that go between the stock leaf pack and the top of the axle housing. Try to avoid using lift "blocks" in the rear that are more than 2 inches tall. Although spacer blocks are far cheaper than replacement leaf springs, they don't handle side loading nearly as well as a leaf spring pack. Spacer blocks also increase the fulcrum point that leads to spring wrap-up and wheel hop under severe traction loads. So if performance outweighs price, go with replacement leaf springs for that rear lift. Doing so should avoid any potential negative effects the lift exhibits when towing heavy trailers, carrying heavier loads in the bed, and/or driving in demanding off-pavement conditions. Also, if the lift manufacturer offers optional springs and/or shocks that give softer, more controlled ride, it pays to take advantage of the more refined technology. The same holds true for suspension lift kits in general: You get what you pay for when it comes to parts, design, and installation. The better the engineering behind the kit, the better the ride and handling – and usually the installation goes Suspension MAXX FD04 The Maxx Stak Adjustable Leveling Kit for 2004-2013 Ford F150 4x4s and 2WD models with coil-over strut suspension provides adjustable heights of 2-, 2-1/4-, or 2-1/2-inch lift. Clears up to 34-inch tires. Made in the U.S.A. using aluminum alloy and CNC machining. www.suspensionmaxx.com; (888) 629-9226 Close up of the end of the SuperSprings helper leaf shows how roller shackle works, continually adjusting to spring movement to always find the most neutral position. smoother as well. Suspension kits that require cutting or welding should be avoided if you plan on returning the truck back to stock at some point in time. Cutting and welding also adds time (money) to the installation costs. Lift kits that don't include new upper A-arms and shocks on 4-inch or higher lifts are trying to cut corners that you really don't want cut. Redesigned upper Aarms, such as those from Cognito Motorsports and BDS help keep the OE suspension and axle geometry intact, reducing chances of alignment, handling and broken axle component issues. If you like to know more about what you're getting into before buying a lift or leveling kit for your pickup(s), there're a number of how-to install articles on the ProPickup website. Those include leveling kit installs on half-ton 4x4s and 6-inch suspension lifts on heavy-duty GM, Ford, and Ram diesel 4x4s. Rancho Super Duty Sport Rancho's 4-inch sport suspension system for 2011-13 Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350 diesels is compatible with 37-inch tires and includes a newly engineered forged pitman arm to enhance ride and handling while maintaining proper suspension geometry. Made in the United States, the Rancho suspension system also includes new track bar drop brackets and radius arm drop brackets. Limited lifetime warranty. www.GoRancho.com; (734) 384-7806 Suspension Maxx RM06 Running 33-inch tires under 2009-13 Ram 1500s is easy with the MAXX Stak Adjustable Leveling Kit. It uses impactresistant cast aluminum spacers and unique insulator shims to add up to 2-1/2 inches of front end lift with no adverse effects on ride comfort or handling. Made in the U.S.A. www.suspensionmaxx.com; (888) 629-9226 R4Tech's air-suspension kit uses a helper leaf that runs under the spring to a mounting bracket on the underside of the axle – a difference from all other systems offered. 96 PROPICKUP Big Book 2013 ProPickup_2013BB_Suspension Lift Level.indd 96 8/6/13 10:27 AM