Leveling Kit

[darrellr]

Other people, myself included, have a different experience. Obviously it matters more when you are driving faster (i.e. interstate vs in town). The change in rake will change the airflow around the front of the truck. Manufacturers do a ton of wind testing to minimize wind resistance. That includes rake. At 5k miles, your truck isn't even sweating yet lol.

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

True for 2500s, but the rake will be pretty similar. It also has an impact on fuel economy as leveled trucks will often get a little penalty on it vs standard rake.

lol come on. Leveled trucks get worse gas mileage because of the larger tires not because of the rake. Nobody levels a truck and runs stockers

 

[BigBob]

lol come on. Leveled trucks get worse gas mileage because of the larger tires not because of the rake. Nobody levels a truck and runs stockers

On my 2015 6.4 Mega Cab 2500 the tires (35X12:50X18) did cause a slight fuel mileage difference. My son has it now. Pushing 150K miles. Not many issues with that truck.

 

[darrellr]

lol come on. Leveled trucks get worse gas mileage because of the larger tires not because of the rake. Nobody levels a truck and runs stockers

When I bought my truck, new from dealer, it had 35x12.5 tires and a RC level kit.
First thing I changed (drove it like that for 10k miles) was the tires back to stock size. +3mpg after adjusting for 10% tire size difference (it was never calibrated after dealer put the tires on). I drove it like this, stock size tires with level kit still on it for 25k. Took the level kit off recently. With no load and the same tires, I am +1.5mpg after removing the level.

 

[BigBob]

When I bought my truck, new from dealer, it had 35x12.5 tires and a RC level kit.
First thing I changed (drove it like that for 10k miles) was the tires back to stock size. +3mpg after adjusting for 10% tire size difference (it was never calibrated after dealer put the tires on). I drove it like this, stock size tires with level kit still on it for 25k. Took the level kit off recently. With no load and the same tires, I am +1.5mpg after removing the level.

Interesting. I wonder if this is true of a reverse level? If I go on a long trip anytime soon I'll try both modes. Level and approximate stock height. I can do that if I pump up the bags. It'll ride rough, but I can see if it actually gets better mileage with the ass end way up in the air!

 

[darrellr]

Interesting. I wonder if this is true of a reverse level? If I go on a long trip anytime soon I'll try both modes. Level and approximate stock height. I can do that if I pump up the bags. It'll ride rough, but I can see if it actually gets better mileage with the ass end way up in the air!

That is part of the your experience is different comment I made. Not just your findings. Raising the front of the truck will increase the overall frontal area and increase wind resistance and flow due to the aerodynamics at play between the air dam and the ground. However, you are not raising that, you are lowering the back. Your change still affects airflow, but not in the same way. If anything, I might expect your mileage might be more likely to improve than degrade.

 

[BigBob]

That is part of the your experience is different comment I made. Not just your findings. Raising the front of the truck will increase the overall frontal area and increase wind resistance and flow due to the aerodynamics at play between the air dam and the ground. However, you are not raising that, you are lowering the back. Your change still affects airflow, but not in the same way. If anything, I might expect your mileage might be more likely to improve than degrade.

That would be nice. But I leveled the rear cause I am 72 yrs old and sort of crippled! LOL I hate running boards. I wanted to get in and out easier. And it sure looks better leveled. The ride on the Firestone air bags is very adjustable. I normally run about 38 psi. On smooth freeways I run 34-35 psi. The Timber Grove kit is nice (made by an old man) and you can get it with the auto level stuff like some RAMs have. I didn't want to pay for it. I have a Air Lift pump/gauge/switch deal that works just fine.

 

[darrellr]

That would be nice. But I leveled the rear cause I am 72 yrs old and sort of crippled! LOL I hate running boards. I wanted to get in and out easier. And it sure looks better leveled. The ride on the Firestone air bags is very adjustable. I normally run about 38 psi. On smooth freeways I run 34-35 psi. The Timber Grove kit is nice (made by an old man) and you can get it with the auto level stuff like some RAMs have. I didn't want to pay for it. I have a Air Lift pump/gauge/switch deal that works just fine.

I hate running boards, too. My truck has the power retracting boards and those are great (until they break, anyway).

 

[jenninr]

I hate running boards, too. My truck has the power retracting boards and those are great (until they break, anyway).

Same here. Mine aren't factory, they are AMP, but they are the perfect solution for someone that doesn't like the look of running boards but need a step.

 

[Shots]

Having lifted, leveled, and remained stock on various trucks throughout the years, my experience is that yes bringing the front end up does impact fuel efficiency. There are thousands of internet posts and thread with the same result. How severely it is impacted by the alteration varies from truck to truck, and of course the amount of adjustment. E.G. : leveling vs 4" lift, or 35" tires vs 40" tires or any combination of changes.
Speaking of tires. Yes, larger tires will typically impact efficiency too. It's especially noticeable if you're not adjusting the computer for the bigger size, since you're logging less miles than you're actually driving. As a result you aren't getting an accurate calculation (by hand or computer). Bigger tires will usually also added weight, and rotational resistance which will have a negative impact.

Every modification you make to your truck has the potential to impact efficiency. Some more than others, of course. That said, it's been widely established that lifts and/or tires hurt fuel efficiency. That's not to say it's an absolute so there are exceptions, but it has been verified a posteriori.

 

[thecastle]

lol come on. Leveled trucks get worse gas mileage because of the larger tires not because of the rake. Nobody levels a truck and runs stockers

I did, mine had a 3" unleveling lift kit (it was definitely nose high) on the front when I purchased it used. It also has the OEM 20" rims on the front with stock sized tires. I removed the leveling kit and immediately noticed an improvement in ride (less bouncy especially at freeway bridge junctions), trailer sway bars no longer dragged going into our driveway and no light feeling in the steering from the font axle being unloaded over big dips at speed, also tricky towing at night with the headlights pointed to the sky. The fuel economy difference was small. Yes these things could be fixed without removing the leveling kit, but it was done on the cheap with spacers and clearly the previous owner wasn't worried about getting it right. It was cheapest/easiest for me to just remove it and move on.

 

[Shots]

Also worth noting that many people will run lifted/leveled on the stock tires for a while before they buy new wheels/tires. Especially if they're getting bigger tires that won't fit on stock suspension, and don't have the money to do it all at once. Not uncommon at all.

 

[Code88]

Another alternative to level the truck is to lower the rear. I'm an old man and tall, but getting into a lifted truck is sometimes difficult. I got the Timber Grove 3" rear drop air bag system. Very easy to level the rear now or evn drop it lower that the front (I have a 4X4 2023 CTD Crew Cab short bed) The ride on the Timber Grove is much nicer than stock. I run about 35 PSI. If I got a load I can air it up to level the truck. I am pretty sure I can still run 35" tires with some slight trimming of plastic stuff up front. I've never understood why they have such a massive rake on these trucks.

Hey @BigBob hope this finds you well. I made an account to reach out to you since you’re the only source of Timber Grove 3” reverse level info. I have a 2020 2500 6.7L and want to rid of the rake - I’m considering the Timber Grove 3” coil replacement bags. Have you managed to find shorter shocks? And do you know of any manufacturers for shorter sway bar links? Thank you in advance

 

[BigBob]

Being the bump stops remain the same the stock shocks are okay I guess. One day I'll upgrade. I just shorten the stock sway bar links.
So far I've had this on for about a year. Very happy with it. I use a Airlift pump kit. Timber Grove sells air pumps as well, but they are pricey. I already have a on-board air compressor in my tool box.
The ride is very good at about 36-38 psi. Only issue I had with the kit is trying to install those little bolts in the tight confines you have to work with. They use stainless steel bolts, so make sure to put some anti-seize on them!

 

[DamnRamFarmBoy]

not sure anyone is still watching this thread , but i am wanting similar things. Id like a slightly lifted front , but can you do something in the rear that keeps a factory rake in it .. since clearing tires with no rub is the main objective in the front ? Id want it to sit level while towing .. which my opinion is the whole reason for having a truck that can pull that kind of weight . Does anyone know what the factory rake is ? Like is it 1 or 2 inches higher in the back ? Ive never measured

 

[BigBob]

I think you can tow just as much with a level truck as a raked truck. And with an air suspension you can keep it level under load. Of course keep the load within the range of your rig. Having an adjustable suspension for weight is a bonus. I prefer level vehicles. My Jeep Rubicon is level, my Durango is level, my golf cart is a little higher in front (LOL). I can measure the bumper height while the bed is empty and then load 1500 lbs of bricks in it and raise the air pressure into the bags and it'll be level. Now getting the front up to accommodate huge tires is understandable. I still have stock tires and wheels on my 2023 truck. On my 2015 Mega Cab I had 12:50X35X18 up front and I only had to do some minor trimming of plastic. I'll try staying stock on my 2023 2500 and see if 35" tires will fit.
BTW, my 2015 Mega has the factory air suspension. My son owns the truck now and has around 140,000 miles on it and has never had an issue with the air system. It's hard to get a true measurement of how much the rear sits from the factory. The 3" drop kit from Timber Grove put my truck just about level. So I'd say 3" higher in the rear for most trucks.

 

[PGHChris81]

I have a leveling kit and no rear air suspension and tow just fine.

 

[dieselscout80]

Another alternative to level the truck is to lower the rear. I'm an old man and tall, but getting into a lifted truck is sometimes difficult. I got the Timber Grove 3" rear drop air bag system. Very easy to level the rear now or evn drop it lower that the front (I have a 4X4 2023 CTD Crew Cab short bed) The ride on the Timber Grove is much nicer than stock. I run about 35 PSI. If I got a load I can air it up to level the truck. I am pretty sure I can still run 35" tires with some slight trimming of plastic stuff up front. I've never understood why they have such a massive rake on these trucks.

Can you post some pictures of your Timber Grove air bags installed?

After this long how do you like them now?

 

[BigBob]

Can you post some pictures of your Timber Grove air bags installed?

After this long how do you like them now?

I love them. I don't think I have any pics of them. I'll see about taking some. I do have the 3" level kit. From what I hear the Firestone bags are the same as what is on RAM air suspension trucks.