Carli 2.5” level vs Carli 3.25

[Sawyerd3]

Truck is supposed to arrive at the dealership sometime this month and I’m looking to get my suspension setup before it gets here. I’ve gone back and forth between these 2 kits. I’m probably overthinking this but for anyone running the 3.25, is it much taller than the leveling kit. From some pics I’ve seen of the leveling kit, some seem to sit nose high quite a bit. My only concern is that I tow about 14k with a gooseneck several times a year. So I don’t want to worry about clearance in the rear.

truck is a 3500 limited srw with leads in the rear, no air suspension.

 

[DieselScott]

I'm in the same boat. Trying to decide between these two kits. I already had to move the axle underneath the springs on my 5th wheel due to bed clearance issues. Factoring in 37" tires makes me think the pintop level would be best.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[DieselScott]

Also, being able to retain factory tow specs is a big plus.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Sawyerd3]

I'm in the same boat. Trying to decide between these two kits. I already had to move the axle underneath the springs on my 5th wheel due to bed clearance issues. Factoring in 37" tires makes me think the pintop level would be best.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Yeah I’ll be putting on 37s as well so I know that will put it on up there as well. I’m coming from a f250 leveled with 37s and I’ve ran into some clearance issues with that setup in certain situations. I can usually get around it though. Keeping factory capacities is a plus but I doubt I’ll be anywhere near maxing it out though

 

[User_1648]

@Sawyerd3 - here's mine with the Carli 3.25" lift on it. On level ground it sits perfectly. I have 37's on mine with 20x10's at -18 offset. I had to do some trimming to avoid rubbing, so you might want to go with a more positive offset.



With flares...




Without flares...

Edit - I have the same truck as you're getting. I went with the 3.25" kit because I pull a 5th-wheel and I didn't want to suffer clearance issues as well.

 

[Sawyerd3]

@Sawyerd3 - here's mine with the Carli 3.25" lift on it. On level ground it sits perfectly. I have 37's on mine with 20x10's at -18 offset. I had to do some trimming to avoid rubbing, so you might want to go with a more positive offset.

View attachment 3064

With flares...


View attachment 3065

Without flares...

Edit - I have the same truck as you're getting. I went with the 3.25" kit because I pull a 5th-wheel and I didn't want to suffer clearance issues as well.

If you have some spare time, would you mind getting some measurements for me? Ground to tallest point of roof? And ground to back bed corner? I’ll be running 20x9 +20 with 37x12.5 so I’m hoping to get by without any trimming. Which 3.25 did you go with and what options?

 

[User_1648]

If you have some spare time, would you mind getting some measurements for me? Ground to tallest point of roof? And ground to back bed corner? I’ll be running 20x9 +20 with 37x12.5 so I’m hoping to get by without any trimming. Which 3.25 did you go with and what options?

No problem at all! It's currently pouring rain out, so I will get the measurements as soon as I can to you. I went with the 3.25" Commuter Lift and added all of the options with the exception of the fabricated radius arms. I kept the stock arms as they are very robust and the customer service tech at Carli told me I didn't need them.

Your wheel selection should be just about perfect!

Tim

 

[Sawyerd3]

No problem at all! It's currently pouring rain out, so I will get the measurements as soon as I can to you. I went with the 3.25" Commuter Lift and added all of the options with the exception of the fabricated radius arms. I kept the stock arms as they are very robust and the customer service tech at Carli told me I didn't need them.

Your wheel selection should be just about perfect!

Tim

No worries! I really appreciate it! You have the 2500 right? How’s the ride?

edit: never mind I just zoomed in on your pic and saw 3500 lol

 

[BigOlMega]

@Sawyerd3 - here's mine with the Carli 3.25" lift on it. On level ground it sits perfectly. I have 37's on mine with 20x10's at -18 offset. I had to do some trimming to avoid rubbing, so you might want to go with a more positive offset.

View attachment 3064

With flares...


View attachment 3065

Without flares...

Edit - I have the same truck as you're getting. I went with the 3.25" kit because I pull a 5th-wheel and I didn't want to suffer clearance issues as well.

Did you take off the factory flares and put on bushwackers? Don't the factory flares leave holes behind?

 

[User_1648]

Did you take off the factory flares and put on bushwackers? Don't the factory flares leave holes behind?

I did take off the factory flares, and yes, there are holes where the OEM flares were connected to the fenders. I covered the holes with 3M precision poly tape and then installed the Bushwackers. I chose that tape because it claims to be waterproof. When I had my last truck, I would remove the Bushwackers about three times a year and do a clean and polish to the area under the flares. I will do the same with this truck as well.

 

[User_1648]

@Sawyerd3 - just sent you a PM with the measurements per your request.

 

[BigOlMega]

I did take off the factory flares, and yes, there are holes where the OEM flares were connected to the fenders. I covered the holes with 3M precision poly tape and then installed the Bushwackers. I chose that tape because it claims to be waterproof. When I had my last truck, I would remove the Bushwackers about three times a year and do a clean and polish to the area under the flares. I will do the same with this truck as well.

How much more coverage on the bushwhackers vs factory. I found a solution for scratching the paint: https://www.sharptruck.com/pdm-dura-strip-protective-fender-flare-tape-kit

 

[Sawyerd3]

I'm in the same boat. Trying to decide between these two kits. I already had to move the axle underneath the springs on my 5th wheel due to bed clearance issues. Factoring in 37" tires makes me think the pintop level would be best.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

I talked briefly with Cole, owner of CJC Off-road, about my wants/need/uses my truck. If I went with the 3.25” kit it would require me to add airbags to the rear for additional support Bc of how soft the add a pack makes the rear end. With that said, I’m just going with the leveling kit with fox shocks, torsion sway bar, and low mount steering stabilizer.

 

[DieselScott]

@Sawyerd3 - just sent you a PM with the measurements per your request.

Would you mind sending me those measurements as well or posting them here? Also trying to decide which kit to go with.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Sawyerd3]

Would you mind sending me those measurements as well or posting them here? Also trying to decide which kit to go with.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

7’1” to the tallest part of the roof and 61” to the tallest part of the bed

 

[User_1648]

How much more coverage on the bushwhackers vs factory. I found a solution for scratching the paint: https://www.sharptruck.com/pdm-dura-strip-protective-fender-flare-tape-kit

@BigOlMega - I get about 3/4" more coverage then the factory flares which is exactly why I went this route. My wheels are at -18 offset, so I have a bit of a poke on all sides. Although the Bushwackers do not cover the tires 100%, they do cover the main part of the tread which hopefully will prevent rocks from skipping down the sides of the truck...again...hopefully!

Tim

 

[User_1648]

I talked briefly with Cole, owner of CJC Off-road, about my wants/need/uses my truck. If I went with the 3.25” kit it would require me to add airbags to the rear for additional support Bc of how soft the add a pack makes the rear end. With that said, I’m just going with the leveling kit with fox shocks, torsion sway bar, and low mount steering stabilizer.

@Sawyerd3 - thats a smart move! Before I installed the 3.25" lift, I too spoke to the guys at CJC and they told me the same thing. I have purchased the Airlift 7500 XL air bag system w/compressor and will be installing it as soon as I get it. The Add-A-Pack from Carli removes the overload spring in the rear of the 3500.

 

[RamGuy84]

I'm looking at both of these kits. Are air bags or the add-a-packs necessary for the 3.25" kit? I would eventually want to put in the airlift 7500XL bags. Does the 3.25" kit come with any blocks for the rear? When I looked online it doesn't show any rear blocks that are included like it does for the 2.5" leveling kit.

 

[Sawyerd3]

I'm looking at both of these kits. Are air bags or the add-a-packs necessary for the 3.25" kit? I would eventually want to put in the airlift 7500XL bags. Does the 3.25" kit come with any blocks for the rear? When I looked online it doesn't show any rear blocks that are included like it does for the 2.5" leveling kit.

I believe with the 3.25 kit you have to either choose add a pack or progressive leaf spring. The add a pack does include a 1” inch block. Add a pack or full leafs are required I believe. If towing you’ll need the air bags. I saw a pic somewhere that showed how soft that add a pack is and I think it’s pretty substantial.

 

[RamGuy84]

It doesn't say you have to choose the add a pack. It seems a little vague. I should probably call Carli and ask. I just noticed the kit doesn't come with any rear blocks like the 2.5" leveling kit does.