Leveling Kit Install

[Ice]

I have a 2008 H2 and have been toying with the idea of installing a leveling kit. I?m not going to install larger tires, it is strictly for looks. I called the dealer, from which I bought it from, and he quoted $640. That seems kind of steep. I know some of you have done this on your own. Have any of you done it on a 2008? How difficult/easy was it? Will I need to replace the front shocks as well? Do you have to have the wheels re aligned afterwards and how has it affected the ride quality on the street. I?m somewhat ashamed to admit it, but I have only been off road 3 to 4 times. Also where did you get the kit from and what was the part number.

I?m not a complete mechanical novice, but get nervous working on the suspension. I have access to a wide variety of tools.

Thank you in advance.

[Ice]

Never mind. I got my answers.

[H2ummer]

You can start out just by adjusting the stock keys and pickup an inch or so of lift. On my O8 H2, I adjusted the stock keys which is pretty easy to do. Not much effect on the ride, if any, that I noticed. You just need an 18mm socket/ratchet or wrench. Take some measurements of your height, adjust maybe two full turns on each side then drive it around the block to allow it to settle in, the measure again to see your difference. Too easy to do yourself than pay for it. You wont need shocks for an inch of adjustment. But you can just add some shock height adapters if you don't want to spend the money on new (longer) shock should you decide to go up more.

For me, it got addictive and I added the Cognito Upper Control Arms and Bilsteen shocks. Still at the same ride height. I did this so I would end up with replaceable upper ball joints not to mention that it will help with the ride if you go up more. Later I decided to go up another inch or so and picked up new torsion keys and replaced them. After adjusting them, I was probably up 2" higher in the front which pretty much had the truck sitting level. I have air suspension on the rear.

As for alignment, I took it in after I had adjusted the stock keys and replaced the UCAs and there was no change. I also took it in for alignment after I changed the keys, thinking this would definitely would affect the camber, butnot really that much. Not enough toadjust anyway. YMMV on this. It never hurts to get the alignment after all that as worn tires are a lot more than the cost of an alignment check.

Previously, I had put new Heavy Duty Tie rods (Rare Parts), and new pitman/idler arms (Moog) on it, as well as the Cognito Support Kit and had to get the front end aligned. That was a must do for those items.

I am lucky I guess as my shop only charges $30 to check thealignment and $70 if they have to adjust it. Alignments are a lot cheaper than new tires.

I off-road my 08 a fair amount and this will takes it toll on the suspension and steering. I started replacing these parts with only about 30,000 miles on it.

Overall my ride is the same. I don't feel a difference. The stance is much more level though with just that additional 2" in the front.

[Ice]

H2ummer,

Thank you for your comprehensive response.

I ended up going up 1 ? inches, it?s level and it looks great.

However, my ?ride? stiffened up quite a bit. I didn?t expect that with such a short height increase.

They did not replace the shocks. But I?m going to install some 99-3050F ReadyLIFT shocks.

I?m not sure how far this will go, I hate to admit it, but for the most part it never sees ?dirt?.

Overall I think it was worth it.

[glennf1]

Your ride seems more stiff because you loose your down travel in your suspension. The cognito UCA's H2Hummer mentioned will correct that.

[Ice]

I installed a pair of ReadyLift 99-3050F shocks and they "restored" my ride.