Jack-it leveling kit: First Impressions - Diesel Forum

GWS · 06-19-2001, 01:11 AM

I had the Jack-it 2.5" Excursion leveling kit installed today. Basically, it consists of 5-leaf spring packs to install under the existing front springs. I also purchased the rear add-a-leafs on the recommendation of the tech at Jack-it. The result is quite dramatic. The front lift gives about 2.5 to 3 inches clearance between the spring pack and the bump stop. On the rear however, the leafs supplied gave a SIX INCH LIFT!, so my technician removed them, cut them down about 5 inches shorter and re-installed them resulting in a 3" lift. Overall, the truck appears more level. Ride quality is firmer, not mushy, and the vehicle retains its composure over bumps better than before. Its nice to have some travel in the front.
Unfortunately, Jack-it does not use rubber or plastic on the parts, so squeaking may be a problem. The rear add-a-leaf gives far too much lift, so I would recommend blocks instead. With respect to driveshaft vibration, I have so far only been able to detect a slight vibration in the floor at highway speeds. There is a problem with bump steer however, and I will be calling Jack-it for a steering arm drop kit. Visually, the extra lift takes a little getting used to. It really dwarfs my 285's. I understand however there may be some settling of about 3/4 inch (especially in the front) after a few weeks. If this makes the truck look proportionately nose low again, I can have the rear add-a-leafs removed and cut shorter, or replace them with (4") blocks.

ceferino · 06-29-2001, 02:58 PM

Lift kits are so cheap, and they include everything you need to do the job right. Why not just get one and be done with it? Your shocks are now too short for the higher ride. Your sway bar links need to be longer. You already discovered the bump steer problem. Etc, etc. All these issues are handled for you with a good lift kit.

I'm very happy with my Explorer ProComp 4" lift, except for their wimpy shocks (worn out after 10k miles).

fyi, not preachin' [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

Bonanza1 · 07-01-2001, 01:10 AM

Reno,

FYI, shocks aren't too short. Jackits config. is such that the upper shock mount rides on top of the new spring pack and existing spring pack thus eliminating the need for custom length shocks. The spring pack kit is manufactured by Tuff Country.
I have it installed on my F350 and Excursion
both. Tremendous improvement in handling and ride. As for price, well aside from your own install labor which doesn't take an expert, just some appropriate tools and a little patience, try $225.00 + shipping.
In my opinion its better than a lift kit because you are enhancing the existing springs which aren't too bad too begin with.
Just my Thoughts!!!
[img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

ceferino · 07-01-2001, 01:14 AM

[QUOTE] ... In my opinion its better than a lift kit because you are enhancing the existing springs which aren't too bad too begin with. ... QUOTE]

Sure, you have an F350. SDs have decent springs to begin with. I just noticed that you don't have an Excursion.

But the X is cursed with soccer mom springs, expecially in the front. A full lift kit is the best way to get decent springs. I tried buying springs for a SD from Ford, but they will only sell you springs by your VIN number! They're protecting me from myself... [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]

GWS · 07-01-2001, 10:45 AM

The Jack-it leveling kit is settling in quite nicely. The height has settled about 1/2 inch, and the rear is now 1/2 inch taller than the front with 45psi rear tires and 55psi front. The truck looks so much better proportioned with the lift plus 285's. It's roughly the same height as a stock F250 SD. I can drive the X more aggressively in the bumps and it stays together. After all, it is a 3/4 ton truck so it really should be sprung like one. Ford made a big mistake with the stock suspension which I'm beginning to believe is partly responsible for the high number of rolled X's. The driveshaft growl is barely perceptable and occurs while accelerating through 70mph. At constant speed it is not noticeable. No problems with the stock shocks, but I am looking for a deal on RS9000's plus a rear anti-sway bar. Overall, the leveling kit gives a tremendous improvement in ride, handling and appearance over stock. The downside I guess is the extra step in height, although my kids don't have any problems getting in. They're great little climbers. The Dog still jumps in the back with ease, and my head no longer bumps into the lifted rear hatch. Anyone interested in the kit should wait until Jack-it has the newer Tuff Country parts that have the plastic anti-squeak bumpers between the leafs.

Rover · 07-01-2001, 04:40 PM

Reno:

How do you like the SafariGard bumper?

I have seen them on Rovers for years, I'd be interested in how they work on the Excursion...

Rover

ceferino · 07-01-2001, 05:27 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>How do you like the SafariGard bumper?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good and bad. The good is its fit and function. It is incredibly massive and beefy. The brush bars are even beefier than on a Ruenel bumper. Ruenels are known to be excellent too but wow, that price is sky high. Ruenel wanted $1000 more for theirs! I also evaluated ProZap bumpers, but they don't answer their phone much, and when they do they don't send brochures they said they would. I don't like doing business with flakes.

In April, I was running down a narrow desert dirt road in the middle of nowhere at about 40mph when somebody in a little Toyota etc came around the corner in the middle of the road. He didn't move to the right. So I could have either hit him (probably killing him - 50 miles from a phone or paved road) or drive into the brush on the right site of the road. I pulled right and clipped about 20 yards of brush. The only damage was scratches on the bumper and brush bar, and a scratched mirror housing. For some reason there are no visible scratches on the X paint. I can polish out the bumper's powdercoat easily if I want to some day. Without the bumper it would have probably damaged the RF fender.

The bad is that they shipped it to me with chipping damage to the powdercoating in two spots. They keep telling me they will send me some touchup paint for powdercoating. But it's been 3 months now and one has to wonder if they are telling the truth.

Also, the front blinkers are substantially obscured by the brush bar lower lateral. I plan to just squeeze the bar with hydraulic pliers to oval it down and block the blinker less. Because powdercoating is flexible I shouldn't have any touch up to do.

Bottom line, thumbs up. But insist on touchup paint.

Mike2006PSD · 07-04-2001, 04:56 PM

Unless the Excursion front end is different than the SD's I don't recommend installing the drop bracket. When I installed mine I installed the bracket since it came with the kit. The bumpsteer was horrible. At the advice of a couple of other board members I removed it. It is a pain to reinstall the arm but the bumpsteer is gone without the bracket. I am considering the extra leaf for the rear sinece mine looks like it is slightly sagging in the rear now. I've had my kit installed since January.