Jack it questions - Diesel Forum

SpOOk · 12-17-2002, 09:18 PM

Just a couple questions regarding the jack it 2.5 '' leveling kit that I just received. I will be installing this at my bro in laws shop in Texas. (I live on the East coast)

1. How much lift will I achieve on the front ?

2. I have the snow plow package with the X springs, V-10, Crew Cab, SWB F-350 (already have the 4'' blocks in rear) will I need to do an add-a-leaf to the rear? I do not like the nose high look, and if I do how high should I raise the rear?

3. I went ahead and bought the adjustable track bar, was this necessary or should I have just used the relocation brackets that came with the kit?

4. After the install (around Christmas) do I need an alignment or will it be safe to drive 1300+ miles to get home. The reason I say this is I might have a hard time locating a shop in that area that will be open during the holidays.

5. V-10 people, did it change your ride very much...good or bad?

6. Anyone with same configuration as me that has this installed, do you have any pics?

Thanks for the help. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

**reveye** · 12-18-2002, 06:14 AM

I didn't do the Jack-it, I did the Fabtech hanger system. But I can tell you that it was a smart move buying the adjustable trac bar. I went with just the relocation bracket instead of the bar and I have a bit of bumpsteer. Takes a little getting used to. I will buy the bar soon. I got mine aligned right away because the steering wheel will be off quite a bit. I'm sure someone here could tell you how to straighten your wheel. Sorry that's all I can answer.

HeavyAssault · 12-18-2002, 07:03 AM

1)Most report a level stance which is about 3". Since you already have the X code front springs you should have at least 3" gain.

2)They (Jack-It) sell an add-a-leaf, since that is good for an inch you should be fine without the leaf.

3)You did the right thing by buying the bar.

4) If you can do the alignment have it done. Best thing is drive on the highway at your crusing speed and feel the truck. Is it pulling?? Any weird vibes?? You may be okay but you could cause damage to the tires.

Since I did not install the Jack-It I really can't say, most report a firm ride but no complaints about too harsh of a ride.
You are welcome to look at my pics. I have a shackle kit and really like the stock ride. I have the 4" rear blocks and you can see she sits level.

You will enjoy the new look. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

SCOTTx88 · 12-18-2002, 11:51 AM

Mine went up 3.25" and still hasn't sagged.I did the add-a-leaf,it has a 2" rake,not nose high like some i've seen.It's been probably 20,000 miles and mine hasn't been aligned yet.The only thing you'll have to change is the steering wheel alignment,but thats a 5 minute job.The shocks will make the biggest difference in the ride,I got RS5000's and like em.I'm not far from you if you wanna see it,if not check my pictures.Theres a couple of putting it in.

robsd · 12-18-2002, 04:18 PM

When I researched this a while back the Fabtech hanger kit was the way to go without hurting the ride. I remember a few folks in the past complained about the rough ride with some of the add-a-leafs. If you have time check out the fabtech kit, it's a 3.5" kit and has blocks for the rear if you need them. Might be a little easier to install.

Rob

SpOOk · 12-18-2002, 04:51 PM

Thanks Gentlemen for the great info, I will report back after the install and let you know how it went.

**reveye** · 12-19-2002, 06:06 AM

Spook,

I live near Annapolis and work in Greenbelt if you need some help or want to check my truck out. You can't be too far from me??

SpOOk · 12-19-2002, 07:26 AM

Very much appreciate the kind offer Reveye (nice looking truck you have by the way), hopefully me and my Brother-in-Law can get this thing on without too many problems [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img]. What I am most concerned with is the lift height for the front, I am afraid that the front will be too high ,I have 2'' Jack-It rear add-a-leafs for the rear just in case but would rather not go to the extra trouble of putting those on unless I have to.

ScottX88 has the same setup that I have and his truck looks awesome however I have the crew cab and his is the regular cab. I don't think that I will get the same amount of lift due to the cab configuration. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]
ScottX88, did your ride change very much from the rear add-a-leafs? And do you know what back spacing your wheels are?
Also, Thank you as well for the offer [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Anyways, if anyone has more suggestions or ideas I'd love to hear them [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

SpOOk · 12-19-2002, 07:59 AM

Reveye, just re-read your post, I live in No. VA. not far from Fairfax, however I get up your way every so often, take care! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

iski3d · 12-21-2002, 07:00 PM

The jack-it kit on a gas will give you 3-4" in the front. this is if you dont remove the extra spring which are there for the diesel. if you already have x springs and 4" blocks, you will want to put a 2" or 3" add a leaf in the back. i had 4" blocks and i needed to put a 1" add a leaf just to level it. and i didnt have the x springs. check out my sig.....

BRONCO_BILLY · 12-23-2002, 06:01 PM

hey iski3d who painted your grill,looks cool,body shop or do-it-yourself type thing.....thanks

SpOOk · 12-30-2002, 12:33 PM

Just a quick update, we installed the Jack-It kit a few days ago it took about 5 hours which included the 2 inch rear add-a-leaf. I achieved about 4 inches on the front and absolutely had to bring the rear end up or it would have had the nose high look. We installed the larger adjustable track bar (i ordered this with the kit) and it went on with out a hitch and seems to be very heavy duty as well. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

On a scale from 1-10 on the leveling kit install 10 being the hardest I would have to rate this one to be a 6, and if I had to install this at my house with out the big jacks and tall jack stands that my bro-in-law had at his shop I would not have attempted this one on my own. For all you guys that did this in your garage or backyard my hats off to you. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

The ride is a little bit firmer but that may be from the rear add-a-leafs, however I think it handles a lot better around the turns. I have about 1500 miles on the kit now and this IS the best upgrade I have done to date.

Pictures will be available soon, and Thanks again to all that offered advice and helped me on this one !! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

SpOOk · 01-01-2003, 12:36 AM

Got a few pictures up of the Jack-It kit, take a look... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

http://photos.thedieselstop.com/data...c00137-med.jpg

http://photos.thedieselstop.com/data...c00138-med.jpg

http://photos.thedieselstop.com/data...c00139-med.jpg

35's are going on next will update when I get them on [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

SCOTTx88 · 01-01-2003, 07:54 PM

Looks good!! You'll love the 35's,they just seem to "fit" these trucks. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

SpOOk · 01-01-2003, 09:15 PM

Thanks Scott, you were one of the reasons that I chose this setup, should have done it sooner. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]