Well just got back from the shop with a nice bill for installing the new struts. First off, the shop I go to is very honest and I think they felt worst about the price than I did. I was quoted about $250 to install the struts, leveling kit and align it.

Here were the totals:
Rancho Struts - $165
TM Leveling kit (THANKS WHTBOY!) - $30
Labor - $419
Total investment - $614

I dropped the truck off at 9am and they pulled it in the shop as I was leaving. I give them a call at 1:30pm expecting them to tell me its done and have a price for me. Not so much. The lower bolt that attaches the strut to the control arm had siezed itself to the bushing. It took them 2 hours to work on one of the lower bolts. After they got that bolt off, the bolt on the top of the strut was also siezed. They described it as a job from hell, but they didnt know it was going to cause so many problems since its a fairly new truck. Just a heads up for all you DIYers, and Ive read threads before of these lower bolts giving problems. There was no exception in my case. They ended up working on the truck for 6 hours, but Im sure happy to have it over with. I had 116k on my oems, and they were due for replacement.

Driving, the ride is definetly stiff. The comfort level is basically the same; I still feel the bumps and when theres a dip in the pavement, I feel it. However, the handling is awesome! This thing takes turns with no body roll around the corners, and I no longer feel like Im going to go through the windshield when I step on the brakes. And lets face it, I feel like I have a truck now. Before, I felt like SUVs had more ride height than I do. Now, the truck looks like a 4x4 and it drives like a truck.

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So lesson to everyone: If you have a truck that was driven on salted roads for 100k+ miles, expect to have one heafty bill when you want the struts replaced. Oh, and if your shop messes up your bushings for the control arm, you have to replace the whole control arm. Mine were salvagable.

Cheers! PARTY TONIGHT IN WI! The midwest is shutting down for the blizzard

 

that looks effin awesome....i am on my way back up....no more leveled (lowered) 4x4 for me....oh, and wait for me to get there before you start partying...i'm on my way...lol

 

I will be plowing for the next 36 hours straight.. sorry I can not make it to the party!

Truck is looking good!

 

Thanks Kent. Ive read in a couple places that you were thinking about the leveling kit. I was actually thinking of trading your shackels for my leveling kit, but I just didnt want my truck to ride any lower.

I dont think youll make it here fast enough. Air traffic is grounded for the most part and in 14 hours Ill have the bottle flu and will be recovering from our "end-of-the-world" party Make it snappy though if you plan on still coming.

 

Thanks! Stay safe out there Reid. Watch out for the drivers that drive like me in the snow

 

Looks awesome! I have to agree that the Ranchos and TM kit definitely makes the truck feel like a truck. When I had mine installed, my mechanic was definitely working later than usual to finish up the install. I could just tell by looking at him that it was a bitch of a job! Enjoy...

 

Thanks Dakotaff!

What's everyone's opinion on the door mouldings? Im really tempted to pull those things off to clean the truck up a little more, but in a way I like the red and black together. In reality, I think Ill like the truck more with out them. Anyone wanna stop me? Lol

 

I vote to lose the mouldings.

 

Im thinking about removing the mouldings and picking up the chrome door handle covers and spraying them red since chrome just isnt my thing on this truck. Hmmm ....

 

Paint em? Mine are body color and hardly noticeable. I personally like body moldings but that's just my opinion. Also helps save your door from those morons in the parking lot that open their door too far. Truck looks sweet either way!