I put a 2" level on my 2007 Ram 4x4 and did not have any issues. It was the lift that goes above the front struts.

 

I've had a 2 1/2" level on my 07 1500 since new with only a couple thousand miles on the truck. I am now at almost 50,000 with 45,000 turning 35's. I've not had a problem ----- yet. My off-roading is beach driving and the occasional cornfield to pick up a deer so it isn't going through any extreme use. Front end and steering is still tight.
I'm sure that since I bought my truck they have come up with better systems as a level doesn't change any front end components or compensate for the increased angle. I'm sure the front end components will wear out quicker with the leveling kit but up till now I have been good with it. A "correct" suspension is far out of my price range though. At the time my truck was leveled there were no lifts (if I recall correctly) for an 07 1/2 ton.
My only true complaint with it is that I did lose a solid 10% in gas mileage just with the level. I guess it threw off what little aerodynamics the truck had. I am considering removing it and putting on a body lift if I thought that would gain it back.

 

I wondered if leveling would effect gas mileage. Maybe letting more air under the truck where it contacts all those non-aerodynamic surfaces is causing more drag? Makes sense when you consider that many race cars have full belly pans.



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You'd probably lose just as much with a body lift even though if you remove the level you'll get the rake back. Air under the truck causes drag as well as decreasing the angle, so you'd not have the MPGs as a stock height truck anyway.

You've got your head in the right place though and understand that front end components will wear faster as the front end angle increases. As long as you don't mind doing ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. sooner, you should be good. 2 1/2" is a tad over the limit on the CVs, might lose one or both of them a little prematurely too...

 

2004 Ram Hemi QC 4x4, lifted 2" by cranking the torsion bars, and I've put 80k on it since without an issue.

 

Just a thought on the body lift. With the standard height of the truck a good bit of air goes under it as well so so it might not effect it. However, the body raising above the frame might take any gains away and still leave me with a loss. Just thoughts.

 

^ if you think the rake will help with aerodynamics I'd throw a 2" block in the back (or preferably an add-a-leaf) rather than putting in a body lift.

 

Put 500 pounds in the back and the truck will sit level, that's why all truck brands build trucks with taller rears, to hande whight.

 

Well that is part of it, but in talking to the engineers the biggest reason for the rake is from thousands of hours of wind tunnel testing to get better fuel economy. Half tons are subject to a lot of government mandates for fuel economy and emissions that 3/4 tons aren't...

 

^ I guess that little chin spoiler under the front bumper is there not for looks but to help deflect some air downwards away from the undercarriage where drag must be insane. It's about 2" .. Just what a level is and cost someone 10% fuel economy. Interesting. I wonder if just putting a 4" spoiler on there would get him his mileage back.



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