06 DC Adventure Build

Hey all, I'm just getting started and am interested in some feedback about the lift, in regard to towing.
1st pic of when I bought it and 2nd is after the lift.

Lift: ARB/OME 2.5" shocks/springs in the front and OME shocks and add-a-leafs for 1.5" in the rear.
I forgot to measure it before I took it in, so I don't know exactly how much it changed, but I feel like the back went up a lot more than 1.5"
I'm putting a cap back on it, I sold the one that came on it and ordered what I wanted.
So I know that will add some weight to the rear.
I've thought about just taking the add-a-leafs off to level it out.
My question right now is; I pull a small camper (3000lbs) fairly often in the summers, should I leave them on for the sake of pulling weight? I do have a weight distributing hitch. Which I would still use if I took the add-a-leafs out.
Looking for thoughts/recommendations in that regard.

Tires are getting ordered this week. 275/70/17 BF KOA 2s.

Already put a Double DIN head unit and new Rockford speakers all the way around.

List of future mods/upgrades.
- Blackout any chrome
- Change front grill (any links or recommendations)
- New Headlights / Fog lights
- Bed and Drawer build out for solo mtb/hunting trips.
- Custom bumpers
- gear ratio adjustment ( not sure yet, for pulling, need to read more into it)
- Front seats re-upholstered
- Weather Tech full coverage mats

 

Very clean starting point with a great truck! An if it was mine I would leave the add a leafs in, but I tend to lean more towards function over form. Plus it will level out with all the weight you are planning to add. Look forward to the rest of your build.

 

Great looking truck! Have the same color with the color matched camper shell, looking forward to seeing the progress so I can get some inspiration for my off-road set up.

 

Nice looking truck! I also vote for function over looks. Only if you plan on keeping to pavement: parking lot hangouts; and skip any towing and serious off-road play, does “leveling” really work out.

You can expect those leafs to settle, especially if you carry constant weight, like a shell— or after a few trips with a loaded bed. And, if you take any leafs out, you could mess up the ride quality.

I think you gotta decide between purpose and looks, because when a truck that performs well is also level, that’s often a bit of an accident.

 

Yea, I'm definitely more worried about function, it just surprised me that it sat that much higher in the rear.
Do you think I should still use a weight dist. hitch for pulling my camper?

 

I think the two aren’t always related, the height and the benefits of a weight distribution hitch— instead of your hitch bending low, it may cant upward. Maybe that will equate to less sway, but I don’t know. If you search this forum for hitch and towing information posted by @ColoradoTJ, you’ll probably find the answer.

 

Finally got the wheels and tires put on. They sit a touch wider than I'd prefer, but I good a deal on the wheels. I'm pretty stoked with how it looks.
Topper just got put on yesterday! I ended up ordering brand new, went with Uni-cover. This is their Pro Sport package. I love having the two sets of windows. Access and ventilation!
I'm getting a little rubbing on the mud flap up front, so I'm going to put spacers on the springs, should add about 1" and would level it out a little more as well.

I'm going to start a camping buildout soon, but I need to plan a weekend to use my brother's heated shop. I'm going to plasti-dip the emblems and front grill at the same time.
I also got the full coverage weather tech matts.
Does anyone have info on wider mud flats? I've searched around on here and google, and I'm not coming across very much. Might just fabricate something myself.
I only need about 1 more inch of width.

 

Awesome wheels and tires. Could you post some pics of the weather techs? I’ve heard differing opinions on the fit, but I’m considering pulling the trigger on them myself

 

Yea man! They fit pretty good in my opinion.