leveling an '03 2500 dodge diesel

[ak_petey]

I posting up because I am looking for possible solutions/ideas, and to document what I have done and the problems I have come across for the next guy thinking they want to jack up their tow rig in the front because they didnt like the rake. I am a stubborn person and will seek out solutions to the problem before I give up. If I could start again I would not do this. but being me, I have to finish something i start.

there is a little bit of play in the steering wheel, but the truck drives very straight and stays straight. I am happy with that. the bumps or rutted areas in the road definitely do not force it to jump around like it did before.
But for now I am concerned about the vibrations when engaged in 4wd; the only time it vibrates.

It could be a driveline issue, but I had it balanced and new joints put in it only a year ago. but then again the axle got pushed forward 1/2 an inch with the new lower control arm. which may have something to do with the new vibrations.
It could be the pinion bearing (which I know is going bad already) vibrating even more since the pinion angle is more positive now.

I didnt measure or get any readings, but I am guessing from the looks of the position of the upper ball joint and lower balljoint, the caster angle is too positive. I am thinking I will have an alignment shop adjust the lower arm's caster bolt/nut as negative as they can and give me a reading on the caster. They might be able to help my figure out how much longer I need to make the upper too. Or if I can get away with it. . I may be able to put the stock upper control arms back in (as they are 1/2" longer than the skyjacker arms) which may bring the caster closer to where the pinion angle is not too bad.