leveling kits!
#1
leveling kits!
Hey guys been a member for a few months now but this is my first post. I have a 2010 f150 5.4. And I want to level the front end out. So my question is what kits do yall recommend? And with the kit you used did you need to put new blocks on the rear end? And additionally with a leveling kit, if I run 33's will I need to have my speedo reset? Looking forward to yalls' replies and can't wait to see what your trucks look like leveled.
#2
I just installed the Bilstein leveling shocks with rear shocks and didn't put a rear block and I'm pretty much dead on for being leveled. I also went with 305/65r18 BGF which came out to 33.7 and they fit fine with no rubbing. Definitely happy with my outcome. I have a 2010 f150 lariat 4x4.
#4
33" is only an inch taller than stock and won't affect the speedometer much or may put it right on the money according to some folks.
#5
#6
#7
Here's a before and after of my 2010 FX4 with a 2.5" Auto Spring leveling kit on the front. I am running 275/70/18 (33") BFG KO2s
Originally, I thought I was going to install rear blocks but after installing the fronts I don't think it needs it.
Before:
After:
Tire fit great; no rubbing and speedo is pretty much unchanged.
Originally, I thought I was going to install rear blocks but after installing the fronts I don't think it needs it.
Before:
After:
Tire fit great; no rubbing and speedo is pretty much unchanged.
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#8
There are many out there right now from different manufacturers, but there are essentially two types: spacers of various thicknesses and adjustable leveling shocks (Bilstein 5100's).
Although there are options for 2.5 and 3" net front lifts, I really wouldn't go that high because you are reaching the maximum unloaded suspension travel, meaning you are more likely to have Upper Control Arm (UCA) to spring contact on rebound from bumps and potholes (I did have that occasional problem with just my 2" net lift). It all depends on how aggressive you are in driving, the condition of the roads you drive, and if you plan to drive off-road a lot or seldom.
As far as spacers, there's really not much of a qualitative difference between manufacturers as it's just a hunk of metal, but I prefer aluminum to avoid any rusting issues down the road (though most people would probably have sold the truck long before that becomes a problem).
Before, stock everything:
<a href="http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/kbauggie/media/Forum%20Images/P1010351.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af265/kbauggie/Forum%20Images/P1010351.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo P1010351.jpg"/></a>
After, 2" net front, 1" net rear lift:
<a href="http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/kbauggie/media/Forum%20Images/P1010356_zpsonyvoiud.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af265/kbauggie/Forum%20Images/P1010356_zpsonyvoiud.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo P1010356_zpsonyvoiud.jpg"/></a>
After, 33" tires:
<a href="http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/kbauggie/media/Forum%20Images/P1010419.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af265/kbauggie/Forum%20Images/P1010419.jpg" border="0" alt="09 4x4 2+3 photo P1010419.jpg"/></a>
With my new 6.2L 2WD, I will probably actually lower the rear, if possible, assuming I go with softer edge street tires on stock rims. If I decide to go with a 22" with more aggressive all-terrain style tread, I would only raise the front.
I get out of trucks for a couple years, and when I return, it's the same questions posted across all the different forums time and time again.
I think the moderators should provide a "Sticky" that contains the popular different brands out there with photos and measurements, pros and cons...
Although there are options for 2.5 and 3" net front lifts, I really wouldn't go that high because you are reaching the maximum unloaded suspension travel, meaning you are more likely to have Upper Control Arm (UCA) to spring contact on rebound from bumps and potholes (I did have that occasional problem with just my 2" net lift). It all depends on how aggressive you are in driving, the condition of the roads you drive, and if you plan to drive off-road a lot or seldom.
As far as spacers, there's really not much of a qualitative difference between manufacturers as it's just a hunk of metal, but I prefer aluminum to avoid any rusting issues down the road (though most people would probably have sold the truck long before that becomes a problem).
Before, stock everything:
<a href="http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/kbauggie/media/Forum%20Images/P1010351.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af265/kbauggie/Forum%20Images/P1010351.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo P1010351.jpg"/></a>
After, 2" net front, 1" net rear lift:
<a href="http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/kbauggie/media/Forum%20Images/P1010356_zpsonyvoiud.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af265/kbauggie/Forum%20Images/P1010356_zpsonyvoiud.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo P1010356_zpsonyvoiud.jpg"/></a>
After, 33" tires:
<a href="http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/kbauggie/media/Forum%20Images/P1010419.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af265/kbauggie/Forum%20Images/P1010419.jpg" border="0" alt="09 4x4 2+3 photo P1010419.jpg"/></a>
With my new 6.2L 2WD, I will probably actually lower the rear, if possible, assuming I go with softer edge street tires on stock rims. If I decide to go with a 22" with more aggressive all-terrain style tread, I would only raise the front.
I get out of trucks for a couple years, and when I return, it's the same questions posted across all the different forums time and time again.
I think the moderators should provide a "Sticky" that contains the popular different brands out there with photos and measurements, pros and cons...
Last edited by Augster; 02-29-2016 at 07:12 AM. Reason: Add photos
#9
There are many out there right now from different manufacturers, but there are essentially two types: spacers of various thicknesses and adjustable leveling shocks (Bilstein 5100's).
Although there are options for 2.5 and 3" net front lifts, I really wouldn't go that high because you are reaching the maximum unloaded suspension travel, meaning you are more likely to have Upper Control Arm (UCA) to spring contact on rebound from bumps and potholes (I did have that occasional problem with just my 2" net lift). It all depends on how aggressive you are in driving, the condition of the roads you drive, and if you plan to drive off-road a lot or seldom.
As far as spacers, there's really not much of a qualitative difference between manufacturers as it's just a hunk of metal, but I prefer aluminum to avoid any rusting issues down the road (though most people would probably have sold the truck long before that becomes a problem).
Before, stock everything:
<a href="http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/kbauggie/media/Forum%20Images/P1010351.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af265/kbauggie/Forum%20Images/P1010351.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo P1010351.jpg"/></a>
After, 2" net front, 1" net rear lift:
<a href="http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/kbauggie/media/Forum%20Images/P1010356_zpsonyvoiud.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af265/kbauggie/Forum%20Images/P1010356_zpsonyvoiud.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo P1010356_zpsonyvoiud.jpg"/></a>
After, 33" tires:
<a href="http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/kbauggie/media/Forum%20Images/P1010419.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af265/kbauggie/Forum%20Images/P1010419.jpg" border="0" alt="09 4x4 2+3 photo P1010419.jpg"/></a>
With my new 6.2L 2WD, I will probably actually lower the rear, if possible, assuming I go with softer edge street tires on stock rims. If I decide to go with a 22" with more aggressive all-terrain style tread, I would only raise the front.
I get out of trucks for a couple years, and when I return, it's the same questions posted across all the different forums time and time again.
I think the moderators should provide a "Sticky" that contains the popular different brands out there with photos and measurements, pros and cons...
Although there are options for 2.5 and 3" net front lifts, I really wouldn't go that high because you are reaching the maximum unloaded suspension travel, meaning you are more likely to have Upper Control Arm (UCA) to spring contact on rebound from bumps and potholes (I did have that occasional problem with just my 2" net lift). It all depends on how aggressive you are in driving, the condition of the roads you drive, and if you plan to drive off-road a lot or seldom.
As far as spacers, there's really not much of a qualitative difference between manufacturers as it's just a hunk of metal, but I prefer aluminum to avoid any rusting issues down the road (though most people would probably have sold the truck long before that becomes a problem).
Before, stock everything:
<a href="http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/kbauggie/media/Forum%20Images/P1010351.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af265/kbauggie/Forum%20Images/P1010351.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo P1010351.jpg"/></a>
After, 2" net front, 1" net rear lift:
<a href="http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/kbauggie/media/Forum%20Images/P1010356_zpsonyvoiud.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af265/kbauggie/Forum%20Images/P1010356_zpsonyvoiud.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo P1010356_zpsonyvoiud.jpg"/></a>
After, 33" tires:
<a href="http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/kbauggie/media/Forum%20Images/P1010419.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af265/kbauggie/Forum%20Images/P1010419.jpg" border="0" alt="09 4x4 2+3 photo P1010419.jpg"/></a>
With my new 6.2L 2WD, I will probably actually lower the rear, if possible, assuming I go with softer edge street tires on stock rims. If I decide to go with a 22" with more aggressive all-terrain style tread, I would only raise the front.
I get out of trucks for a couple years, and when I return, it's the same questions posted across all the different forums time and time again.
I think the moderators should provide a "Sticky" that contains the popular different brands out there with photos and measurements, pros and cons...
#10
The leveling shock route may give you a better ride soaking up those bumps and I've generally heard nothing but praise of the Bilstein 5100's, though they are more pricey off the bat.
If you really need more suspension travel that 2" wouldn't cut it (e.g. it's more true "off road" bumps/moguls type of driving than simple graded "dirt road" driving), then you're going to have go the full lift kit route requiring a serious bit of coin. At lifts of 4"+, stock width wheels would also look too puny for most peoples' tastes so you most likely will need to add new wheels to the bill.
I've done 6" lift kits, and as you've seen, the spacer lift, installing both myself. Each have their pros and cons, and requisite budget requirements...