Leveling Kit Pros and Cons: Our Readers Sound Off
They are one of the most popular F-150 mods today, but before you install a leveling kit on your truck, you should read this first.
For obvious reasons, leveling kits have quickly become one of the most popular truck mods on the market today. Mainly because a lot of folks simply don’t like the “raked” look of their stock Ford F-150. So, when the aftermarket presented a cheap and simple solution, thousands jumped on it. And today, just about everybody has one installed on their truck.
Another bonus of leveling out the front end with the rear is that you’ll be able to run a slightly larger tire. And since leveling kits typically only cost a couple hundred bucks, they’re essentially a poor man’s lift kit. Considering their popularity and these positive traits, you might think that leveling your truck is a no-brainer. But of course, there are caveats.
The intricacies of leveling kits are nothing new to the folks here at F-150 Online. In fact, we’ve been debating them for years. And interestingly enough, the pros and cons of these kits vary based on who you ask. It makes total sense, as quality tends to vary between brands. And if you’re in the market for one, what better place to get feedback than from those who’ve actually installed them?
Folks like ajsturtz, who’s had a pair of rather negative side effects arise after installing his kit.
“I have an 09 FX4, 1.5” AS front level.
Cons so far:
1. Fuel economy – I drive 90% highway, fuel economy has dropped about 2 mpg with the front level. I drive about 5 over the speed limit, using cruise most of the time.
2. Death wobble – On rough highways at 55-65 mph, the tires will wobble a lot more when I hit a negative bump (think pothole or wide crack). Can feel it in the steering.”
For folks like richterscale, the cons simply outweigh the pros.
“The advantage is looks and the ability to fit a larger tire.
Disadvantage is it can compromise ride, handling, and longevity of the front suspension/steering components. It also will reduce your economy and may negatively impact your warranty.
I personally love the look of a leveled truck with larger tires, but where I do many miles of highway driving for my job I do not think I will level when I get my new truck.”
On the other hand, folks like Dave M didn’t experience any of these problems after installation.
“With a leveling kit and 35’s, after installing a VMP tuner I saw no decrease in fuel mileage from stock. This is the same result as when I leveled and 35’d my 2007 F-150 and used a Gryphon tuner. Most of my mileage is on the highway.
I’ve also noticed no negative handling characteristics. Handling hasn’t changed, no wobbles, vibrations or ride changes.
Autospring makes the easiest and cheapest leveling kits, available in their shop on eBay. It’s a very simple component, nothing fancy is required no matter what the other brands sales pitch says.
You’ll need to align your front end after leveling it.
My dealer had no issues with it on my ’07 or my ’10. That being said if your ball joints wear out prematurely, don’t expect to be covered.”
Many cheap kits consist of only spacers, which can negatively alter ride quality and shorten the life of your suspension components. As 06bluemeaniexl points out, spending the extra cash on an elongated set of coilovers is a much better option.
“The best way to level is by getting a replacement strut assembly if you want to lift, or to drop the rear if you want to lower. Replacing the strut assembly with a leveling strut will provide a better, more stock ride. The downside to the new struts is that they can be expensive, whereas those spacers are typically pretty cheap.”
And then FX4life swoops in and sums everything up nicely.
“I have said it before and I’ll say it again, a leveling kit is the quick, cheap and dirty way to lift a truck just a bit. I’m a staunch proponent of full suspension lifts as the only way to properly lift a vehicle. For many folks though its an economical option, and I hope anyone with a leveling kit would at least consider the possibility of a full suspension lift down the road.
The harshness in ride from a spacer on top comes from the loss of droop travel in the suspension. Hit a pothole and now the suspension has absolutely no way to ‘droop’ and absorb the downward travel and results in the UCA banging the coil spring. You will have upward suspension travel for days, but its virtually useless since droop travel is all but gone.”
But as Augster points out, there are many valid reasons behind the popularity of leveling kits over pure lift kits.
“The majority of truck owners do not want to do anything more than “a couple inches” maximum, for whatever their reasons. For example, very few want to put massive 35″ tires, while 33×12″ may be more acceptable but won’t typically fit under stock height trucks with aftermarket rims. Others may want to just add a little more space between the front fender and tire so just having the rear lowered to level the vehicle will not suffice. Another big issue is that access to both the vehicle and the bed become more difficult the higher the vehicle is lifted (especially when family and kids are involved). Lastly, the higher the lift, the less likely you will be able to fit that truck into parking garages (important for us city folk).”
It’s pretty easy to see why leveling kits are so popular these days. But if you’re in the market for one, it also helps to know what to expect. And like most things in life, you basically get what you pay for here. If you want to read up on even more real life experiences with leveling kits, head over here. And of course, pretty much any other question you might have about your F-150 has probably already been answered over in the forums!
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