I really like my 2004 FX4 Super Crew, except for how low the front sits compared to the back. Does anyone else find this a little annoying, especially for a 4x4?

 

I don't find it annoying.
It was like that when i bought it .
If it bothers you that much there is a kit to raise the front 2 1/2 inches.Do a search for key word Daystar.You should find some pictures of 04 f150 that has had it done.
Hope this helps.

Mike

 

I absolutely could not stand it, but knew it was a cheap easy fix. I got the Daystar 2.5" spacers for the front end and put them in. Looks nice now. ALMOST level. The front end is still just a tad lower, but most people probably wouldn't even notice it.

The Daystar 'lift' can be found on Ebay for under $100 most times, and can be professionally installed for around $50. I did mine myself but had some pretty serious help.

2004 F-150 XLT 4X4

 

I too noticed how it doesnt sit level. Not a biggee, when time allows Im planning on installing the Daystar spacers. Not taking up for Ford but they arent the only ones that are like this. A friend of mine went to look at a Titan today and it sits low in the front too. I wont mention that they couldnt get the left rear door to open at all, or they couldnt get the storage door to close after opening it. Back to the service dept. and hasnt been sold yet, well its still under warranty.

 

Doesn't the lower front end have something to do with aerodynamics (which improves gas mileage) and doesn't it affect the amount of weight you can carry in the bed?

Personally, I don't really care for how small the tires look under the body of the truck. Kinda like the tires look on a base Mustang - too small for the car.

 

TUFF FORD did you notice any ride difference with the kit? Did you have the alignment checked? Yea I have been thinking about the Daystar kit. I jacked my truck up 2.5" just to see what it looked like. I didn't like that the cv joint boots were compressed at their bottoms, everytime the wheel rotates the boot will compress then decompress, I don't know if they are made to withstand that or not. I might just use half of the Daystar kit, I wish there was a 1.5" kit?

 

The manufacturers are trying to lower the front ends of SUV's and pickups in an effort to lower the fatality rate of automobile drivers in the event of an accident.

The theory being that high vehicles either climb over small cars or the bumpers on the trucks are too high for the door beam systems to protect the passengers of cars.

My understanding is that this is in advance of government mandated rules dictating what the height can be. I.e: a little self policing in an effort to get the fatality rate down before the government steps in and forces restrictions.

If you look carefully, you will notice that all the manufacturers are lowering the front end. Stock my '98 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 front bumper was about 6.5" higher at the bottom than the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4.

 

I saw a thing on the news about a voluntary commitment to lower SUV front bumbers for safety reasons. Thats alright, just don't get in front of me because I'm raising it back up!

 

one word : DAYSTAR

 

blg615 The after Daystar pics look alot better! It makes the truck look alot meaner. Could you tell any difference in the ride?

 

Thanks for the props!!
The ride did not change at all. The only ride problem I had at first was the dealer's over inflating of the tires. They had put about 59-60 lbs in each tire. I have now lowered them to 39-40 and things are great.

 

i heard two different reasons, they are lower to cause less fatalitys in smaller vehicles.The other to make the truck level when hauling or towing heavy loads.Not sure if either is correct.


04 SCREW
LARIAT 4X4

 

I too believe that the front end is lowered because of the damage caused in accidents between trucks and SUV's with cars. Watch any of the "news" shows that have segmants about the dangers of large trucks and SUV's. There seems to be a stigma about large trucks nowadays, If you ask me, if people are worried about getting hurt in accidents, they should be driving a bigger car (read 2004 F150, not Hondas with a lawn mower exhaust). Anyways, after I installed the Daystar lift I found no difference in the handling. I even had the alignment checked and found it needed no adjustment. Also, I think my FX4 SCrew looked 100 X better after the lift. Check out my pics and see what you think.
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...w.cfm?num=5286

 

popo23dba

After looking at your picture it makes me want to install the kit right now! Definitely looks better! Did you install it yourself?

 

The daystar lift makes a huge difference in appearance. I had mine installed at 4000 miles and I now have over 10k miles. The ride has not changed at all.