I've read lots of posts on "lift" and "front end", but the three letter "search" rule prohibits searching on the above subject.

I can see that my F-150 is lower in the front, but why? Did Ford make a mistake? Or was this by design? And if by design, why? Will the lift kit change the ride? I have 17" stock wheels/tires and my truck rides like a "Cadi". Thanks for your replies and please forgive my ignorance, I'm an old grandpa.

 

To the best of my knowledge, the leveling kits serves two (2) purposes:

1] give the truck a level look (meaner looking?), and
2] allow for larger tires as necessary.

Personally, I got it for the look. If you don't care about either of the options above, then I can't see any reason for you to spend $300 +/- on an unnecessary mod. Others may have more input.

 

mtkablake,First question is yes your truck does set lower in the front ,about 2.5-3" lower.Second it was no mistake it was designed in such a way to meet front end crash tests.And last the level kits range from 1.5-2.5 and will level out your truck with no changes in ride .However if you change your tire size you could have some changes .

 

Yup... just for looks and bigger tires... that's about it! They really have zero effect on the plush ride of these great trucks.

 

the reason that the back is higher than the front is because the manufactuer assumes that being a truck it will at some point in time have a heavy load in the back. They give the back end more room to compress when there is a heavy load in it. Almost all trucks are like this. i dont believe it has anything to do with front end crash ratings.

 

The new f150 has a severe downward slope. According to my Ford engineer buddies, it was

A. Lower the bumper down for crash tests. #1 reason they did it.
B. Fuel economy. Minor, but a little more aerodynamic with the front end down.

 

Yeah it was for crash tests primarily. Truck market gets lots of ***** from car owners that any SUV or pickup would destroy a small car and its driver in any side impact collision. Same reason states have lift laws to keep bumpers as low as possible. The regulations are more strict for stock vehicles since they dont want thousands of stock rides blasting through car windows in accidents. Here in VA the lift laws state the bottom of your bumper cannot be higer than 29" off the ground in the front and 30" in the rear. With a 6" lift and 35" tires the front bumper sits around 27" and the rear around 28". Even still my bumper is head level with someone in a focus or any other sedan. And in the rear, a Mini Cooper can actually fit half of its hood under my truck...yes its happened.

 

very interesting, anyone have any particular manufaturer they would recommend?

 

Ahhhhh... and age old Daystar vs. Autospring debate begins...

Do a search on those two, you'll get oodles of info.

 

Let me begin!

Autospring 1 ½” lift kit will level you out without stiffing the soft factory ride at all.

 

But how many inches is it!!! LMAO!!!!!

 

Get the daystar 2.5" kit, perfect level and zero noticable impact on ride as well... don't listen to the autosprung losers that claim is has to stiffen the ride!!!

 

To be exact, the 1 ½” Autospring lift Kit actually measures 1 5/8” but it will give you 2 ¼” of lift when installed. Unlike the Daystar, the Autospring will not change the factory soft ride because it doesn’t compress the front coil springs.

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Thanks to those of you who have taken time to reply regarding the lift kits. After reading the above posts, I have come to this conclusion:

1. If you don't like the front end lower look, install it. (I like the lower front look)
2. If you want to install larger tires, install it. (My 17” 265’s are fine)
3. It will possibly degrade the "smooth" ride. (This truck’s ride is unbelievable! I would hate to change that!)
4. It will possibly degrade fuel economy. (I would rather increase fuel economy)
5. It will possibly cause greater injury to someone should a front end crash occur. (I would hate to do anything to my truck cause this)
6. It will cost around $300. (In my case, an imprudent investment)

So…….thanks for saving me $300! (I will spend it on performance enhancements)

Blake

 

Cant wait to see the mods you do chose. Good Luck!