I'm new to the forum, and new to the Ford world. Sold my 2000 Tundra and bought an '05 F-150 Supercab 4x4, which I love!! I'm reading lots of threads about different ways to lift the front end. Maybe I'm just stupid, but why lift it??? I realize when it sits with no load, the front is slightly lower than the rear, but it looks good to me!

 

Good for you then.

 

Welcome to f150online. For some its to put larger tires on, but for most its just looks better level. To each his own.

 

Its purely a matter of taste...chocolate or vanilla...ford or chevy...black or white...leveled or stock!! So to each his own. I like both looks but prefer the front end lifted. So I will be lifting mine soon.

 

Congrats on the new 05 Supercab they’re one sweet ride!

 

I like the front end lower (stock). Better aerodynamics

BTW- DR, Good luck with your new truck. I almost bought a Tundra until I drove the Ford

 

Hah! I'm of just the opposite opinion. I think ALL the new trucks are too high, especially the 4X4's. I'm thinking of dropping the back of my Lariat a couple inches to get it closer to level, to reduce the huge gap in the empty wheelwell (where you can see daylight between the bed and frame) and to make it easier to reach stuff over the side of the bed. I don't want a low-rider, I just want a functional truck.

 

Yup.. raise the front end so it looks level BUT decrease aerodynamics, gas milage and get beat around the road more on windy days.. lol

 

I have enjoyed the stock ride.... ground clearance is sufficient

 

Those leveling kits aren't the greatest on the front CV angles either. I haven't looked at them much but I assume they are just coil spacers or adjustable coils which in the long run will decrease the life of your front cv boots. My local dealer had one leveled out with coil spacers and the fins on the boots were touching.

 

Wow! Can't believe all the responses I received in a short time. Thanks for all the opinions. Looks like everything else, no real concensus. Some feel that leveling reduces aerodynamics, mileage and ride quality; but may improve the looks. Guess I'll stay stock for the time being. Thanks and look forward to checking out this site frequently

 

I consider myself in the minority crowd by wanting to keep mine stock. A lot of people like to customize their truck with accessories, leveling kits, etc... To each their own, when it comes to appearance. But, the rear end of the truck sits higher for a reason, so it doesn't sag when you put 1000lbs in the back of it. Whoever buys a truck, not to hall or tow anything probably has more money than intelligence. In my opinion, keep it stock so you don't look like a moron, with the rear end sagging, when you really need to use your truck.

 

Im all about "using" a truck for what its made for but I still like the way it looks with the leveling kits. I still have a nice 1 in rake whcih comes out perfect for when I tow this beast - http://www.jmcamper.com/seadoo/utopia185.htm
it only drops the rear a suprising 3/4 in.... So even with a full load and the leveling kit its techincally not perfectly level. Long story short: rake is good, 3" on the other hand is a little to much for me!

 

Actually, the front end sitting lower than the rear has nothing to do with the truck sitting level when its loaded.

Its in response to NHTSA "requesting" that large vehicles have frame and bumper structures closer in line with that of passenger vehicles to try to cut down on fatalities when a truck such as the F150 rear-ends or broadsides a car like a Toyota Camry. Too many trucks rolling right over cars and decapitaing people and such.

Its not unlike the "voluntary" 186 MPH speed restrictions now self-imposed by the Asian motorcycle manufacturers. Basically Big Brother says police yourselves or we will police you.

Expect to see lower front ends on large vehicles becoming more and more common.

Also, I seriously doubt a 2" lift is going to have a dramatic affect on the aerodymics or fuel economy of a 6000 lbs truck.

I haven't lifted mine because I am afraid of what it might do to the ride, but I'm not overly fond of the "low" look in the front. I guess I got used to my '98 Dodge 4x4 which sat well over a foot higher stock.

 

Ever been to Florida?