I have a question for those of you who use your truck for truck like activities :-) I realize that the leveling kits are to bring the front end up and "level" with the rear. Before discovering this great forum and its members, I never really notice that the back of my truck has a slight "jacked" look to it. (thanks)

My questions goes to the members who have installed a leveling kit on an otherwise factor truck (no lift kits). When towing, does the front end now look higher than the rear? Case in point: check out my photo gallery. In there you will see a profile of my truck by itself. Yes, the rear sits higher. Now check out some of the profiles with the mustang in tow. Now the truck sits level b/c of the added weight of the trailer and car. If I installed a leveling kit, would my front end look higher than my rear end every time I towed something?

Thanks

 

yep that situation exists- to alleviate that, some users have put air-ride suspension in the rear, or an add-a-leaf to stiffen up the back-end- all my truck tows right now are a couple 600# waverunners, and maybe a few hundred lbs of 'stuff' in the bed during the summer and i still sit level

 

When you have 2k+ lbs of stuff in your bed the back will sag a bit, but I've never noticed any rake while towing. Even if the back of the truck did sag a little, it would still be worth it to have a level look when not towing/hauling anything since you drive without a load more than you do with.

 

I installed the 2.5" autosprings leveling kit and my truck sits perfectly level. I then installed Firestone airbags under the rear for towing my mustang. I put about 20-30lbs of air in the bags and my truck sits perfectly level with my trailer and mustang behind it. Best price on the airbags i could find was summit racing. Easy install. I also ended up buying an onboard compressor but have not had time to install it yet.

here is a pic of my truck with the airbags hauling a friends project stang

<huge picture removed - 2nd time - please start a f150online.com gallery or resize your pics before posting -- I don't mind a 'larger' picture but poster-sized stuff will always be removed here as a courtesy to other members -RP>

 

Autospring 2.0 redesign here with skyjacker AAL.



The factory rake look is back as you can see in the pic.

The truck loads nicely while towing and you are not bull doggin' in the front. I am not a fan of riding around with the front jacked up higher than the back, even with a load on the rearend.

 

I tow a 7K toyhauler and my headlights do point towards the sky. Lots of ppl flash there lights thinking I have my brights on. It isnt bad enough to where I loose handling and I have spring bars for the trailer so it isnt all that bad. It is worth the look of having it level 95% of the time vs. when I tow.

 

Ive got the 2.5" AS and the 1.5" skyjacker AAL and I have pulled cars and equipment w/ the car hauler or our enclosed trailer and it always levels out perfectly with the AAL. No handling problems and the lights arent up in the trees!

 

So for those who have the AS AND the AAL, have you noticed any discernable difference in ride quality when not towing? I simply love the way the truck travels now. So much more car like than my previous 2000 Lariat. I assumed that the AAL would stiffen the ride up a bit??

Ford2004F150 – So I read that you have both the AS & the AAL and your truck has the original look of being slightly higher in the back. Were these mods a necessity for the larger tires on your truck?

Thanks so much for all the first hand experiences. I value the opinions of those who are using the products I’ve considered and really tow with their trucks. So it looks like this : If I want to level my truck, I have to have it azz down when towing. I could correct the azz down attitude by installing the AAL, but then I am back to square 1 again when not towing.

 

I have the AS 2.5" level kit with Skyjacker 1.5" add a leafs, noticed just a small amount of stiffness when empty but is great when pulling my boat.

 

Man... Your rear end is really lifted. Looks like a major lift kit. Do you really like that look? To me you have such a nice truck but it looks totally "Redneck" Like something uncle Jessie would be driving... Not to be judgemental but that is not stylish at all. What is the purpose?

 

If you dont want it to squat then $300 buys you a set of firestone airbags. Bolt on, easy install, wont affect ride when you arent towing, keeps you level and improve handleing when you are.

 

$300 wow. That's an affordable mod. I just assumed airbags were so much more. Are there any modifications which need to be made to install them?

 

ok- was able to resize.... this is the only decent pic i have of a car and trailer hooked to my truck. If you look close my truck is still sitting completely level. When I had my mustang on the trailer without the airbags my headlights where pointing to the moon!!



Like I said... summit racing-

here are the firestone air bags I have

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

$230!!

They are simple to install. Bolt on install. When deflated (min of 5psi) the truck rides completely stock and completely level with my 2.5" front leveling kit.

Hook up to a load and put some air in the bags.... still rides great, and still rides level.

Drive the truck with air in the bags... looks more factory raked and rides like a superduty...

 

I had a hellwig sway bar and rancho's 9000's added at the time of the install... to me the ride got better vs stock. But keep in mind my truck is a FX4 and the stock shocks are different that you lariat's.
Also my truck is a 133" wheel base.

I got the AS to fit bigger wheels and tires... the AAL to restore the rake and for towing and handling.

Before:


After:

 

I have a daystar with a 2.5 and it sits fairly level when towing this it was about 6500lbs. I also have the weight distribution hitch.