I am new to 4x4 trucks but I just bought a 05 FX4 screw. This is what I know.... Leveling kits raise the front end up and "level" out the truck.
My questions:

1. Is there a certain leveling kit I should get if I am going to get a 6" lift later down the road?

2. What size is best 2", 2.5" ?

3. Why is a truck not level from the factory?

4. How much should I expect to pay for an install? ( I dont have any tools to do it and its just easier to pay someone to do it right. And it needs to be aligned anyway)

 

the answer for #3
Because when you tow something your front of your truck won't be up in the air, so they have the front low so it evens the truck out so you can see.

 

1. I'd say get the Autospring since it goes on top of the coil spring. The Daystar actually requires disassembly of the coil shock itself. Much easier and cost effective to go AS, IMO.

2. As far as what size is best, that's all personal preference. As a general rule, though, if you have the 18" wheels/tires then go 2.5" and if you have the 17" wheels/tires then go 2". Either way, the truck will look (and perform) a LOT better.

3. It has nothing to do with towing or you not being able to see. The *** ends of trucks are commonly higher than the front (and not just on Fords) because of the bed. Where do you put most of the weight when you haul something large and/or cumbersome? In the bed. If it had anything to do with towing, then the trucks with no tow package would be level and others wouldn't. At least that's my opinion. It has everything to do with when you load the bed down with recommended payload, it absorbs the energy from the extra unsprung weight of the crap in the bed, whether it is rocks, sand, dirt, ATV's, or whatever.

4. I am not sure. I installed my leveling kit with the help of another forum member here. Depending on your time frame, you may be able to find a shop to do it for as little as $200 or so. I'm not sure.

Good luck!

 

I would suggest the Auto Spring kit, with this kit you could use it with your 6" lift to get even more height if you want.

If you never haul or tow anything, get the 2.5". But if you are going to be actually useing the truck get the 2". I got the 2.5" but I also put airbags under the rear so that it won't sag with hauling/towing.

Since trucks are ment for hauling and towing. With the factory rake when you put a load in the bed of the truck or on the hitch the truck will sit level or atleast close to it.

I can't remember if I paid 120 or 140 to get mine installed. I really wanted to do it myself but at the time I was really busy with work and just wanted the kit put in.

 

1. Is there a certain leveling kit I should get if I am going to get a 6" lift later down the road?
Answer: I am not sure, but thought that a levelling kit will be removed with most lift kits, but I might be wrong. I don't have a lift installed to answer this for certain.

2. What size is best 2", 2.5" ?
Answer: Probably depends on brand. I went with a Daystar at 2.5" and it's perfectly level.

3. Why is a truck not level from the factory?
Answer: It's called "rake" and most likely the reason they do it is to help with aerodynamics and mileage. I would say that the payload and towing probably are secondary reasons too.

4. How much should I expect to pay for an install? ( I dont have any tools to do it and its just easier to pay someone to do it right. And it needs to be aligned anyway)
Answer: I paid about $220 total for my kit and installation, which included the alignment you must have after installation.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

thanks everyone for clearing those things up.

 

None, you don't want to stack a leveling kit on top of a lift... But if you want a leveling kit while you save up to do a full lift, I would STRONGLY suggest you go with Autospring.

Depends on what you like. I have a 2.5", and have had no trouble with it in 30+ K miles..

Several reasons... They are all called rake, and most vehicles have them, for some reason Ford choses to make the rake on their pickups excessive in my opinion...

#1. Rear spring compression under load. The idea is to keep the nose level when the truck is loaded up. I found the rake to be excessive.
#2. Aerodynamics / fuel efficiency... Lower frontal profile = less drag = better MPG in theory. Not function though...
#3. Impact compatibility with passenger cars. Have you noticed newer 4x4s are much lower to the ground than their 1970s counterparts? That is to get the bumper closer to where an ecconobox would be. We lose function because somebody just HAS to put their lives, and our liberty in jeopardy to get 5mpg more.. The '08 Super Duty front end design is a prime example of where the manufacturers are going with this idea. It's to make trucks less hazzardous to microboxes.

Personally I think they ought to be concentrating on making the scooters safer...

Call your local shops. It varies, but I have heard anywhere from $200.00 on up...

 

I'm late but everyone hit the nail(s) on the head. . Good job guys.