So I wasted the better part of my Saturday trying to figure out how to get my 2.5" AS Leveling Kit installed on my 09 FX4. Even with a spring compressor, there is not enough space to get the strut assembly seated. I can get the bottom in the bracket and then the top won't go, or I can get the top in position and the bottom won't go.

My question is for anyone that has actually installed a 2.5" AS kit in their 09+...did you get things to work, and if so, how? I've tried everything that I could think of and nothing seems to work.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I've got a brand new truck on stands sitting in my driveway.

 

Been there, done that. I know what you are feeling! The 2.5 inch kit is a bear to get re-installed. On my truck, the hub had to be removed in order for the assembly to go back into place. Just make sure you don't bind the brake line. It's a pain in the rump, but once you do one side, the other will be a breeze. Don't drive too long without getting the alignment adjusted.

 

I guess i'm gonna have to teach myself how to remove the hub, good times.

 

I know it sucks.....but it appears to be the issue with the 2.5 inch kits....it only needs a smidge more and it would go in.....I was damn near standing on the breaker bar trying to get that thing back in.

Take a break and then go back out....

 

Hopefully it's a one-man job. Are there any how-to's floating around out there so I'm not feeling it out in the dark?

 

Here is a great write up. Hope it helps.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/su...t-install.html

 

I had to call it quits. I spent a few more hours out there trying to shove things where they needed to go with no luck. I guess I'll have to take it to a shop and have them do it. It's always disappointing when you think you can handle something and it doesn't work out.

09+ Owner's Be Warned!! The 2.5" AS Leveling Kit is a Beast!!

 

From my readings here a 2.5" kit will make the front end higher than the rear. Sounds as if the 2" kit makes it sit perfectly level. But different cab configurations can account for 1/4" to 1/2" easily in different stances up front.

 

Right. Not every turck has the same stance so some will have better results with the 2.5 inch kits.

 

I see you are from Ft. Bragg - you could go to the post auto craft shop and do it there? I know someone would be able to help you remove the hub. it looks like a real job to get off, but I swear it was like 25 minutes each side. Well, maybe the first side was a little longer than the other side.

No worries and when you are done, it'll be well worth it. And the kit will settle after a little while, so if you are sitting a little higher in the front, give it some time. Post some pics when you are done.

 

Unfortunately, the Bragg Auto shop is no longer operating, so that's out. I'll have to see what the guys at the offroad shop want to charge for the install. I also have a readylift block kit for the rear to bring it up a notch. Unlike most, I don't really mind the rake of the truck and I'm just looking for a little more clearance all around.

 

ok JCU bolt the leveling kit to the spring. Put the bottom in....Then use a rachet strap to compress the spring assy. insterting it back in then taking another rachet strap to compress the uper and lower so you can get it bolted back together. I hope this can help.

ive found that a rachet strap will work better than the spring compressor just make sure that you use a decent strap.

 

Well, I gave it one more go myself. Used the spring compressors while the front-end was still on the ground, to make it easier on myself. I popped both the upper and lower ball-joints as well. I even wedged myself into the fender well, put my entire weight down onto the lower A Arm, etc..., but still needed maybe another 1/4" for the lower part of the strut to slide into it's bracket.

So, I went to a local 4x4 shop just to see what they wanted for the install and they quoted me $400. To go from an $80 project to a $480 project was not going to happen. So, I have since decided to wait and go the full suspension lift route. One door closed is another door open.

 

I'd say shop around....you can find someone to do it for about $100.....heck there may be some other forum members close to you. Don't give up on it!

 

I got mine in without removing the hub. I used a spring compressor, ratchet strap, and a pry bar. This was before autospring even knew there was a problem so I had no choice but to force it in. There are other feasible methods for installing it yourself. Do some searching, reading, and give it another shot.