Hello, I have a 2005 f150 and would like to know what the cons are of getting a 2" leveling kit. I don't know which kind I should get either. Any info would be great!
Thanks

 

Get an Autospring from eBay, I got the 2" powder-coated one for my 2006. They're arguably the best (tons of the guys on here run them and they're a site favorite), and also happen to be one of the cheapest at around $75. They're a smaller company from the Midwest and make everything right here in the USA.

Cons are slightly accelerated ball-joint wear, but with a 2", it's not bad at all. 2.5" is worse, but still not terrible. 3" starts messing them up pretty bad and blowing them out quickly. Another con may be a slightly firmer ride, but I noticed zero change. Some say it rides worse afterwords, most don't. Then lastly, if you absolutely beat the hell out of the truck offroad every single day for years, the spacer could bend. But other than those, go for it!

 

Best to consult with your nearest ford dealership for the best brand. As for Cons you will probably be putting bigger tires on which will cause added stress to your front end and lower gas mileage. Personally I think that they look awesome and is worth it. Good luck with making your choice but just remember it is YOUR &%(@ing truck and do what ya want with it.

 

Lower gas mileage is indeed another con, and probably the most important/"bad." Great catch and point! But your Ford likely dealership isn't gonna know jack about which level is best, and may just to say not to put one on. And any offroad shop is just going to push whatever they're carrying and have the biggest mark-up for them.

 

If you install a spacer on top of your strut your Truck should ride the same afterwards. The handling will be changed a little due to the higher ride height.

 

Thanks for the answers! Would this one work? http://autospringcorp.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_5&product s_id=7

 

That'll work! I'd get this one though if their website doesn't have free shipping, just because it has free shipping and ends up being cheaper. Same exact product though.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AUTO-SPRING-PC-2004-08-FORD-F-150-2-Front-Lift-Kit-/131095041669?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item1e85df9685

 

Thank you! I will use this one then

How much do you think having someone install it for me would cost? I have no mechanic experience and don't have all the parts to do it...

 

Remember with an 04-05 4x4 the 2" is going to leave you with some factory rake, the 2.5" will level things out. When I did mine 7 years ago they charged me $250 for the install plus the alignment. As popular as level kits have become you might be able to find it cheaper.

 

To start, an alignment should be around $90. Then it all depends on where you take it to and what their hourly rate it. I wouldn't allow anyone to bill you for over two hours of labor, and would hope for less. <= 2 hours is what I recall others being charged, but I'm sure some have paid much more and some have paid less. But if I had a lift and air tools, I feel I could do it myself (with occasional help) in two hours time, and I'm no mechanic, just too cheap to pay someone else to do it haha. So for 2 hours @ $80, plus $90 for alignment, Dog 'em's price is right in the range I would expect. Offroad-type shops that install lifts, etc. would be my best guess at getting it done for cheaper, but some of those places will only install products they sell to you.

I think 2" will put you right at level, and maybe even slightly nose-high depending on how tight your rear end still is (lol). I personally hate when trucks are nose-high, and my 2" kit made my 06 that way cause my leafsprings have gotten a little squished from towing or something over the years. Some prefer dead level or nose-high, but I feel at least .5" is necessary for it to look right. I now have 2" rear blocks as well (mine is 2WD) and about 1" of rake and like how it looks.

 

I agree that 2.5" would look better. Try to check out Ready Lift as well. I know some guys have it and seems that they are happy with the result and quality.

 

Thanks for the suggestion!
Ready lift just seems really expensive for a leveling kit... $200 WOW!

 

When I had my '04 Lariat I ran a 2 1/2" Daystar leveling kit...the '04's sat so high in the rear the 2 1/2" was needed. This picture was taken over 8 yrs ago and truck had 17x9 wheels with 315x70x17 BFG TA/KO's.

 

Triple the price, and for aluminum, which I don't care for. The aluminum ones are thicker and cast/cnc, not welded, so that's the upside.

2.5" looks better, but only (to me) when adding height to the rear as well. Every truck is different though. And it adds more stress to the front end.

 

Thanks everyone!

Just one more question. Where would be the best place to get them installed?