I want to level my 06 4x4. What's the best way to do this? Should I raise the front end or lower the rear? I'm not interested in a lowrider or a some kind of car crushing monster truck. Just level.

 

In the end it will be your choice. Some level the 2" or 2.5" leveling kits other hate them. I went with the autospring and haven't looked back...

 

I went with a 2" AS level kit, but others have done 2" lowering shackles out back. It's your choice. Pick your poison.

 

Of the two choices, which one will affect the ride more. Also, which one is the cheaper and the easier install? And lastly, which has more tendency to create problems? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

both methods yield the same relative ride quality-- you're either adding a spacer to the front, or removing a block from the rear to level the truck... if you are looking for a more rugged, agressive stance go for the autospring- if you like the street look more, take out your rear block to level... problem wise..well some people are having ball joint problems with the leveling kits- personally, i've had a 2.5" leveling kit on for just under 20,000 miles, and for just over a year- i drive 75/25 low grade dirt roads/town-highway and have had no problems with my truck at all

 

I used the 2" autospring, It caused my ball joints to go bad and it destroyed one of my half shafts. It pushed everything down and make everything a wierd angle. I have a friend who used the style that actually goes inside the spring and his looks alot better than mine. everything is still at almost factoy angles plus his is 2.5". If your gonna go with a leveling kit, I'd go with style 2. Just my oppinion though.

 

What's the downside if I go with the shackles and lower the rear 2"?

 

The back of the truck.

 

Man, I can't believe I didn't see that one coming! Anyway... is there any potential problems with the lowering shackles?

 

there arent too many problems other than the obvious 'clearance' issues if you decide to stuff the wheel wells with massive rims& tires and like to see how much your suspension flexes
some people with drop shackle kits have developed driveline vibrations/body shake whcih some have been able to resolve with shim kits- others haven't been able to fix the vibe until they removed the drop kit...

 

Thanks for the info. I'm sticking with the stock tire and wheel size, I just want a better look. Can you suggest a good place to buy the shackles?

 

DJM makes a good kit- truthfully (since im leveled, not dropped--and couldn't give you a good answer, i'd suggest going to the 04-present forum, and doing a search of that forum- heres a link from my seach: DJM drop shackle
https://www.f150online.com/forums/se...earchid=600000
also try 'lowering kit'

good luck

 

Thanks for the point in the right direction. I guess I just assumed I was the only one that didn't know about this stuff. Next time, I won't waste anybodys time and just do the search first. I appreciate all the advice.