Do These Leveling Kits Cause Premature Failure On Suspension Compents?for Example Tie Rods Or Ball Joints?

 

Before you get a barrage of flames...

This topic has been beaten to death... more than once... in these forums. Just do a search for "leveling kit" or "Autospring" and you should have plenty of reading material to keep you busy for a while.

But to make a very long story short... yes, there is the potential to cause premature failure of suspension components due to the extreme angles/stresses the spacers can put on the parts. However, every truck seems to be a little different and every driver is definitely different. Also, the size of the spacer you use plays into the equation as well. The 1.5" and 2" spacers seem to have less complaints than the 2.5" spacer because they create less extreme angles on the joints. Oh... and I think the concensus is to only buy the Autospring spacers with the offset design.

Hope this helps. I, too, have been debating on how to level out my '06 supercrew. I have pretty much settled on the 2" Autospring spacer with the offset design. I think the 285/70/17 BFG AT's that I want will look great on there.

Good Luck!

 

AS only sells the off set design I have the old design in a 2'' and im not having any troubles at all. I dont have extreme angles. I only have 10k on my truck and Ive been on long distance trips with kids and full load and havent had one problem. Even tire wear is good. The truck looks a 100x better, handles good, tracks straight and it feels the same way it did stock.

 

From all I've read here, and searched, it also depends a lot on the year your trying to put it on as well. The newer models have the spacer's available for them, but I drive an 03' Screw so the only thing I can get is an aftermarket torsion bar key, which I've heard absolutely nothing good about.

 

True -- now -- but I thought it would be best to be as thorough as possible in answering his question. People do sell the older style spacers -- both autospring and other brands -- new and used -- on eBay and other places. I wanted to be clear to Paxton428 that the concensus is the best spacer out there is the newer Autospring with the offset design. It's too easy to get tricked into buying a lesser quality imitation.


That's great for you... but like I said, every truck seems to be different. Each and every owner has a different story. Some only have highway miles... some are extreme off-roaders. The bottom line is, there is some risk to installing the leveling kits... no matter what brand and no matter how you drive your truck. To some degree , there is added stress put on your suspension. It's not stock... it's not doing what it was designed to do. However, as enthusiasts, we assume some of that risk when we decide to customize our trucks. It just comes with the territory. If you want to play it safe, drive it stock.

 

This is true but if you buy from AS you will not get the old style. And for the price why buy used you wont be saving much.

 

Geez dude... feeling argumentative today? Of course there is an argument for each and every scenario out there. I was only attempting to cover all the bases in one brief post so that Paxton wouldn't have to spend hours reading through the 1,563 threads dealing with this topic.

Again, based on the general opinions of many of the F150 Forums users, the bottom line is... no matter where you aquire it... no matter what you pay... no matter how you drive... no matter how many miles you put on your truck... no matter what temperature it is outside... no matter what side of the bed you woke up on... the Autospring spacer with the offset design is the best spacer currently on the market.

 

Relax, It worked for me and it was easy to install but as far as the best it all depends on who you ask. Everyone has there own personal opinions on why theirs is better.

 

Hey 05supercrew... my guess is that you didn't even read my original response to Paxton428 before jumping in to tell your own unique and personal story of your own truck. Allow me to repost it for your viewing pleasure. I'm pretty sure I said words like "consensus" and "every truck is different" and "potential to cause premature failure". I didn't write anything in stone. It was a very generalized response to a very general question about leveling kits to head Paxton in the right direction.

 

Thank You Guys For All Of Your Help And Input.i Think Ill Go With The As Offset Spacer.now I Just Need To Decide Whether To Go 2" Or 2 1/2".lol.

 

I wasnt arguing with you about any of the info you posted in fact I agreed with you. Then I stated ''My opinion''on what I thought about the AS. Because thats what we do here state our opinions. You have a lot to say for someone who hasnt even installed one yet.

 

Right, but my whole point was that there are at least 4,000 other posts from people just like you telling about your own unique experiences with various leveling kits. Some people love 'em, some people hate 'em. Having read nearly all of those posts in the last few months, I thought I'd save Paxton428 a little time and give him a brief synopsis of those 4,000+ posts.

 

Skrewit... you seem to be well educated in this matter so I'd like to pick your brain for a moment... I'll just steal this thread. Is this true only for the Supercrews or all Ford F150's in general? I would love to save some time trying to read through all of those... LOL! I'm curious... The leveling kit will bring the front end up equal to the rear...correct? A 2.5" will be dead even while a 2" may slightly sag lower than the rear end... correct? As far as correction... would purchasing the 4x4 suspension "lift blocks" level my truck or am I grabbing a can I don't dare open? If this is too much to post in here... just email me at Surfjunkie44@yahoo.com ... Thanks man!

 

ANYONE USE THE CCM OFFROAD 2.5 LEVELING KIT AVAILABLE ON EBAY?sorry 2 shout

 

No, but I do use an Autospring (original style) 2.5" and 315/70/17' BFG AT's on stock 17x7.5" rims.....24k miles later, no suspension problems and the truck drives great. Also, the wheels aren't a factor either if you're wondering how wide/large a tire you can go with.

I run mine at 48psi w/even tread wear and no rubbing, not even on the pig-trails I travel during deer season.