Well I've always found great input here, so here's my dilemma -

About a year ago I leveled my 2005 F150 (4x2), and I've been happy since, but...

...The truck sits within about 1/4" level on a level surface, but with any load in the bed (let alone a trailer) the back end sags pretty bad. Now short of going with an air bag set up (I don't tow enough to justify the cost) would I be better off adding a leaf spring or a 1", 1.5", 2", etc. block in the rear end? I don't really care if it sits perfectly level, the back end can be higher and I'll still be happy. (The 2wd just looks too low w/o the front level kit! I would love to do a lift and larger tires but I drive way too many miles for this to be an option unfortunately.)

I also know that I'm about due for some new shocks, but will handle that later (maybe at the same time as the potential AAL/block install if it'll be cheaper) - I've got about 56k on them now..

Any drawbacks to either set up? Any benefits? If I went with a block, how big?

Thanks guys!

 

I'm in the same boat as you. I have a toolbox in the back and this weekend I had a 2" pump, 120 ft. of hose and a couple cans of gas and diesel and the truck sagged pretty bad. And, I only have a 2" level kit. I'd like to raise the rear about an inch. I'm thinking about changing out my blocks with the 4wd blocks which I understand are 1" taller.

 

Well I did a little bit of research last night and will probably go with the AAL sometime in the near future.

If I understand everything correctly, a 1" (or 1.5, 2, hell a 5" even) block will raise the back end, but will not actually stiffen up the suspension. If I were to add a 1" rear block it would still sag just as much with a load in the bed, but just start sagging 1" higher - the suspension will still be compressed - not so fun when going over bumps or on the highway!

The AAL will actually raise the back end slightly, as well as "stiffen" the rear suspension, which will hopefully resist the sagging somewhat. Then I could always go with a block after that point if I'm still not quite happy

Any other thoughts/ideas on this? Am I way off base?

Thanks!

 

If you wanted to level the truck overall, or just raise the rear slightly, then yeah defintely just go with a block. Since you plan on having a load in the back again, I'd go with the AAL since it will stiffen up the rear and increase the height just like the block would. I have 2.5" AS leveling kit up front in my '07 4x2, and judging from the looks on a level surface, my truck sits about .5" to 1" higher in the front. I plan on getting blocks for now since they're relatively inexpensive, but do plan on going with a AAL by the end of the year. Good stuff!

 

You are correct about the block not making the back stiffer. If you are towing, go with the AAL which will make your back higher/stiffer.

 

Will a universal block work or does it have to be specific for 07 F150 2wd. Rough Country has them for around $50. I also saw some for cheaper on other sites, but I am scared to use a cheap block. Any suggestions and will the cheaper material hold up?

 

Thought about this myself. I was going to just buy some 2" blocks from the local parts store, but wondered if they'd work. I know there are two different kinds of u-bolts. Free bump for an answer.

 

The AAL gets my vote.

 

I recommend the Add-A-Leaf. When towing or carrying loads, you will have an extra leaf to distribute the extra weight on. It just makes more sense than to put that weight onto a block.

I have the Pro Comp Add-A-Leaf & Front Coil Spring Spacers.

 

A place on e-bay has 2 wheel drive shackels for around $ 70.00 . They are shorter and lifts the rear about 1 1/2 inchs. Not supposed to hurt ride at all.