Ok, so i have an 04 f150 supercab fx4 and want to level the front end. I may or may not be putting a snowplow on it next year so I want something that will support the extra weight. My question is, is there another way to level the front end besides a leveling kit? Like new springs maybe? Also, i see leveling kits that are 2.5" and 3". Which one will actually level the front with the rear? Also, is there a way to lift the fonr and the back at the same time without actually using a lift kit? Like bigger springs in the front and blocks in the back? does that sound crazy? Sorry for all the questions. Thanks in advance!

 

I used TopGunz custom level. It was about 100 bucks and mine sits just about perfectly even, at times I want a 1in or so block in the rear just to rake it alil but I have had a few ppl tell me shes pretty level.

 

05lifted50,

You will probably want adjustable coilover struts up front. Several companies make them. Belltech, Rancho, Fox, Fabtech, King, Bilstein.....just to name a few. I only have experience with the Fabtech, and I like them. However, I have no basis for comparison. I have not tried all of them, so I can't tell you if one is better than the other. To date, I do not know of a magazine that has run a comparison, so you will probably not be able to locate any articles. If a member here has actually gone out and spent the money to buy them all, and then run each of them for 1,000 miles over varying terrain and conditions, then that guy should be able to tell you a lot more.

In the rear, you can use an add-a-leaf and/or airbags. I have the Explorer Pro Comp Add-A-Leaf. It is a long leaf. There are also short ones.

Good Luck,

5150



Lowering and Lifting Shocks
Belltech’s new lowering and lifting shocks provide you with the most efficient and flexible way to lower or raise the front end of your Ford Truck.

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Spring Distance Spacers
Belltech’s new application specific “Spring Distance lift spacers” are manufactured by a specialized injection process. Belltech offers an exclusive spacer system engineered with spring contours to dissipate the spring load evenly over the whole spacer surface. All spacers are designed to lift your Ford Truck by 1”. This could be used to lift your factory ride height as well to adjust an existing lowering. The ease of installation makes this a great 1” lifting solution!

A one inch "Spring Distance Spacer" is inserted between the top of the shock mount and spring to lift the ride height one inch.





Features:

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* Works with 33" tires on stock wheels & 35" tires on aftermarket wheels


# 6061 T-6 aluminum top plate mounts shock to the stock location with no cutting or welding
# A special fitting allows reservoir tube to come out the top of the shock for clearance

# Huge 1” spherical bearing is used for superior strength and durability
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# The rear shocks mount using the stock factory bolts
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The front features chromed Fox Racing Shox 2-1/2-inch coilovers with remote reservoirs and custom traction bars and lateral compression bars from Cognito Motorsports.

 

 

F4-BE5-C298-H1 Bilstein 5100 Offroad Racing Leveling Unit

Zinc-plated shocks that install like factory replacement shocks and are designed to correct the factory rake. The OEM spring seat is repositioned to provide more preload to the factory spring. The result is a level front to rear ride height. An extremely simple and effective solution, offering increased wheel travel while accommodating a 33" tire.

Applications available for numerous later model Chevrolet/GMC, Dodge, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota trucks and SUVs
**Ride height varies according to application.

Bilstein Preload Leveling unit. This part allows 0 to 2- inches of suspension lift. This is done by relocating the spring perch on the unit.

Bilstein 5100 series offroad Racing Unit.

5100's are specifically engineered for offroad and lifted vehicles.

14mm Hardened Chromed piston rod

One piece alloy rod guide & seal system

46mm piston with self-adjusting digressive valving

One piece seamless monotube shock body

Patented nitrogen chamber and floating dividing piston

360psi gas pressure

Depending on the vehicle chassis and race set-up, some modifications may be needed to adapt these to your suspension. See your offroad mechanic or lift kit manufacturer for specs.

Racing product: No warranty.

 

Since you havent already put a level kit in I would go w/ the adjustable front struts or coil over strut replacements... I have a 3" level kit in mine, but if I could do it all over again I would have spent the extra money up front and of bought the bilsteins, ranchos, fox, or fabtech's... P.S., my front sits higher than my back on my truck... I am about to put a rear 4" block on and 35's tho... so it will sit with a little bit of a front rake when Im done.

 

oh yeah, and for the back... you could do 1.5-2" add-a-leafs (rougher ride), rear block (3" or Pro Comp's 4" - as far I know they're the only ones who make a 4" rear block), or you could do the airbags (I hear Firestone's are pretty good).... w/ the aal's you will sacrifice ride quality, some guys like it, some don't (its just stiffer in the back)... Im not sure what the airbags would do ride quality wise, I believe a little bit rougher than stock if the bed is empty... But you can get the rear block, which will keep your stock ride, since its just raising the rear leaf springs up, not adding to them or stiffening the ride... Just my .002

 

WOW! Thanks a lot for all the input. My next question is if i choose new springs in the front instead of just the leveling kit, will they be strong enough to support a snowplow? Or should i stick with the leveling kit? Also, is 2.5" enough to level the front?

 

Im sorry I didnt respond earlier-

ya know, if you're doing a snow plow, I would do the level kit + bilstein shocks. That would give you the height you want, and the stiffness to keep the front from being weighed down. You can do both the level kit and bilsteins, but you need to keep the bilsteins at their 0" setting, otherwise you'll have too much stress up front

Let us know what you decide to do

-Bryan

 

oh yeah, and 2.5 should be good