I recently bought a 3" leveling kit for my 05 f150, when I went to install it I found that the angle on everything (c-v axle, tie rod) was pretty harsh but I kept tryin. It all worked out until I went to reinstall the upper control arm into the top of the spindle, the upper control arm had to be pulled down so far it was rubbing on the strut coil. I was following the instructions... is it supposed to be like that? Would it be worth buying a longer upper control arm or spindle?

 

shoulda done your research. the 3" kits are horrible on the front driveline. everything is pushed to its limit as far as angles go. 2.5" is the absolute max you should go.

 

I agree. Unfortunately, you've found another drawback to the 3 inch kits.

 

Yep, go 2 1/2" or go to the rancho 4" but thats a big jump in price,,,,,

 

Does anyone know of a longer spindle though? Cause I'm not into putting 33's on my truck, just want my options before I go putting a 2.5" on or spending alot more on a full lift.

 

answer these questions and well be able to help you out much more

1) 2x4 or 4x4
2) what size tires do you want to fit
3) whats your price limit

 

Not really aware of any longer spindles that will work with what you are trying to achieve. Aftermarket suspension lift spindles would be much too long.

 

Its 4x4, Im looking for a 35" tire (toyo makes a 285/75/18 which works out to 34.8x11.2). As for price ?

 

Just buy a 2 or 2.5 inch Autospring leveling kit.

 

3'' is too much lift on an independent front w/o a subframe/dropdown brackets. the proper way of raising the suspension of an IFS setup is to drop the whole front axle, differential and everything to compensate for the subframe lift. this provides a true 4,6, or 8'' of lift w/o putting more preload, and thus more strain on your suspension. the stock geometry, therefore, is retained.

when a leveling kit is bolted on, the lower control arm is pushed down, and puts the cv's and ball joints at a harsh angle, as the differential remains in the stock mounts.

what is best for you depends on how much you want to spend. after ****ing around w/ leveling the front end out, and a body lift, i finally came to the conclusion that only a full suspension lift would meet my standards.

 

How thick is the actual spacer you tried to install? What is the brand?