Hi, new here. I just ordered a 3.5" leveling kit for my 05 f150 4x4. I plan on running 35x18x12.5 nitto mud grapplers on the fuel lethal rims. I want as much stance as possible without any major trimming. What I am wondering is if I should go with the 18x9 with a -12 offset and 4.50 backspacing, or a +1 offset and 5.0 backspacing? Which option gives me the most stance without rubbing?

 

The only thing I can tell you is that 3.5 level is gonna kill your front end suspension. Your angles will be sever and you'll go through ball joints like crazy. You should put a 2" level up there. Even a 2.5" level will wear out front end parts faster.

 

I doubt you'd even be able to bolt it back together with a 3.5" leveling kit.

 

I am dead serious, return that level immediately. I highly, highly doubt you'll even be able to get your coilovers back in with that on top. And in the event that you can, you ball joints will pop 5 miles down the road and your UCAs will smack the coils every single time you go over the slightest bump in the road.

3.5" levels shouldn't exist, 3" levels are really bad, 2.5" levels are fine, but too much for me, and I have a 2" level. 2" or 2.5" is what I'd get if I were you. I'm not criticizing you for getting a 3.5" level, cause you're not gonna know without asking or researching, just making sure you know I'm serious about not putting that on your truck.

I'd go 18x9 +1 for Mud Grapplers if you want the least amount of rubbing.

 

Yep, a 3.5 inch leveling kit is insane.

 

Obviously these fellas haven't tried one yet. I put a Heavy Metal 3.5 " leveling lift on my 06 lariat last spring looks great and works great and absolutely no difference in handling. This lift has offset top mount to help correct for the more extreme angle.

 

Take pictures of your angles then.

 

I agree. I'd love to see the ball joint angles. If someone had invented a better mousetrap, awesome! I'd love to hear more about it. But F-150 owners figured out about a decade ago that 2.5 inches is the absolute limit for a leveling kit on the 04+ trucks. Heck, it's not unusual for a completely stock truck's ball joints to be shot at 40k miles!!

 

Haven't tried a 3.5" level, no, cause I'm not crazy. It's hard enough getting the front end back together with a 2" level. No "offset top" is going to make your balljoint angles any better. I've only seen 3" level angles in person and those were enough to make me cringeeee.

 

I am interested in stance shots with that 3.5" level also ontop of ball joint and CV angles.

Stick to 2.5" as the maximum leveling spacer. Everything will only keep wearing out prematurely. Just throw your cash in the toilet if you wanna P it away.

As far as running 35"s without a actual suspension lift, you will want to stick with as little offset as possible for turning clearance up front. -12 will poke out nice and look bull dog and boss, however, you will be rubbing on the fender and possibly frame even after trimming the plastics down. I would say a 34" type tire ( 295/70-18 ) would be a better fit for a leveled truck with -12 offset wheels.

 

I had absolutely no problem put it in and back together. Dropped the lower control and removed the shock everything popped right back in. Not a certified ford tech but my vehicle's only go to the garage for inspections. Spent maybe an hour a side but i was taking my time.

 

BTW - 'offset top' is an attempt to correct for control arm contact only- will have No Effect on correcting the extreme BJ/CV/tierod angles. Reckon an alignment is also necessary.

Yep - yer no tech, aight. Ye haven't a fekkin' clue, actually - just another hucklebum fallin' fer their garbage marketing, looking fer a cheap-ayss fix, to avoid spending more and doing it correctly

bUt HeY! - They DO throw in this FREE Cool decal - must be legit, eh?

==> http://www.ebay.com/itm/04-08-Ford-F150-3-5-MAX-Full-Lift-Leveling-Kit-4X4-2WD-/350482910554?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item519a68cd5a
Waitin' fer dem pics,

 

Will post pix when the weather breaks. But even if you are correct o' wise one (have had them on for a year now with no issues) at rate of one set of ball joints a year I could buy 21 sets left and right for what it would cost to "DO IT RIGHT " with a suspension lift. Ya'll do what you want I'm extremely happy with my set up. By the way the sticker looks killer

 

Good one ............. I too would like to see pics of your truck and the angles, have heard allot of opinions but have never heard from someone who actually had this much lift from a level kit. Glad to hear you have had no issues thus far but how much off road driving have you done since installing it ? I am also curious as why their webpage says it is not compatible with an FX4 or extended cab trucks ? Is there a difference in the front end components from an FX4 and your Lariat ?

 

Buddy of mine had a 3.5" level on his 05. and in the matter of like 6 months has gone thru 3 pair of CV axles. But he was smart enough to un install his level..I have a feeling you are too hard headed to follow suit.