I know this topic has been touched a million and one times, but I thought one more time cant hurt. Maybe I can reach someone who can give me more specific answers. I have a 2008 F350 crew cab short bed. I tow a 5th wheel camper off and on through out the summer. I currently have factory size tires (goodyear dura trac) on 2005 factory lariat rims. I have read a lot on leveling kits, but still have questions. Can/should I install a leveling kit to raise the nose of the truck if towing a couple dozen times a year? And if i did level the truck how do I fiqure out what size tires will fit on the truck and what offset will best work.....or is that best left to a tire shop? if any one is running such a set up, I would love to see pictures.

 

on my 06 F250 it sat a little to low..only 17" tires and the running boards would scrap off road.

I went to a 4x4 shop which is where you should go...got a 1" add a leaf for the rear and 2 1\2" spacer for the front coils and then a drop down item...can't remember right now for the drag link for the steering.

I also due to the increase got 4 new shocks for it.

 

It really depends on what you want to achieve with your truck. I carry a Lance slide-in camper onto the beach so I wanted some lift (but still watch the center of gravity) and wider tires to help with the beach sand flotation. I have an '08 F250 so the only difference you'll need to worry about is you probably won't need the same rear blocks that I needed. I installed a ReadyLift SST 2.5" Leveling Kit which included front spring spacers and spacer bushings, a cast track bar relocation bracket (to keep the front axle centered), a carrier bearing spacer (if needed) and new OEM style rear blocks (mine were 6" but the F350 takes 5"). I installed 4 - 37X13.5R-17 Toyo Open Country MT tires on 17X8 Helo HE842 wheels with 0mm Offset and 4.5" backspacing with no rubbing - here's two pictures of mine finished:





I hope this helps...

 

your truck looks sweet. What I am looking to achieve is a nose not aiming towards the ground, be able to put at least wider tires....i would not mind taller, but still be able to pull my fifth wheel camper somewhat level. I can raise up my hitch a couple more positions. We have the big trucks with these huge grills and the bumpers are to close to the ground making them look wimpy...unless you view it from behind.

 

Ford F350 Super Duty SST Lift Kit: 2008-2010, 4WD Only - 2.5"F/1.0"R

That's the same kit I have only for the F350 instead of F250 - it works great. I installed it myself and those 37's you see in my pictures fit with just the kit!

 

I like that kit. Seeing as I have 3?73 gears now...if I went up to a 35x12.50" tire, would I ned to worry about regearing to maintain towing weights?

 

I had no problem with mine when I went to 35's - the diesel could care less! However, now that I've gone up to 37's, I have noticed a difference - the Diesel still pushes the truck fine but I bet a gear change would make a difference with the bigger muds. You shouldn't worry though!

 

I think my ideal set up would be 35x12.50 tires on a 10" rim. Am I correct is saying that my stock size is 33", so a 35" would only be 1.5" taller from ground to center of wheel? Any idea what offset I would need to keep it from rubbing?

 

this is the one i was looking at, same kit except no rear blocks...i dont want/need to raise the rear of the truck.
Ford F250/F350 SUPER DUTY, 2008-2010, 4WD ONLY - 2.5" w/ track bar bracket

 

That kit is made for your truck - are you sure you have 2.5" difference from front to back? If not, the front will sit a little higher than the back... the blocks they provide for the F350 trucks are an inch shorter than the ones for the F250... just asking. I guess you could get the blocks after if it's too high in the front!

 

I appreciate your help and I know there is only so much one can answer. I guess my next question would be, what is the best way to measure the difference from front to back? Do i measure from ground to wheel opening?

 

I could just tell visually but ground to top center of each wheel opening should be the most accurate method. Mine sat a touch higher in the front because of my "snow plow package" front springs. I just put 8 - 9 lbs in the air bags and it sits perfect - I run 45 - 50 when the camper is on.

 

Hey Jim, hope you are making through the blizzard. Superduty, I am in the same boat it sounds like, and am watching the thread. I think I am leaning exactly the way you are, although I cant lift until I sell the old truck. This big of a truck sitting this close to the ground is plain wrong.

 

Jim and I on on opposite ends of the same state- this weather sucks. I get to go drive in it later. Had fun sliding all over the the companies E250.

 

It's been mostly rain since about 10:00 AM - got about 3" of snow and then it switched over. Roof is leaking in about 4 spots due to Ice Dams. S=I spent about 2.5 hours with an ax and a ladder removing as much of the damming as I could. I'd rather deal with 2 feet of snow than this crap!

Again, the snow, even back to back to back, I can handle but when it gets wet and heavy... ...hate it!

To both of you, as I think about my truck, with the 37's and that simple 2.5" leveling kit, I really have quite a step up to get in that guy. I can't imagine a 6" or 8" lift kit... the truck sits perfect for me the way it is! I think both of you guys will be happy with that kit