I am trying to decide if I should install a leveling kit on my 2010 F-250 Fx4 or just leave it alone. My main concern is ride quality. I have had lifted trucks for many years and frankly I am tired of being beaten to death. But on teh other hand I am unhappy with the look of my truck. I would like to lift it without losing ride quality. Am I right to assume that installing a leveling kit will make the front suspension lose its travel and make the ride rough. Any input will be greatly appreciated.
first off if you are unhappy with the look of a truck of that stature, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT
and yes a leveling kit is where its at, doesnt compramise ride quality, but it would suggest getting longer front shox. you will never know the diff..
I 'm working on it.
I found a few kits I like they range in size from 1.5 to 3 inches. I am pretty much sold on the 3" front and 2" rear (blocks) it comes with all the U bolts, brake line relocaters and that kind of stuff. Would that small of a kit require new shocks?
Stumpbuster runs a lower perch spacer. It's just a block of aluminum that goes between the axle the and the spring perch, with a longer bolt holding it all together. Effect on ride quality: zero. Same goes for top hat spacers that sit on top of the spring. They just move things downward an inch or two, but don't change how the spring or shock feel. As far as how the suspension cycles, you aren't going to get more range, but it shouldn't cut it down to less than what you have now.
For better ride quality, Icon makes progressive rate coils that are softer at the standard ride height and stiffer at the bottom. The result is less-harsh cycling while driving, but as the suspension compresses the rate increases and you won't bottom out as hard/ at all.
To improve on what you have, you can do some other changes in addition to a spacer type elveling kit. Front suspension feel has a lot to do with your shocks, and your spring rates. I have 6000# front coils with semi-worthless shocks, and it rides like a dump truck. My dad has 5200# coils and stiffer shocks and it rides significantly better. Check the VIN tag by the driver's door latch on the pillar for you Front GAWR, that tells you your stock spring rate. If you already have lighter springs, than to make the ride better you have to either 1) replace with a progressive spring, or 2) spring for some Rancho 9000s so you can mess with the adjustable shock settings. If you have heavier front springs, you can drop in lighter stock springs paired with a spacer.
Any way you decide to go (level kit, whatever), buy new, longer shocks, and don't do the extenders that comes with cheaper kits. Stock shocks suck in general, so making them do more than they were meant to isn't going to help them feel any better. Look into Rancho RS-9000XLs shocks; the other popular brand is Bilstein, but their 5100 series has a reputation for being more stiff than some people like on the road.
I installed the Bilstien kit, it came with new springs and the 5100 series shocks. The ride quality is better IMHO that the stock set up I had, 6000lb springs and Rancho branded shocks.
The ride is a little stiffer but the truck is way more responsive and doesnt feel as mushy with the new shocks and springs. If your on a budget spacers are the way to go, I just dont prefer them
Sarge
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Banks Techni Cooler / Banks Big Mouth Intake Pipe
MBRP Turbo Back Exaust Cat Delete
Dash Daq w/ Ford Enhanced / Innovative Tuned
Bilstien Leveling Kit 5100's / DiPricol Optix Guages
Diesel Site Coolant Filter / Air Lift Air Bags
DiPricol Optix Gauges in A-Pillar
I just got the last of my parts. I ordered the dual rate spring it from Top Gun Customz, 4 new Pro Comp shocks, new steering stabilizer, trac bar drop bracket. By time i was done with that I could have gotten a 4 inch kit. But I just wanted it done right. I also bought new wheels and Terra Grappler tires. Hoping to have it all installed next week.
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