I am new to the pick-up truck arena and need some advice. After struggling with whether to purchase a ford or chevy, I chose the 2004 Ford f150 FX4. Having read some of the posts relating to leveling kits I am unclear regarding the following: which kit is the best?
can any tire store install the leveling kits?
are urethane devices know to squeak?
what tire size and mfg. is the recommended choice by most?

thanks!

 

Hey thdavid, congratulations on your new purchase! I've asked some questions of my own on the subject, and after getting no replies did some investigating on my own. I think I'm going w/ the autospring (autospring.com)(either 2" or 2 1/2"). Theirs are made of metal, it looks like daystar is plastic and from what I heard, urethane eventually squeeks.I would guess a GOOD tire shop could handle the install. I'm going to do mine myself.I'm probably going to wait till nxt year on the larger tires, so I have no idea as to size everyones running. Hope this helps you.

 

Seems like 33" tires are the limit with the leveling kits, although I've heard of people running 35" tires...

I'm personally going with this combo for the FX4..

-Autospring 1-5/8" spacer (2" lift)
-Eagle Alloy 187's 18" X 9" with 5" backspace
-Nitto Terra Grappler 325/60/18.. (33")...

The nice thing about the Autosprings.. you do not need a spring compressor to put the spacers in, since they mount above the strut... The daystars sit above the spring, so disassembly of the strut is necessary...

 

Killer04FX4, what made you decide on the 2" lift vs the 2 1/2", will the 33"s definitely not rub w/ the 2"? Also, I did't hear mention of it(so I guess not), do you know if longer shocks/struts are needed?

 

I've seen plenty of pictures on the two F150 boards I frequent.... and I've decided I just like the look of the 2" better, since it still leaves a slight rake to the front.. probably around 1/2" to 3/4".. which is perfect in my opinion... I've also seen 33" tires so many times with the leveling kit, that I expect no surprises... Since your adding autospring to the top of the strut assembly, and not above the spring.. the actual travel of the strut doesn't change... You should be good to go with the stock shocks and struts...

 

I have had the Daystar 2.5 leveling kit on my truck for almost a year and I am totally impressed with it. I ran Nitto 325/60R18's (33's - minor rub) on Eagle Series 178 18x9 prior to installing a 3" Body Lift then went to 325/65R18's (35's same minor rub). You can read and read and read but the final decision will have to be what YOU yourself feels is the best choice. I have researched the Autospring and Killer is correct above that it seems pretty nice as well. I have noticed a few trucks with 3" up front to have that Pre-Runner look but I do NOT like it. My truck is completely level and the only PROB I do have is parking when pulling in forward. I cannot see over the front end and I am 6' tall. So I park farther out to solve that issue LOL!

 

Thanks for the info guy's.