I have been thinking about a leveling kit for my 2008 F250 Lariet crew cab. I think leveling the truck looks better than the stock configuration, and I may want to go with a little larger tires i the future. So I spent a couple of hours searching his forum and reading posts. Now I'm certain I know nothing! So what is the difference between a leveling kit and a lift, especially since I'm considering a 2-3 inch change at the most. Does a lift kit not level?
And if I purchase a leveling kit, do I also need to get something (blocks) for the rear of the truck?

I don't really do any off roading, maybe driving across a field to get to a rifle range or go hunting. I'll probably tow a bit. I'm less concerned with cost than quality of the components. So which should I get, leveling or lift, And any suggestions for 21/2 inch kits?
PS
I won't be doing the work myself. No skills, and no place to do the work, so I'll hire it out.

 

The leveling kit will only lift the front end and is intended to decrease the rake from front to rear. Meaning that on most trucks, the rear sits higher than the front. The leveling kit will equalize the rake and make the truck sit level. A lift kit will sometimes accomplish the same thing but lifts front and rear instead. The leveling kit is cheaper from a parts and installation standpoint. It all depends on your usage and what size tires you want to run.

 

Anyone have experience with the Bilstein BTS System? Looks like a great idea from a company with solid products.

 

i just installed lt325/65r18 which are 35 x 12.50 and no lift or leveling kit was needed. this is on an f250. no rubbing at all. plus they look pretty mean under it. they really fill the wheel wells out.

 

Did you do this on stock rims?

 

Most 250's dont have an aggressive forward rake to them. If you lift the front end 2 1/2 inches it may be higher than the rear. The 350's have a much more aggressive rake to them so the leveling kit just evens it out (as already mentioned).

The 350's have a taller block under the springs in the rear which is what gives it the more aggressive rake. Some people with 250's have been known to install the front leveling kit and then replace the rear blocks with those from a 350.

 

The F250 has a 2" block and the F350 has a 4" block (approximate measurements). Usually, on a F350 the levelling kit is a 2 or 2.5" spacer for the front coils. On the F250, it also involves changing the rear blocks like mentioned. There is lots of info about these - concensus is that either a track bar relocation bracket or adjustable track bar is needed to keep the front axle where it needs to be.Either longer shocks or shock extensions are needed. Some kits include a carrier bearing shim when this is done.

 

I added a leveling kit before I even took it home on my '09 350. Basically 2.5" lift on the front and no change to the rear. Changed out the front shocks for the longer travel. The ride up front is a little tighter or a little more harsh (however you see it) because the front springs are compressed a little more. Anyway, looks great, rides great, easily done by the local truck accessories store, they do them all the time.

Kevin

 

Moved to Super Duty

 

Just for the record, if you had spacers installed on the front springs, the springs won't be compressed and the spring rate will not have been changed so that change would not affect ride quality.

On the other hand, if poorly valved (overdamped) shocks were installed, that will DEFINITELY affect the ride quality.

 

I agree, I used the 2 inch spacers with factory springs and factory shocks. 100% no difference in ride quality.

 

I didn't use the Bilstein BTS kit; I went with something similar though. I got the RCD kit with springs and shocks. Also, I have an F250; so, I added F350 blocks and got rear shocks, too. The springs offered with the kit are the Bilstein 5100s (silver). The kit also includes shims for the front to correct caster angles. Overall, I'm happy with the kit and shocks. By the way, I replaced the original FX4 shocks with Bilstein yellow OE replacements 35k miles ago.

 

Sleepsafe,

Seeing as you have the 250, it is Most likely it sits relatively level. If you go with the BTS kit (a good quality kit) you will want to raise the rear as well. Go check out readylift.com They have a good quality 2.5" front leveling kit with the options for the rear as well, Their kits are fabricated using factory similar tooling and guarantee a factory ride. I went with the front 2.5" leveling and then purchased factory 350 blocks and u-bolts. I also purchased their track bar relocation kit which comes with the carrier bearing spacer, bump stop extensions as well as brackets for pulling back the fender aprons for clearing 35-37" tires (they spec specific wheel size backspacing etc..). A good heavy duty well made kit.

 

I am getting ready to purchase the Readylift 2.5 kit and think it will require the rear 4" clocks as well. Did you get the rear blocks from Readylift or just by stock 4" F350 blocks elsewhere? Readylift has the blocks for $140 and I have found OEM 4" with u-bolts for $50-$60 on ebay. Not sure if there is an advantage to the Readylift.

They also have a kit that is like $500 that lists all the items you have but not sure if I need something like that since I am just running 34.7 x 11.5" tires and do minor off-roading (hunting and fishing). Any help and advice would be appreciated.

 

Wedge88,
I purchased stock used 350 blocks but ordered new u-bolts. Don't ever use the old ones as they stretch. It;s ok to use the nuts. There are a few different length u-bolts available depending on the leaf pack you have so make sure you get the correct ones.

I purchased the track bar kit i think for about $ 225. That includes the track bar, front bump stop spacers, rear carrier bearing shim and front apron brackets. Here is a post on my installation.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...long-post.html