2004 F150 leveling kit
 

I was checking out tires at a local tire shop and asked them how much would it cost to put a leveling kit in the front so that truck is level. They said it will be $300. My jaw about hit the floor. From reading in this forum, I was under the impression that the kit is about $80 - $100. So I asked them what in world do they do that it is so expensive. The guy did not elaborate. I got curious and wanted to find out if they were just trying to gouge me or if there is a $300 way to do it - a much better way.

$80 for the kit

1-2 hours for the install. They guy wasn't trying to rip you off. Most shops charge about $100 an hour for labor. If that install also includes the price of the alignment i would go for it.

Alignments run from $60-100 typically. So $300 for the whole setup (parts included in the price) is a decent deal

X's 2 on what Tylus said .

Tylus .... you still lurking around are 04-08 forum :)
I think you miss your truck :-X04

Thanks for the response. What are the chances it may mess up the ride quality? And if that happens, is it reversible?

just a bit. got my eyes set on a Diesel Excursion next...or a 2013 Harley F-250/350. been playing with the Mustang and trying to figure out what to mod on the Expedition }>

The kind that stack ontop of the coil-over have ZERO effect on the ride quality. They merely push the lower control arm down...which raises the trucks height up front.

If you don't like it, simply remove the chunk of metal and it's back to factory looks. Quick and easy.

the spacers that go inside the coil-over DO affect ride quality. they change the pre-load on the spring which affects rebound rates. Typically these cause the front end to ride rougher with more bounce. I would avoid these at all costs personally. A PITA to install, and you lose ride quality. lose lose IMO

Thanks. Any recommendation of a brand for the kit?

In that price range your options are limited to Hell Bent Steel and AutoSpring.
Do a google search for either, they're mainly sold on eBay although I think you might be able to get the AS kit through their website.

I am not adhering to $80 budget per say. I did a google search and it seems there are steel, poly, and aluminum type. Is one better than the other? pros - cons?

Aluminum is likely to react to outside elements (i.e. road salt, etc). Powder coated steel would probably be the best. Some people say that the poly won't develop cracks over time, but I'm still a skeptic there.

The other kits on the market are Daystar, ReadyLift, Bilstein 5100 Leveling shocks, and Rancho QuikLift systems. The latter two are a complete strut assembly with new shocks. Quite a bit more expensive.

Just put one on my truck last week. Gave it 2 inches exactly. The brand was ZONE, sister company to BDS. I got it at Planet Powersports in Coldwater MI. They are on line. Cost $75.00.

here is what i got and it has free shipping. i paid 150 for the install and alignment but i know people at the shop. (make friends at shops)
2004-2008 Ford F150 2WD / 4WD 2.5" Leveling Kit

daystar also makes one 300 bucks doesn't sound bad

Thought I'd throw in my $0.02. I also have a 2004 F-150 with a leveling kit. I bought the truck back in October with it already installed, so I have no idea what brand it is. I will have to say that the leveling kit makes the truck look better, but you have to be careful. I'm not sure about the handling (because this is this only F-150 of that model that I have really driven), but I can tell you that it eats up your tires if you do not get a set of adjustable cam locks and an alignment at the same time. The leveling kit pushes your coil spring and A-arms down, which will cause your truck to have positive camber. A cam lock kit and proper alignment should take care of this problem. If you do not get these, your tires will wear out on the outsides quicker than the insides and cause premature tire replacement. The set of tires that came on my truck tell the tale. They are just about worn down on the outer edges, but still have 10k+ miles on the inside. I don't have cam locks yet, but I don't drive my truck that often, so I'm not concerned just yet. Just thought I'd throw out the warning.

with a level kit all you need is an alignment, no cam locks. i have had mine on for 25k or so and the tires are wearing normal. i would say you have other issues, when you have it put on the alignment rack they should be able to tell you why.

No problems
 

I installed leveling kit on my truck when it was brand new in 2004. About $100 then. Truck has 200,000 miles now on 4th set of tires and no problems. Never had any unusual wear etc.