Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Leveling Kit Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 12:22 AM
  #1  
woodrow639's Avatar
woodrow639
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Leveling Kit Question

I've been really happy with the stance of my truck for a long time, but I'm seriously contemplating putting a leveling kit on it. It's a 93 F-250 4x4 and right now with no lift I'm running 33x12.50 tires. I'm not really wanting to go any bigger, I just think the leveling kit would give it a better look.

My question is this: I'm looking at the Rough Country add-a-leaf that claims to add 2". Has anybody used this kit and what kind of results did you have? I did a quick search and only saw posts from guys with F-150s and I can't find a lot of information anywhere else. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. I'll throw up a picture of my truck now to see what you guys think.

It's not a level shot, but you should be able to get the idea. Stock rake, about 2-2.25" lower in the front than in the back.

 
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 06:13 AM
  #2  
TexasGuy001's Avatar
TexasGuy001
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
That stance is perfect. I'd leave it the way it is. I do not care for leveling kits. As soon as you put any weight in the bed it will be nose happy. I have had leveling springs on mine before and did not much care for it.
 
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 09:45 AM
  #3  
Diesel_Brad's Avatar
Diesel_Brad
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
The "leveling kit" will make it ride like crap
 
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 10:01 AM
  #4  
BuckHammer's Avatar
BuckHammer
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 115
Club FTE Silver Member

Post a picture of your front leaf springs, if you don't mind. I want to see the arch on them so that I can compare them to mine.
 
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 11:38 AM
  #5  
woodrow639's Avatar
woodrow639
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by BuckHammer
Post a picture of your front leaf springs, if you don't mind. I want to see the arch on them so that I can compare them to mine.
I'll try to get a decent picture today if the weather here clears up. I feel like the nose has dropped a little since this picture was taken (about 2 years ago).

Originally Posted by Diesel_Brad
The "leveling kit" will make it ride like crap
It makes sense that it would negatively impact the ride quality since it's adding an extra leaf to the spring pack. I guess my main concern at this point is whether or not this is a "safe" and reasonable way to level my truck.
 
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 11:57 AM
  #6  
BuckHammer's Avatar
BuckHammer
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 115
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by woodrow639
I'll try to get a decent picture today if the weather here clears up. I feel like the nose has dropped a little since this picture was taken (about 2 years ago).
I would appreciate that, also, take a picture of the stance as it sits now, while you're at it, if you don't mind.
 
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 01:03 PM
  #7  
Diesel_Brad's Avatar
Diesel_Brad
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Originally Posted by woodrow639
I'll try to get a decent picture today if the weather here clears up. I feel like the nose has dropped a little since this picture was taken (about 2 years ago).



It makes sense that it would negatively impact the ride quality since it's adding an extra leaf to the spring pack. I guess my main concern at this point is whether or not this is a "safe" and reasonable way to level my truck.
Yes. it is safe and will give you 1.5-2" of lift. But it will ride rougher
 
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 06:40 PM
  #8  
IcutMetl's Avatar
IcutMetl
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 210
Likes: 1
From: Sandusky Ohio
I've been looking into a reverse shackle kit for mine as well which is reported to give us that 2" or so of lift and actually increase the ride quality due to moving the shackle to the opposite end of the leaf spring. I'm not completely positive if or how it works on the 250's, but it's a popular mod on the solid axle 350's and there are 2 companies out there that fabricate pretty nice kits that seem to be pretty reasonable. I like the level look, but at the same time, when I see lifted or leveled trucks driving down the road with a load on or in them, it looks even more goofy when the rear end is lower than the front. I'm torn as well, because I sort of like the "heavy duty" look of a little space in the fender wells and want to put 285's (33") on next time around.

 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 11:57 PM
  #9  
woodrow639's Avatar
woodrow639
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by IcutMetl
I've been looking into a reverse shackle kit for mine as well which is reported to give us that 2" or so of lift and actually increase the ride quality due to moving the shackle to the opposite end of the leaf spring. I'm not completely positive if or how it works on the 250's, but it's a popular mod on the solid axle 350's and there are 2 companies out there that fabricate pretty nice kits that seem to be pretty reasonable. I like the level look, but at the same time, when I see lifted or leveled trucks driving down the road with a load on or in them, it looks even more goofy when the rear end is lower than the front. I'm torn as well, because I sort of like the "heavy duty" look of a little space in the fender wells and want to put 285's (33") on next time around.
I've read a little about the reverse shackle kits for the 350s as well, but I didn't know it was applicable for the TTB. I'm with you on the squatting back end with a load. For the most part, my truck is retired from pulling heavy loads these days....except for the occasional two or three four wheelers on a 10' trailer. I guess if it bothered me that much I would just buy some helper bags for the rear.

Buck: sorry I didn't get a chance to take those pictures. Worked until after midnight tonight. I'll try to get them up tomorrow. I was looking at the truck earlier and maybe I'm crazy about it settling in the front. Guess I'll have to see what the general consensus is.
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2010 | 01:02 AM
  #10  
BuckHammer's Avatar
BuckHammer
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 115
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by woodrow639
Buck: sorry I didn't get a chance to take those pictures. Worked until after midnight tonight. I'll try to get them up tomorrow. I was looking at the truck earlier and maybe I'm crazy about it settling in the front. Guess I'll have to see what the general consensus is.
Hey, no problem man. I've got the same worries about my front end. Take the pictures when you get time. I'm certainly in no hurry. Work is much more important.
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2010 | 03:06 AM
  #11  
TexasGuy001's Avatar
TexasGuy001
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
Originally Posted by Diesel_Brad
The "leveling kit" will make it ride like crap
I agree with that. Mine did. Also my buddy has a similar extended cab F250 and he said the same thing about the leveling kit.
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2010 | 04:23 AM
  #12  
Diesel_Brad's Avatar
Diesel_Brad
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Originally Posted by IcutMetl
I've been looking into a reverse shackle kit for mine as well which is reported to give us that 2" or so of lift and actually increase the ride quality due to moving the shackle to the opposite end of the leaf spring. I'm not completely positive if or how it works on the 250's, but it's a popular mod on the solid axle 350's and there are 2 companies out there that fabricate pretty nice kits that seem to be pretty reasonable. I like the level look, but at the same time, when I see lifted or leveled trucks driving down the road with a load on or in them, it looks even more goofy when the rear end is lower than the front. I'm torn as well, because I sort of like the "heavy duty" look of a little space in the fender wells and want to put 285's (33") on next time around.

Cant use a RSK for a F250. There is no provisions to drop the center of the axles. But they work quite well in a F350. I have done mutiple ones
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2010 | 01:07 PM
  #13  
woodrow639's Avatar
woodrow639
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Took a couple quick shots with my phone this afternoon. You'll have to excuse the dirt...



Passenger side front springs


Driver side front springs
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2010 | 07:05 PM
  #14  
TexasGuy001's Avatar
TexasGuy001
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
I wouldn't change the truck. I think it sits nice. I don't think its sagging in the front. If your worried it might be sagging some, then just get new springs.
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2010 | 07:13 PM
  #15  
BuckHammer's Avatar
BuckHammer
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 115
Club FTE Silver Member

Your springs look just like mine. Thanks for the pics.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:18 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE