So I just got my truck back from the shop. I had BFG AT KOs 285/65R18s and one of them got a sidewall leak. So when looking for a new one, I noticed that the same tire on 17 inch rim was about $100 cheaper $260 versus $360. So I decide to go all in, buy some used 17s, find a great deal on Firestone ATs at $150 a tire plus shipping and mounting, and while I'm at it, get a leveling kit and an alignment. I wanted a more level truck, but I still wanted some rake for when I load up the bed or tow a trailer, so I ask the guy at the shop 3 times if this was a 2" kit before I bought it. He said yes, I pulled the trigger and this is what I've got. I'm skeptical, what do you guys think?

Before:


Note that there is a couple hundred pounds worth of tires in the back of the truck for this pic.

After:


Don't mind the missing center cap, I have two on order.

 

Looks about right. A 2" will put you just about level, if not just a hair of forward rake. A 3" will put you nose high, barely. Did you measure from the wheel well lip to the center of the hub and/or the ground before and after?

 

I didn't, I got kind of flustered the day it went in and forgot. I did measure it once I got it home and the front is like a half inch lower. I guess I should have gone 1.5 because I really don't want the nose pointing up when I tow.

 

Well you have a few options to raise the rear of the truck. You could put in an add-a-leaf. It'll do two things: add some height 1"-2", and stiffen up the ride. Some say it adds payload capacity, but that depends on more factors than just a new leaf.

You could put a taller block in place of the factory block, but personally, I'm skeptical of taller blocks as they add more leverage creating further "axle wrap".

Finally, you could look into an air bag system for towing and heavy loads. Basically, it would allow you to fine tune how much height you needed when you need it. More expensive, but a good way to go. The SuperDuty guys run them often with leveling kits and 5th wheels to get rid of the sag.

 

Thanks MCDavis, I'm thinking add a leaf, but I'll wait until I actually get a load on it before making a decision.

Aside from that, I'm way happy with the level, truck looks much more macho.

 

You're welcome. I like the stance, but I prefer the 18" alloys over the 17" steelies. Just my opinion. Glad you're happy!

 

I actually prefer the looks of the deluxe alloys too. But I didn't care to pay $100 more a tire for 18 inch rims, especially considering I'm not a large rim guy. Heck, I would have gone with 16s had they fit. I want some aftermarket chrome 17s one day, but I didn't have the cash or see any I liked. One set I loved, although I don't think they were chrome, is OEM polished 10 spokes. They were basically the same as the 18s I had, but polished. Unfortunately I couldn't find any and even if I did, I don't think they came in 17s.

 

im with mcdavis on the alloys vs steel, how much did you pay for the wheels because my 17's list for only $109 each so $436 for the set. i got mine with tires and the guy on the phone got them down to $84.50 each since i got the wheel and tire combo. they also mounted balanced and shipped for free to my door. the level kit looks good by the way!!

 

Thanks 1bad, I like it too. Amazing how much more aggressive they look without the rake.

The the rims, all 4 wheels with lugs and caps (2 broken) was $100 or $150, I don't remember which exactly. They came from some Brit transplant who upgraded his 07's rims, he was sick of storing them. They're not in great shape, but I figured they'd be good place holders until I found some better ones.

 

If you don't mind me asking, where did you order the center caps. I bought a set of 17" rims identical to those for my winter tiress and have had no luck finding the center caps that fit properly. Granted I will only use them in the winter as I have 20" American Racing rims for summer but I would like the look better if it had caps on it.
Thanks.

 

I bought mine here, but it looks like they're running out.

OEM 04-10 FORD F150 EXPLORER CHROME CENTER CAPS - eBay (item 200565166398 end time Feb-03-11 13:53:07 PST)

This place looks good, they're just a little more expensive.

CenterCaps.net - Cap Listing - Ford Details - F150

 

i was told today http://hubcapheaven.com/ was good but i have never used them. i was also told they are cheap at local junkyards

 

Thanks for the info guys.