How to pick a leveling kit?
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New User
Joined: Feb 2011
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How to pick a leveling kit?
I am considering putting a leveling kit on my 2011 Lariat 4wd. As I have read through several posts on a couple different sites, I noticed that there are several options. My original thought was 2 inches in the front, but several people also lift the back. I'm just looking to get the front and rear even. So how you know what you need in the front and rear to get things right?
Not planning on new tires or rims - sticking factory. Might would go slightly bigger tires when these need to be replaced but still on the factory 18s.
Not planning on new tires or rims - sticking factory. Might would go slightly bigger tires when these need to be replaced but still on the factory 18s.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
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From what I've heard/read, a 2" leveling kit from Auto Spring (for example) will put you dead level, if not a shade high in the nose. There are other manufacturers and I believe they are all about the same in height gained. People put a block in the rear to keep a little rake in the front end. The reason is if you load the truck/tow, you will be nose high with the extra weight in the back. You could also go with a Bilstein leveling shock setup which is adjustable. The leveling blocks run ~$70 and the leveling shocks run ~$360. It's all in what you want to spend to get it level. Good luck.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: RVA
Here's a pretty decent thread to look at. Has a lot of chat about the Bilsteins.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ling-kits.html
Page two has two current member's trucks with the "after" shot of the kit.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ling-kits.html
Page two has two current member's trucks with the "after" shot of the kit.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: RVA
It seems to be that the metal spacer kits are more durable than those made of poly's and plastics.
Autospring makes a good inexpensive kit, and on the higher end of the spectrum, a kit from ReadyLift does the same thing. So what's the difference? Corporate money needed by ReadyLift to pay for advertising, etc.
Autospring makes a good inexpensive kit, and on the higher end of the spectrum, a kit from ReadyLift does the same thing. So what's the difference? Corporate money needed by ReadyLift to pay for advertising, etc.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Dayton, TX
I have the daystar kit on my 09. Its made of poly and I havent had any issues at all. It has over 60k miles of hard use. Im in and out of pipe yards all day and it has held up fine. Never cracked, broken down or anything like that. Daystar has a lifetime warranty if that ever happens though. I paid 130 with free shipping from suspensionconnection .com
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New User
Joined: Feb 2011
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Thanks guys. I just ordered the 2" HBS kit. They said I wouldn't need anything for the rear and this will put it perfectly level.
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Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: RVA
Just a reminder that it would be a good idea to get an alignment done very shortly after you install the kit. You might not need it, but $80 for an alignment is better than replacing two tires later on.
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Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: RVA
I feel your pain in a way, while I'm blessed with mechanical know-how, it's the time that I'm lacking and a proper space to perform mechanical surgeries.
Good luck with the install! Don't forget to post before and after pics as well as measurements.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: North West PA
Great thread guys. I've learned alot here. I'm not ready to level out my front and rear because of financial matters. But I was wondering how I'd compensate for heavy bed loads after the leveling. Sounds like Bilstein leveling shocks in the rear would fix my concerns. Thanks again to all of you.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: RVA
Great thread guys. I've learned alot here. I'm not ready to level out my front and rear because of financial matters. But I was wondering how I'd compensate for heavy bed loads after the leveling. Sounds like Bilstein leveling shocks in the rear would fix my concerns. Thanks again to all of you.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: North West PA
BlueOx That's for sharing that most important detail regarding the rear shocks. 
I guess I'll still be looking for a way to manage heavier loads while still maintaining a level stance in no load conditions. 
I guess I'll still be looking for a way to manage heavier loads while still maintaining a level stance in no load conditions.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: RVA
It's good to remember that taking on a heavier load is ok, as long as you haven't exceeded the stated load rating of your individual truck...for legal reasons of course, in the event of an accident, etc.
But if you're looking for a way to try to maintain a level stance while carrying a load, then how about an add-a-leaf or some air bags?
But if you're looking for a way to try to maintain a level stance while carrying a load, then how about an add-a-leaf or some air bags?