OK I've got an 09' F-250 4X4 and im looking into a lift/leveling kit. My goal is to lift the front 2-2.5'' and the rear around the same, maybe slightly less to level it SOME but not completely level. I've a ton of research with different companies and it seems most just replace the rear 2'' block with a 4'' to lift the rear, simple enough... But as far as lifting the front i've got a bunch of options depending on who makes the kit, so here are my questions...


1- Seems like the two main ways i can lift the front is to add spacers to the factory springs or too replace the springs themselves. Is one of those methods better than the other? One of my concerns is, i have the 5.4 and its the lightest motor they put in these trucks and im afraid with new springs i may get too much lift because of the less weight over the front end. Is that something i should worry about?

2- Another thing i've noticed is some leveling kits come with a track bar relocation bracket and others don't. Even some 3''+ kits come with radius arm drop brackets. So what do i really need to have the properly set-up the front-end with my intended amount of lift? I plan on taking the truck to my local alignment shop after i do the lift to make sure its properly set-up, but i want to have the right parts under their so they can do it right.

That's all i can think of right now... this is my first time lifting any of my trucks so i don't know a whole hell of a lot about lifting these things and all the geometry involved so any additional info would be greatly appreciated! i usually spend most of my time under the hood try to get more out the motor thanks!

 

Bump.

Those are some good questions.

 

Id say if your just wanting 2-2.5" in the front, and you dont plan on doing any hardcore offroading, just do spacers up front. Cheapest and easiest option.

As for the second question i have nooo clue.

 

Thats what I've got (I think). I'm not a suspension expert. It was on the truck when I bought it.

 

You have leafs up front, and i believe those are shackles? aftermarket of course. they just give you a bit of a lift.
He has coil springs. A spacer i basically a hockey puck lookin thing that goes on top of the coil to "space" it and give you more height.

Im no lift expect either. But ive been doing my homework on lift kits over the years
Thats what you do when youre young and have way too much free time to think about stuff you wanna do to your rig, but have no money to do it.

 

Duh. Missed that he has an 09 therefore coils. I know that coils are easy to lift, just put a block on top haha.

I thought you were just referring to shackles as spacers.

You and me both...

 

I'm with the others on just adding an adapter, coil spacer if you will.

As for the trackbar and the reason...when you increase the distance between where the track bar mounts on the frame and where it mounts on the axle, you are actually going to pull the axle to one side or the other, mine pulled about 1/2" towards the drivers side with 2.8" levelling kit in the front. Most will not notice this difference, but by lowering the mounting point of the track bar you keep the axle centered in alignment. I went with an adjustable track bar just to get it back centered and for possible future plans of increased lift. Many do not ever change where it mounts, or add an adjustable track bar and there are not really any ill effects at this lift amount.

 

I was not lol but i can see where itd make sense.

But OP, lifting you truck only 2-2.5" will be simple. I doubt youd have to worry about the track bar. But better safe than sorry i presume.

(My leveling kit came with the track bar drop down bracket. Havent put it on yet though, so idk how it effects stuff)

 

What size tire are you planning to use with the 2.5" leveling kit?

 

Awsome info guys!... I've been looking at a Kit made by Pro-Comp that uses spacers, I'll post up more info later on it (im at work now).

As far as tires i would like to use 35's (im looking at a set from Nitto that actually measure out to be 34.5"). But im still looking around. This is gonna be a winter project, im just doing my research now...

 

If I were you, I would install the 35" tires on the stock suspension and see how it rides. The front wheel well openings are larger on the 2008 and up Super Duties. If you need some lift in the front, purchase the Icon 1" TEI relocation bracket (spacer).

61600 - 2005 - 2011 Ford Super Duty TEI Relocation Bracket Kit - ICON Vehicle Dynamics



IMO, most leveling kits are "compromised" by the manufacturers. Adding 2"-2.5" of lift will have an effect on the effectiveness of the stock front shocks. Adding 2"-3" of lift using a new rear axle block will also affect the effectiveness of the rear shocks. Imagine that the stock shocks have a range of 8". Adding a 2.5" leveling kit reduces the range to 5.5". The stock track bar is affected as well.

Again, IMO, to do a 2.5" leveling kit correctly, you need to include new shocks and a new adjustable track bar. When you look at the cost of these additional components, you are at 75%-85% of the cost of the 4" lift kit. That is why I recommend the Icon 1" TEI spacer, if needed. It will have a minimal effect on the front shocks and track bar yet still provide additional clearance for the 35" tires.

 

well im not just just trying to clear 35's but i dont really like how low the front of the truck sits. Not so much the rear height compared to the front (which is a little over and inch difference), but its just to low. I figure with 2'' suspension lift and a little lift by going to 35's it would really improve its stance.

Heres the pro comp kit im looking at. It comes with a track bar bracket but i dunno if its the pics but it looks kinda wimpy. Its has 2'' block for the front and 1.5'' for the rear. You can get this kit with or with-out shocks, id get it without and use Rancho shocks instead.

Heres just the spacers and hardware

Pro Comp Suspension Systems 52820B-1 - Pro Comp Suspension Lift Kit Components - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Heres with their cheepy shocks

Pro Comp Suspension Systems 52820B-1 - Pro Comp Suspension Lift Kit Components - Overview - SummitRacing.com

 

I understand... keep researching and if you are confident that the Pro Comp leveling kit is for you, then go for it!