hey all, im interested in a leveling kit on my f150. ive read up on the 4x4 ttb thats in these and about the camber and caster and i was just curious that if i got a bds 2 inch leveling kit would i have to get dropped radius arms? or would there be enough play to re align it with the camber and caster? anyways heres the link of what im looking into any help would be appreciated.

Customize your Ford F100/F150 4WD
2" Leveling Kit 359H | BDS Suspension

 

2.5'' + kits need a set of drop radius arm brackets. A leveling kit doesn't.

That leveling "kit" (the only thing needed to level these trucks is a set of front springs, for what it's worth. There's no "kit" about any of it, really) you got there is kind of pricey. You also don't need a 2'' leveling kit because from the factory the rear sits 1.5'' higher than the front. A 2'' kit might also give you a nose high stance, which looks retarded if you ask me because the truck looks like it's got bad rear springs.

Ford Suspension Lift Kits

Fits 80 to 96 F150 and Bronco 4x4's. $129 bucks + shipping and it's yours. It's name brand too.

When you order the springs, take them to a DEDICATED 4 wheel drive shop near you, and have them install them. Then they'll align it and set it back down on the ground and you'll be good to go.

The camber and caster bushings and an alignment, if I remember right from what a guy on here has said before, cost around $250. BUT, you should only need bushings to adjust the front end if the ones that are currently in your truck won't let you get the alignment right. If they can bring your alignment in with the old bushings, then there's no need to change them.

Also, when you take the truck to have the leveling springs installed, and they've got your truck on the lift, tell them to check ALL of your front end bushings and joints. It wouldn't be a bad idea to give your shocks a bounce test before you take it over there to decide whether or not you need new shocks too.

 

ok stupid question how do i do a bounce test?

 

Being able to align 2.5 inches of lift is being overly optimistic in my opinion. I would consult with whoever is going to have the job of aligning before I did it. If you can get their guarantee they can get it in if you bring it to them, then by all means install it. But if they will not, i would not do it, tires are too expensive.

If you want to see what you are dealing with, sit the truck on a level hard surface, measure the front bumper to the ground, and then jack the truck up by the frame on each side till the bumper is 2 inches higher. Then look at the front tires. They will be pointed out at the top, and that's what you have to deal with. And he's right, the alignment will cost a lot if they can get it in, since the bushings are fairly expensive(they will have to put aftermarket ones in for that much lift, if it can be done) and installing them is a lot of labor.

 

now if i do a 1.5 with just the rough country coils would the alignment be easier and cheaper? im just a 16 year old kid i dont have all the money in the world haha

 

I have heard of cases where they have gotten a 1.5 inch lift to align, but I still would talk with the shop, and it's still going to cost a lot to get it aligned. You will be at the limit for the bushings, which is still going to require new bushings and the work to install them and get it aligned.

Your 16, don't fool yourself, if you do save up and get the money to do this 1.5 inch lift, after it's all said and done, it's not going to be high enough is it? Why don't you go ahead and save up the money to get a 4 inch lift? Then you will be satisfied with it the first time. Go around to every junkyard in your area, and see if you can find a truck with a lift already on it. The chances are slim, but possibly the junkyard people have the brackets thrown in the back that they will sell you. And remember to look at broncos and f150's up to 96, those brackets/shocks/pitman arms/blocks should fit as well.

 

yeah i have been thinking about the 4 inch lifts but i load tractors and firewood into the back of my truck and i feel like a 4 inch lift and loading a tractor onto ramps is kinda sketchy so i think i will just do the 1.5 leveling coils

 

plus a 4 inch lift and 33s are a ton of money plus i dont go muddin enough. i will just run like 31s and the leveling coils for a beefy stance

 

Most lifts are for looks. Your loading and using your truck as a truck does have merit though. My f250 has a 4 inch lift, and it's does make it harder to load. I bought the metal ramps and used 2x10's bolted to the bottom of them to extend them out to be able to load tractors and mowers on my truck.

I thought my truck was high and aggravating to use, but have you parked beside a brand new truck(f150 or superduty) in the parking lot lately? The bed sides and the whole truck is about as high as mine with a 4 inch lift and 35's. So they "bought" their aggravation brand new from the factory. You will notice most of them do not haul anything in the bed, they pull around a little trailer with their stuff on it.

 

yeah thats why i am going for the 1.5 so i dont have to worry about the aggravation

 

okay my rc leveling coils shipped in today and now im trying to locate some shocks. would the rough country 2 1/2" lift shocks work for this? or would the stock shocks work?