To Level or Not?!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
As far as brands go, there's probably several that are similar. The research I did showed to stay away from composite spacers because they tend to break down over time, and to stay away from aluminum spacers as they tend to have electrolysis issues. The research also said to look for gusseted reinforcements. And I wanted a powdercoated unit as opposed to paint. The other thing I found was that there have been issues with spacers making contact with upper control arms during certain driving conditions, so it was good to buy offset spacers that don't affect the suspension geometry but don't allow the control arm contact. All this led straight to the Autospring.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
As far as brands go, there's probably several that are similar. The research I did showed to stay away from composite spacers because they tend to break down over time, and to stay away from aluminum spacers as they tend to have electrolysis issues. The research also said to look for gusseted reinforcements. And I wanted a powdercoated unit as opposed to paint. The other thing I found was that there have been issues with spacers making contact with upper control arms during certain driving conditions, so it was good to buy offset spacers that don't affect the suspension geometry but don't allow the control arm contact. All this led straight to the Autospring.
Question...should this complete my purchase or would I need to add something?
I'm not looking for the complete level rather decreasing the factory rake a bit so j think this Autospring kit will work well.
Should any tire/ suspension shop be able to properly align / re aim the headlights afterwards?
Thanks again
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
That's the same guy I bought mine from....you won't need anything else.
Any shop that does inspections should be able to re-aim the headlights. I would call any alignment shop your considering and ask them if they can do the 20" wheels. Some shops with older equipment may not be able to handle them.
Any shop that does inspections should be able to re-aim the headlights. I would call any alignment shop your considering and ask them if they can do the 20" wheels. Some shops with older equipment may not be able to handle them.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
Good question. It sure does, and in effect it moves the whole factory strut down. I just took a look at mine, and it does appear that the top plate of the factory strut is actually wider than the spring width. And with the spacer in place that factory top plate is now 2 inches lower than it was, so the wider top plate now sits where the narrower spring used to be. I can see how mine offsets the strut inboard. And it does appear that if that offset wasn't there the control arm could hit the top plate when the control arm is at full travel up.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
From: Plant City, FL
Ok very good so its changing the angle of the strut to allow clearence through the narrow opening in the upper control arm. I wonder if that offset is built in all of the brands? I like the look of the autosping kit and will most likely order it. I already have the alignment covered. I had purchased a 5 year alignment deal at my local tire kingdom and its transferable to the new truck i normally have that done every 6 months anyhow to get my monies and tires worth out of it.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
Tim...agree that it's easy to make an adjustment. I just like the precision of having a machine adjustment done vice eyeballing it or trying to measure a grid against a wall. But if the shop doesn't have a machine, then yeah, do it yourself.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
What would be the next size up or two and is 33" the max on our 1.5 inch level kits? Any idea what a set of 20" tires are running for the taller ones currently?
I know you mentioned waiting until you have miles on your tires before upgrading, have you scoped out any you like? Something that will ride decent on the highway but look good and function well in the Midwest winters?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
MPG
Has anyone used or heard of the following and know the pros and cons?
2006 F150 - Ground Force Lowering Shackles - Leveling Kit | FordMuscle.com
Ground Force Shakle Kits
No alignment needed but overall pros and cons?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
Haven't seen the Ground Force kit, nor do I know anyone who's tried it. I know lowering works well for certain trucks, but for me the thought of lowering a truck ranks right up there with the thought of "being" with me ex-wife again. Don't mind if my buddies do it, but I'm not going there, ever.
The factory 20's are 275/55/20s, which effectively makes them 31s. The tires I've been looking at 305/55/20s, which are effectively 33s. Tire brand is something that people will have their own likes/dislikes about. Personally I like the Toyo Open Country ATs, but I'm sure five minutes after I post this someone will tell me how bad they are. My experience with them has been very good. You can get them on eBay right now for $1285 including shipping.
I noticed no negative impact on MPG with the leveling kit installed. As I wrote earlier, I watch my MPG pretty closely. And my mileage has actually been trending upward pretty steadily. But I would attribute that to my engine breaking in.
The factory 20's are 275/55/20s, which effectively makes them 31s. The tires I've been looking at 305/55/20s, which are effectively 33s. Tire brand is something that people will have their own likes/dislikes about. Personally I like the Toyo Open Country ATs, but I'm sure five minutes after I post this someone will tell me how bad they are. My experience with them has been very good. You can get them on eBay right now for $1285 including shipping.
I noticed no negative impact on MPG with the leveling kit installed. As I wrote earlier, I watch my MPG pretty closely. And my mileage has actually been trending upward pretty steadily. But I would attribute that to my engine breaking in.