My 2000 F250 4wd has the typical nose down stance, so I'm looking at leveling kits. I see two different ways to do this on the cheap. One is the spring pack
Here is the shackle model: http://www.jackit.com/wrr151.html
What is the benefits of one vs. the other? Would I have to install an adjustable track bar with either of these? Get the front end aligned after install?

I occasionally tow a fifth wheel or load a 1500 lb camper on the bed. I've got air ride air springs in the rear that I air up when the truck is loaded. Will a leveling kit negatively affect the towing?

Thanks for any input.

 

Personally I'd do a shackle over that mini pack. The pack you have to bolt to the springs with a new center pin, and put new u bolts on. Basically it's more work to get the same job done as a shackle. You don't need to align it when your done, or get a adjustable trac bar for only 2 inches. Both methods you are looking at shouldn't change the ride quality at all either.

 

I totally get trying to save money, but this doesn't solve one of the other problems you may or may not have. I had a set of separated springs from the factory on my 2000 Lariat:




The ride was absolutely terrible, particularly on cement seems on the freeway. I paid close attention to bumps in the road and realized the front bump was far worse than the rear bump. I tried new "deluxe" Gabriel shocks, wore them out quickly, then tried Bilsteins. While shocks helped, they didn't clean it up. I changed out the front springs to X-codes:



This lifted the nose 2 inches, making it almost level with the rear - but the ride was the huge difference. My wife and I used to joke about the need for lids on our coffees to keep the roof clean - but now we no longer wince as a bump nears the nose.

This is all just for thought.

 

That is a good point ^^^


My pickup rides better after my 6.5 inch all spring lift. The factory front springs where shot.



I've also had good luck with a full length add-a-leaf on vehicles too. Usually nets 1.5-2 inches.

 

That shackle kit doesn't seem like it would do much since it is only the shackles for the back of the front leafs and nothing for the front.
Here is a good kit this place is local to me and they do a lot of lifts and its quality equipment. www.sky-manufacturing.com - 9904FordSuperduty4x42quotHangerLevelingKit

 

I did the add a leaf in the front. From plowing snow mine had a front sag as well. It brought it right back to factory maybe a inch higher. I loved it. I think it was like a $150 bucks through summit.

 

The shackle kit will lift the truck in the front at good 1.5- 2inches, I had one for several years. I had been fighting with a condition where my truck was crabbing down the road. Turns out, yes, you do need a linger control arm. I recently replaced all 4 springs and the front kit came with the control arm and it was about 1.5 inches longer.

 

Had both, I would prefer the spring pack, (night and day over stock, 5 leafs) over shackle. When I added 6" springs they already had multiple leafs in springs and I still added 3" shackles, between rear blocks and shackles its nice to have the "changeability" to raise or lower either end to make it look like a truck instead of a hillbilly rocket in a state of constant launch in a drive-thru or down the road.

EDIT: Unless you have "alignment equipment", or know someone who does, always get the truck aligned after any and all altercation... Adjustable track bar? I had a lot of issues on others advise that was a waste of time, money and drive-ability. I made my own and has been firm, reliable and steady (for 7 years, beach, mud, snow, swamp, rock, asphalt or concrete)...

 

Been running 3" packs for 4 years now with no problems

 

Lifting your truck is like lifting a woman,,,,, "does she want me too?''' "does she agree with her lifted height? Does she acknowledge that she will be a vision of redneck perfection? Will it cost more money than a ***** transplant/enlargement? Will it be better/more costly than a 34 spline axle replacement, in a Mexican prison??