Leveling kit questions, advice needed
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jun 2016
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Leveling kit questions, advice needed
I have finally gotten back into an F150, a '12 XLT with the 3.7L.
I want to level it and have read pretty much everything I can find online about it. I think that I want a 2" and not 2.5". I have read that autospring is popular and have heard good things about hell bent steel. I won't be doing the install myself and have read that 2012 models have EPAS and that needs to be addressed during install.
I would like some recommendations on brand, height and install instructions that my mechanic may not know about that some of you may have learned the hard way (sorry).
Right now I'm thinking the 2" billet hell bent steel kit and making sure my mechanic disconnects the battery during install. Is that about all I need to know?
Be kind, first post!
I want to level it and have read pretty much everything I can find online about it. I think that I want a 2" and not 2.5". I have read that autospring is popular and have heard good things about hell bent steel. I won't be doing the install myself and have read that 2012 models have EPAS and that needs to be addressed during install.
I would like some recommendations on brand, height and install instructions that my mechanic may not know about that some of you may have learned the hard way (sorry).
Right now I'm thinking the 2" billet hell bent steel kit and making sure my mechanic disconnects the battery during install. Is that about all I need to know?
Be kind, first post!
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,459
Likes: 10
From: RVA
Measure your truck. That's the only way to determine what will get your specific to I I leveled. Also, not everyone looks at "level" the same way. Some guys like a bit of rake. Some guys like nose high. Measure measure measure.
HBS and AS are both fine options.
HBS and AS are both fine options.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jun 2016
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Thanks for the replies, I think I'm going to go with the 2" Hell bent steel billet kit.
Any advice on install other than aligning afterwards? As I said I'm not doing it myself, trust my mechanic but since this isn't something he does everyday and lots on here have done it, wanted to get an idea of pitfalls to avoid before installing on my '12.
Any advice on install other than aligning afterwards? As I said I'm not doing it myself, trust my mechanic but since this isn't something he does everyday and lots on here have done it, wanted to get an idea of pitfalls to avoid before installing on my '12.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 24
From: ME
The 2" and 2.5" Autospring spacers are offset and the driver side spacer has "D" stamped on it. If they are not offset like the Autosprings they aren't side specific and can't be installed backwards.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 4
From: Denver, NC
Leveling Kits are very easy to install fella's, think it would surprise u 
Seems like u are leveling yours, by raising your front end (perfect if u have a 4x4).
Since I have a 2WD (first one in over 10 years probably, lol) I am leveling mine by lowering the rear end.
Spent some time looking & ordered this Shackle Kit by Ford Racing today....
https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-3000-G
Can't wait for it to arrive
Seems like u are leveling yours, by raising your front end (perfect if u have a 4x4).
Since I have a 2WD (first one in over 10 years probably, lol) I am leveling mine by lowering the rear end.
Spent some time looking & ordered this Shackle Kit by Ford Racing today....
https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-3000-G
Can't wait for it to arrive
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Senior User
Joined: May 2013
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Spend a little more and consider Bilstein 1500's to level your truck. These adjustable shocks can improve ride quality also.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 4
From: Denver, NC
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 24
From: ME
5100's are height adjustable 0", .75", 1.5", 2.25". You can run them at stock height as well.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,459
Likes: 10
From: RVA
Well, there's a "good kit" for every budget, from the $100 AutoSpring spacers to the $250 Bilstein 5100s, to the $800 Fox or F150lifts.com coilovers, to the $1200 Icons, and I can keep going.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 4
From: Denver, NC
Yes sir, been on the SuperDuty side almost 5 years now. Haven't really played on the NC Forum that I can recall, I'll check it out when I can though.