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Leveling Pros/ cons recommendations

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Old May 19, 2017 | 02:57 PM
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Leveling Pros/ cons recommendations

so I know there's a lot of truck guys on here who insist on lifts and leveling. I'm new to the idea. I've always had stick f-150s. I've heard abd read horror stories about leveling wearing out certain parts prematurely and there being issues with warranty claims etc..... others tell me it's the only way to go and I do think the truck looks cooler leveled. I've got a f250 gas platinum . Can you guys give me some pros and cons of a level kit and also reccomend a kit that's of great quality.

Thabks in advance
 
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Old May 19, 2017 | 05:12 PM
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Do you wanted it lifted or leveled? If all you want is level, you can do that with a rear block change. Simple cost effective way to level. Pro is, no changing the geometry of the front suspension.

Con is.. more prone to sag when towing heavy. But you would have the same problem when leveling by lifting the front.
 
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Old May 19, 2017 | 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by First3Quarter
Do you wanted it lifted or leveled? If all you want is level, you can do that with a rear block change. Simple cost effective way to level. Pro is, no changing the geometry of the front suspension.

Con is.. more prone to sag when towing heavy. But you would have the same problem when leveling by lifting the front.
i don't tow at all and I only want it leveled. I want to donitvas least invasive as possible though I don't mind paying extra for that
 
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Old May 19, 2017 | 06:31 PM
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I swapped the rear blocks for shorter ones on mine and would recommend it to anyone just wanting to level it. I'm probably going to swap the u-bolts for shorter ones when I get chance.
 
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Old May 19, 2017 | 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Thurter
i don't tow at all and I only want it leveled. I want to donitvas least invasive as possible though I don't mind paying extra for that
Well, you're in luck. Changing or removing the rear block is about the least invasive possible. Although, if you use a block shorter than 1 1/2" or remove the block altogether, you will need new u-bolts.

I removed the 3 1/2" blocks and replaced with these Ford F-250/350 Fabricated Lift Blocks at 1 1/2". I have 1" of rake which looks nearly level.
 
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Old May 19, 2017 | 07:49 PM
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If you're wanting to put bigger tires on then you need to raise the front. If you are just wanting the truck level, then I totally agree with mothnuts, lowering the rear will keep your factory ride and handling the same, for a lot less $$$. I'm happy with my readylift 2.5 level. I wanted bigger tires, but I don't do any heavy off-roading. If you're looking for more than just appearance (off-road use) I would recommend one of the leveling kits made for it, readyLift is more for appearance.
 
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Old May 19, 2017 | 08:08 PM
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Originally Posted by fordquist
If you're wanting to put bigger tires on then you need to raise the front. If you are just wanting the truck level, then I totally agree with mothnuts, lowering the rear will keep your factory ride and handling the same, for a lot less $$$. I'm happy with my readylift 2.5 level. I wanted bigger tires, but I don't do any heavy off-roading. If you're looking for more than just appearance (off-road use) I would recommend one of the leveling kits made for it, readyLift is more for appearance.
i get it so essentialy I'd be lowering the back some as opposed to lifting the front up. However I think I might like bigger tires and I don't want to shorten the trucks height. So I should look at a kit that lifts the front end? Will that effect the way the truck drives? Gas milage? Cause warranty issues?
 
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Old May 20, 2017 | 09:53 AM
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First3Quarter:

Do you have any pictures of your truck with the new blocks? I am wanting to do the same and I also want to see about getting new shocks as well. Looking to level and smooth out the ride.

Thanks,
 
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Old May 20, 2017 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by tx101
First3Quarter:

Do you have any pictures of your truck with the new blocks? I am wanting to do the same and I also want to see about getting new shocks as well. Looking to level and smooth out the ride.

Thanks,
Here's pics of mine using the blocks from a 2016. It drops it 1 1/2".


 
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Old May 20, 2017 | 10:33 AM
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Thanks for the photos - that looks perfect in my opinion. I plan on getting this done soon.
 
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Old May 20, 2017 | 11:05 AM
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I'm tempted to do a lower level also, anyone have this done and install 295/65/20 tires? I like the look of the Toyo Open Country AT tires but the extra height of the truck is an issue with towing and the level of the hitch.
 
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Old May 20, 2017 | 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by tx101
Thanks for the photos - that looks perfect in my opinion. I plan on getting this done soon.
Yeah, I really like it as well. I did the shocks and blocks at the same time.
 
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Old May 20, 2017 | 11:50 AM
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I'm considering a 2" level and 37s. I keep going back and forth. This is the ideal look to me, BUT my garage currently has 1/4" of clearance as is. So do I level and park it outside, try and adjust the trim on my garage for additional clearance, or just throw some 35x12.50s on it and call it a day?
 
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Old May 20, 2017 | 01:07 PM
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First3Quarter: I am about place an order for Precision Metal Fab 1 1/2" blocks. If you purchase the Precision Metal Fab 1 1/2" Blocks, do you need bump stops and do you need any taper?

mothnuts: Did replacing the shocks make any noticeable difference in ride quality?
 
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Old May 20, 2017 | 01:20 PM
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mothnuts: Did replacing the shocks make any noticeable difference in ride quality?[/QUOTE]

I didn't have to go 100' on the street to know there was an improvement in ride quality. On the highway I felt every expansion joint with the FX4 Rancho's, and now you only feel really bad ones, and even they don't hit very hard. Gravel roads are also a drastic improvement. When installing the Fox shocks are very stiff and hard to compress, while the stock ones you can use two fingers to compress once you have them off. It's really pretty sad that Ford would even put them on such a nice pickup.
 
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