How do i level the front?
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New User
Joined: Sep 2003
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How do i level the front?
I am lookin for a way to adjust my 2003 F-150 XL sport 2WD, I have springs in the front and i dont know how to adjust them if i can at all. I dont want to use spacers, and i need about an inch and a half to level it....any ideas?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
How do i level the front?
Hi usmc12782 and welcome to FTE 
Coil spring spacers do work ok. Other than that you could find some longer or stiffer springs. If your truck has a V6 you could maybe use springs from a 5.4 but they would make it ride rougher too. Or you could lower the back of the truck to make it level if you didnt need the height.
Coil spring spacers do work ok. Other than that you could find some longer or stiffer springs. If your truck has a V6 you could maybe use springs from a 5.4 but they would make it ride rougher too. Or you could lower the back of the truck to make it level if you didnt need the height.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 131
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How do i level the front?
I dont blame you for not wanting coil spacers. They shorten the life of your springs by quite a bit and they have a funny ride. Im talking from experience so believe me you dont want them.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,823
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From: Houston, Texas
How do i level the front?
Why would they shorten the life of the springs? They sit on top of the springs. The only thing that will shorten the life in the springs on your truck will to add a BUNCH of weight.....I dont think that those 1lb spacers will matter that much. I had them on all four springs on my jeep and nothing came from them.
Now if you are constantly extending and compressing the spring and have not lengthened the bumpstop accordingly, then yes the springs will change in spring constant.
Now if you are constantly extending and compressing the spring and have not lengthened the bumpstop accordingly, then yes the springs will change in spring constant.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 84
From: Wake Forest, NC
How do i level the front?
The are thinking of the spacers that go inbetween coils, not the round one that is shaped like a spring seat (i'm guessing)
The easiest and best way to adjust the height of a coil sprung suspension is to increase the static ride height. That doesn't affect the ride as much as a taller or stiffer spring would. In order to do that you have to move the fixed piont the spring rests. To do that you have to use a spacer or cut and weld. I'll choose the spacer.
The easiest and best way to adjust the height of a coil sprung suspension is to increase the static ride height. That doesn't affect the ride as much as a taller or stiffer spring would. In order to do that you have to move the fixed piont the spring rests. To do that you have to use a spacer or cut and weld. I'll choose the spacer.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
How do i level the front?
On my 1992 F150 I added an extra leaf to each rear spring pack to keep the truck more level when I have my snowmobile in the back. That made the back quite a bit higher than the front. I stuck a rubber donut type spacer in each front spring. it brought the front up to where I wanted it and it drives great and doesnt ride any worse than before. Just make sure you get the alignment checked any time you change ride height.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 276
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From: Texas
How do i level the front?
I've always heard spacers will increase the wear and tear on your ball joints. Maybe an inch wouldn't hurt though?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
How do i level the front?
Well.....it increases the angles the your drag link at tie rod sit at....but I dont know if it matters if a ball joint sits at one angle or another. Spacers are the same thing as a lift.....just not replacing the springs..adding the height to the top of the spring.