How hard is alignment after leveling kit?
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 623
Likes: 15
From: Charlotte NC
How hard is alignment after leveling kit?
So I've been considering a very modest lift with the truck ('85 Flareside 4x4 F150).
Would rather not go with harsher springs / aftermarket, and thinking about either 1.) a leveling kit or 2.) 2" spacers on the front, with a 2" lift block in the rear.
My question is this - has anyone had issues with the alignment using a 1.5 to 2" lift / leveling kit in the front?
Looking for wisdom from those who have been there.
Thanks!
Would rather not go with harsher springs / aftermarket, and thinking about either 1.) a leveling kit or 2.) 2" spacers on the front, with a 2" lift block in the rear.
My question is this - has anyone had issues with the alignment using a 1.5 to 2" lift / leveling kit in the front?
Looking for wisdom from those who have been there.
Thanks!
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
Lots of people do have alignment issues when the ride height is changed on these trucks. If they can get it in, expect new eccentric bushings ($60) and a full alignment, all total at least $150. I bet they can't get it in with a 2 inch lift.
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 623
Likes: 15
From: Charlotte NC
Thanks for the reply Franklin, good info -
I was wondering if maybe 1 1/2 inches front would be a better idea. Sounds like it's worth avoiding the 2" spacers.
Anyone else with experience, or who has managed to get things back into spec at 1 1/2? Leveling spring recommendations?
I was wondering if maybe 1 1/2 inches front would be a better idea. Sounds like it's worth avoiding the 2" spacers.
Anyone else with experience, or who has managed to get things back into spec at 1 1/2? Leveling spring recommendations?
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Saskatchewan
I went with the Rough Country leveling coils on my 2WD. I was able to get it back within spec after they settled a bit. I have never worked on a 4WD model so I don't want to give you bad information on what I did to mine to get it back into spec. But I can say that the Rough Country coils ride nice in my opinion.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Leveling springs are a luck-of-the-draw situation, if you're looking for guaranteed no-trouble, I would look for a full lift from a reputable company (BDS, JBG, Wild Horses), like this one:
1980-1996 Ford F150 4WD 4" lift kit 501H | BDS Suspension
1980-1996 Ford F150 4WD 4" lift kit 501H | BDS Suspension
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 137
Likes: 9
From: Southwest Ohio
I am going with a 4" complete system on my 83 F250HD. I do not want to fight to get the alignment correct. That and I am wanting to run 35's as well.
Trending Topics
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
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
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
Trainhornman, you want your alignment report to look like Josh’s, and CBEllis post with the parts to be installed. Ps you guys are great, ideally Trainhorm lands caster into the plus 4-5 degrees range with this help.
New User
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
I put a 2.5" complete RC system (with rear leafs) on mine. I still need shims to get the camber right, but it's nothing detrimental to me as it's not a daily driver and when I do drive it, I'm mostly in the dirt/mud. Toe and caster aligned out just fine. Although keep in mind; The complete kit does come with radius drop brackets and I-beam drop brackets, so if you're just looking to space, you'll have to find a solution for those brackets. Dropped pitman arm and longer brake lines are not needed.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
There are no shims to get the camber right. The caster and camber are done all by the same eccentric. Since you went so high without any brackets, you are probably out of luck. Usually 1.5 inches is the max for the bushings.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
camo86
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
May 24, 2012 05:29 AM