2018 XLT help

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Jun 23, 2018 | 08:25 PM

CCphil

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2018 XLT help

Howdy, I'm new here but not new to owning a ford truck. I just as of a week ago purchased a 2018 XLT crew cab and yes, 2WD. I've never owned one this new and I really like it except a few new features but what really bugs me is front is so low to the ground mainly the air dam. So I need to help.

How big of a leveling kit should I get 2" or 2.5"?
What is the best/biggest size tire I can put on the stock 18" rims? Stock tires are 265/60.
Will any of this void the factory and extended warranty?

Advice is appreciated, thanks

Jun 23, 2018 | 08:45 PM

kelwar

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You can remove the air dam fairly easily (at least on the 4x4s) that would be cheaper and easier than levelling the truck. If you do want to level it though I wouldn't go more than 2"

Jun 23, 2018 | 08:59 PM

CCphil

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Air dam

Thanks and Yeah I considered removing the air dam but believe it serves a purpose unless I'm totally off base. But I think ive already decided to level it.

Jun 23, 2018 | 09:59 PM

Kingofwylietx

Fleet Mechanic

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The air dam helps a little with fuel mileage, but those that have removed it have posted that it didn’t make a huge difference.

For free, you could just remove it and see how you like it. Then, you always have the option of putting it back on.

I have also seen a post where someone cut about half of it off, so it wasn’t as big.

Jun 23, 2018 | 11:05 PM

Theycallmedoc

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I went with a 2" spacer, left the airdam.

Jun 24, 2018 | 01:51 AM

JKBrad

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From: San Antonio, TX

You can go 2.5 on a 2wd with no issues. I would with a 275/70/18 (33.2”) on the stock wheels. You can go as big as 295/7018 (34.3”) on the stock wheel, but you would need this kit along with some quality 1.25” spacer for the front wheels to clear the new upper control arms.

https://www.readylift.com/3-5-sst-li...2014-2018.html

If you Google the part number from this kit, you can find it for significantly less than the list price

wheel spacers

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/20...l-Spacers.html

You wont need back spacers. As the front suspension drops, it pulls the front wheels inward. The 1.25” spacers will put them on line with the rear wheels.

That’s as big as you can go on cactory wheels without buy a significantly more expensive kit that requires frame cutting. Your 2wd will look like a leveled 4x4 when you’re done.

Nice looking truck BTW, I like the grey grill with that color.

Jun 24, 2018 | 07:19 PM

CCphil

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Thanks, I had a 14 stx sport that was race red that I really liked but this emerald red is really growing on me.
I removed the air dam and didnt realize how much of a change it would make in the appearance of it and now I'm reanalyzing where I want to go with it. I washed it for the first time since in got it too.