Levelling kit
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 119
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From: Vancouver area
Levelling kit
I'm wondering if many here have done a level kit on their truck? The 2" & 2 1/2" seem to be the most popular, and since I have air bags on my F150 which adds an inch more or so (than stock) I'm thinking of the 2 1/2" kit. Was thinking about doing the job myself, as there are some Youtube video's on the process, but there are a few unique tools I may not have, including a torque wrench that goes above 100 ft. lbs, as that's where my torque wrench stops! Next set of tires I may go larger too, albeit not 'too' much, to help fill in the wheel well space.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 24
From: ME
I would only add a level kit if I was definitely going with larger tires. Stock tires already look small on these trucks and when you raise the truck at all the stockers look like donut tires.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 472
Likes: 153
From: Southeast Wisconsin
If you are going the spacer route, DIY isn't too bad. But if you go with longer than factory struts like Bilsteins, they are a PITA according to the tech that installed my Bilsteins. He said they were no fun at all and that is definitely not a DIY project. I am very happy with the ride and stability of a leveled truck with Bilsteins. Much better ride in every aspect than stock shocks and struts with spacers.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 119
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From: Vancouver area
If you are going the spacer route, DIY isn't too bad. But if you go with longer than factory struts like Bilsteins, they are a PITA according to the tech that installed my Bilsteins. He said they were no fun at all and that is definitely not a DIY project. I am very happy with the ride and stability of a leveled truck with Bilsteins. Much better ride in every aspect than stock shocks and struts with spacers.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,110
Likes: 1,639
If you want or need the extra articulation, then something like the Bilsteins is a must. If, like my wife, you just want the look and the extra articulation isn't necessary (we have the PowerWagon for that), then spacers are a very economical way to do it. It sounds like you want the extra articulation, so go for it!
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,227
Likes: 1,245
From: San Antonio, TX
This is how I see it. Brand new truck, use spacers. Makes no sense to get rid of brand new shocks. A trucks that’s a few years old and needs new shocks anyway, go with a set of coil overs. Since you have a 2016, that may be the way to go.
I put 2.25” ReadyLift spacers on mine when it was nearly new. Zero issues and a great ride for 5 years and 50k miles. Soon it will be time to consider new shocks. Bilstein 6112s are at the top of my list right now with HaloLifts running second.
I put 2.25” ReadyLift spacers on mine when it was nearly new. Zero issues and a great ride for 5 years and 50k miles. Soon it will be time to consider new shocks. Bilstein 6112s are at the top of my list right now with HaloLifts running second.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 472
Likes: 153
From: Southeast Wisconsin
If you want or need the extra articulation, then something like the Bilsteins is a must. If, like my wife, you just want the look and the extra articulation isn't necessary (we have the PowerWagon for that), then spacers are a very economical way to do it. It sounds like you want the extra articulation, so go for it!
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 472
Likes: 153
From: Southeast Wisconsin
This is how I see it. Brand new truck, use spacers. Makes no sense to get rid of brand new shocks. A trucks that’s a few years old and needs new shocks anyway, go with a set of coil overs. Since you have a 2016, that may be the way to go.
I put 2.25” ReadyLift spacers on mine when it was nearly new. Zero issues and a great ride for 5 years and 50k miles. Soon it will be time to consider new shocks. Bilstein 6112s are at the top of my list right now with HaloLifts running second.
I put 2.25” ReadyLift spacers on mine when it was nearly new. Zero issues and a great ride for 5 years and 50k miles. Soon it will be time to consider new shocks. Bilstein 6112s are at the top of my list right now with HaloLifts running second.
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Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,227
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From: San Antonio, TX
I don’t doubt you. But then again I have a 157” wheelbase with Max Tow, which makes a big difference in the ride. I will get new shocks In the not too distant future and I will see the light I’m sure. But I have to say, my truck does ride nice as is. I have noticed that if I turn a corner sharp or take a curve on the highway at speed, the shocks are getting noticeably soft, so that’s my big motivator right now.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 472
Likes: 153
From: Southeast Wisconsin
I don’t doubt you. But then again I have a 157” wheelbase with Max Tow, which makes a big difference in the ride. I will get new shocks In the not too distant future and I will see the light I’m sure. But I have to say, my truck does ride nice as is. I have noticed that if I turn a corner sharp or take a curve on the highway at speed, the shocks are getting noticeably soft, so that’s my big motivator right now.
And your description of the OEM shocks being soft around curves etc is spot on. Way too much lean. Also, the OEM rears don't like rough roads, railroad tracks, and potholes either. The Bilsteins fix all that. Now my truck handles more like a Mustang in the curves, and doesn't kick like a mule over potholes and RR crossings. Increased stability during trailering is also vastly improved.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 83
From: N. Texas
I just installed 5100's in the rear of my leveled truck. I will agree the ride is better, firmer without being harsh and the truck feels much more planted to the ground. But with that said, my truck never gave me the "tail end trying to catch the front" scenario on bumps or railroad tracks.
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