Why level a truck?
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 507
Likes: 233
Why level a truck?
I see lots of posts about leveling kits and I am curious why people want to level a truck. Seems they ride a little higher in the back so they level out when you put a load on them. Is it just for looks or is there a practical reason for it? Maybe to fit larger tires?
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Jun 17, 2021, 08:02 AM
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,883
Likes: 777
From: SoCal/Wyoming
While I am keeping my 19 stock, I find that a truck generally looks better if it’s level. The rake on mine is not too bad but for those that tow heavy or often with a level/lifted truck, they usually add air bags to keep the *** end from sagging. I would also say that the majority of lifted/leveled trucks you see driving around don’t tow anything significant with their truck. People spend a fortune for a “look” with no intent of really using their truck to its modified potential (been there done that). Maybe I’m just getting old but I’ve outgrown the need to go nuts with the mods. I knew I crossed over to the dark side when I added mud flaps and started receiving offers in the mail to buy a house in a senior community. 
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 418
Likes: 145
From: Back home in MT
This 2019 F250 I currently have is the first truck I've ever had that has been leveled. Came this way and I like the look when it's not towing. However, when towing or hauling a significant load, the front end now rides high and at night oncoming traffic always thinks my high beams are on.
2022 F350 on order will likely get no leveling, I will move the RAS HD on the rear, from the F250 to the F350 however.
2022 F350 on order will likely get no leveling, I will move the RAS HD on the rear, from the F250 to the F350 however.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1,221
From: Southern Crescent
Looks and looks alone.
Lot's of posts on here about "levelers regret" because the truck now has steering issues and squats when towing.
A lot of really smart engineers gave these trucks "best in class towing" right off the showroom floor, and I'm just not going to mess with that, having ordered the truck purpose built for 5th wheel towing. I need the rake.
But I I'm a dull and boring old guy on a budget.
It's your truck.
Do as you please. Being dull and boring may not be on your bucket list.
Lot's of posts on here about "levelers regret" because the truck now has steering issues and squats when towing.
A lot of really smart engineers gave these trucks "best in class towing" right off the showroom floor, and I'm just not going to mess with that, having ordered the truck purpose built for 5th wheel towing. I need the rake.
But I I'm a dull and boring old guy on a budget.
It's your truck.
Do as you please. Being dull and boring may not be on your bucket list.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,883
Likes: 777
From: SoCal/Wyoming
While I am keeping my 19 stock, I find that a truck generally looks better if it’s level. The rake on mine is not too bad but for those that tow heavy or often with a level/lifted truck, they usually add air bags to keep the *** end from sagging. I would also say that the majority of lifted/leveled trucks you see driving around don’t tow anything significant with their truck. People spend a fortune for a “look” with no intent of really using their truck to its modified potential (been there done that). Maybe I’m just getting old but I’ve outgrown the need to go nuts with the mods. I knew I crossed over to the dark side when I added mud flaps and started receiving offers in the mail to buy a house in a senior community.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 329
From: Ontario
Mostly looks and to clear larger tires, but a level gives you a little more ground clearance. I did it on my last two F150s but I also didn’t tow anything heavy enough to sag the back end much. The F350 I have on order won’t see any of these mods. I don’t want to take away from towing performance.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 643
Likes: 38
From: LA = Louisiana
So when u put a 100 lbs or more in the bed/hitch u can get a free Carolina squat!!
But if u level + shell out $$$ for an air bag system .... hey, u can keep it level all the time but u miss out on the squat. Oh well......
But if u level + shell out $$$ for an air bag system .... hey, u can keep it level all the time but u miss out on the squat. Oh well......
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 507
Likes: 233
For the record, I don't plan to level my truck. I bought it to tow an 8,000lb camper and need the rake so it levels out when towing. Just curious if there was a reason for it that I was missing.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,250
Likes: 563
well its a one step forward,one step back kind of deal. it tilts the rear end angle down at the same time. to me this is why they look saggy. remember grampas old lead sled with front way up and rear dragging the curb
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 253
From: NorCal
I go through thoughts of should I or shouldn't I level or lift. My 2020 is now 1-1/2 yrs old and the suspension is still stock. I knew I was getting old when I put the mud flaps on the front and back. Something I would of never considered a few years ago. .Mud flaps, dual steering stabilizers, Raptor steering wheel, new shocks, sway bar etc etc.. Im finding new ways to modify my truck and leaving the suspension stock.
Im getting older, maybe wiser? yes and probably not.
Im getting older, maybe wiser? yes and probably not.
