Leveling Kit (new shocks)...?
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New User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 19
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Leveling Kit (new shocks)...?
I want to install a 2 1/2" leveling kit on my 2005 F250 4x4 (Extended Cab). A few companies told me I need to replace the shocks, but a couple other shops said I did NOT need to replace the shocks. Which is true...?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 173
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From: central arkansas
I put the daystar kit with F350 rear blks on my truck and I didnt use new shocks but you will have to put some spacers on them,I used flat washers to shim mine down. If you dont space them the ride will be rough as they "top out". I dont think you'll need an alighnment but have your shop check it out. I didnt have to adjust my headlights.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
Likes: 12
From: 21791
the leveling kit i used included new shocks, and they were about 2'' longer. my headlights were somewhat down, and i think they are perfect now, the low beams were shining right down. i haven't had anyone flash their hi-beams at me, thinking i had them on.
for shocks- i wouldnt use the stockers, because if they are constantly topped out, it wont let the suspension to go to full droop, causing the leaf springs to be constantly pushing the shock past the limits, leading to premature failure of the shock itself. plus, it would ride alot rougher because the suspension cant flex downward when you hit a pothole or something similar. bilsteins are great shocks.
for shocks- i wouldnt use the stockers, because if they are constantly topped out, it wont let the suspension to go to full droop, causing the leaf springs to be constantly pushing the shock past the limits, leading to premature failure of the shock itself. plus, it would ride alot rougher because the suspension cant flex downward when you hit a pothole or something similar. bilsteins are great shocks.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 118
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I have snow plow prep front springs which sit about 1" higher then "reg" springs. Once I added the 2" spacer from Fabtech (They used to be 2.5" I heard). The stock Rancho fakes were virtually maxed out and the ride was harsh. Rancho makes RS5000s in both a 2.5" longer and a 4" longer length. The 2.5"s were a special order, so I went with some +4" RS5000s for about $40 a piece from Summit racing and they work well. I got the headlights flashed at me after the front lift, but once I added the F350 blocks to the rear, seemd to put it back to normal, I haven't taken any measurements though.
I did not do any alignment and have put 2000 miles on since the lift. Steering wheel is perfectly straight and the the truck tracks fine.
I did not do any alignment and have put 2000 miles on since the lift. Steering wheel is perfectly straight and the the truck tracks fine.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 93
From: VA/NH
There isn't an alignment issue. The front end goes straight up and straight down with the lift because it isn't IFS. It's still a solid front axle even though they went to coils.
I've been planning on doing the 2.5" front lift and all the research I've done says GET NEW SHOCKS or you'll regret it....
I've been planning on doing the 2.5" front lift and all the research I've done says GET NEW SHOCKS or you'll regret it....
