I checked 2 shops and they say the Rancho adjustable (0-2.5 fron lift) is not for lifting, it is desgined for trucks already have the 0-2.5" lift. don know about the Bilsteins!.

 

Guys, there are no "shocks" that will lift or level your truck.

 

Yes there are, these bilsteins are designed to do just that.

http://www.bilstein.com/offroad.php#5100pre

From their website: Zinc-plated shocks that install like factory replacement shocks and are designed to correct the factory rake. The OEM spring seat is repositioned to provide more preload to the factory spring. The result is a level front to rear ride height. An extremely simple and effective solution, offering increased wheel travel while accommodating a 33" tire.

 

Has anyone tried the bilstein option? If so how do they work? Thanks.

 

the rancho rs 9000 XXX do the same. what they do is provide a slightly higher mounting position for the spring seat, thus picking the front of the truck up a little in most cases 2 1/2 inch max. There is also the skyjacker kit which uses the from spring seat from the factory shock and a new coil. I belive the ride is a little stiffer but you can get 3 inches from it. The kit is a true 3 inches and comes with an add-a-leaf for the rear to keep the same rake. Or you could just add a block to the back and lift slightly to keep it from being nose high or cali style.

 

The only problem with these shocks is $$!..I wanted to order the Rancho rs 9000 xxx because I do go offroad! and need good replacement for the soft front shocks but the dealer said it will not give any lift..and you say

"in most cases"!...what do you mean and how?

Also, what is the effect of changing the front ONLY shocks? and keeping the rear. b/c you will end up with diffrent design shocks in the front and the rear!!

Believe the shock solution is safe! and have a real value if you can afford it

 

There are two sets of RS9000s. The first set is a direct replacement to the factory shocks. the second is basicaly the same but what they have different is a threade collar that is on the outside and the spring seat is thredead. If you think of it like the top spacers, they mount on the top pushing the spring pack down (more preload) thus giving you the lift. The Ranchos work in a similar manner except they adjust fromthe bottom at the spring seat giving more preload and raising the front end. What I meant by "most cases" is that with a spacer you only get what you purchased (i.e. 1", 2", or 2 1/2") and if later you do not like it you either take it all out back to stock or purchase another. Since the Rancho uses the threaded collar they are adjustable from 0-2 1/2". With that you could start out to max 2 1/2 inches which is exactly level. Say you start hauling at a later date a lot and do not like the nose to be a little higer than the rear due to the weight. You could adjust them down to 2" or even back to stock ride height. They can not be adjusted on the truck though you have to remove them release the spring tension and then adjust. The ranchos cost a little more but overall I thing the value is worth it for you get varied height adjustment and then the preload. YOu can run ranchos upfornt and stock in the rear but the backs are like 89 ea. and the whole package would be great. You could adj. the rears to a setting that would help with the bed always vibrating but keep the fronts at a different one. Most guys running these say they ride better than stock. I have mine and am getting ready to put them in.


As for the upper control arms if you are worried about ball joints you could check out total chaos. they have a set that is a direct replacement for stock and can be used with any shock that does not require the UCA stock set up to be altered. I chekc in to thes in case in the future I had any issues. they run like 700 bucks or so, but a good investement for future for they are baha proven. Not saying you will ever need them but an option.

Hope this helps. Check the rancho site for part numbers. If you just want level I think this is the best option for the range of adj. and if you get sick of being level you can go back to stock and not have any thing you paid for just laying around the garage collecting dust.

my 2 cents

 

here is the shock to help and the control arms


http://www.gorancho.com/root.html

part number RS99768 about 190 ea.
Rears RS99286 for 9000 series and RS5286 for the 5000series

http://www.chaosfab.com/fordf150.html

Chaos upper control arm link

Hope it helps

 

PLease correct me if I am wrong. I have a 04 screw 4x4 and was looking to order the autospring kit, I am thinking that I will need a 2.5" kit. Is this correct or will I just need the 2" to level it.


Thanks

 

I just also bought the autospring leveling kit for my 06 f-150 screw and was wondering, is it too hard to install , I know they say 1.5 hours, but I'm no pro, plus I might not have the right tools, am I better off taking it somewhere to get it installed? what do I need to install it?

thanks,

 

I went to a local garage that does truck alignments and repairs. The mechanic installed the leveling kit plus did the alignment for $90.00 total.

 

Abaddon, I went with the 2" and now that they are supposedly offering a 1.5" wish i could have gone with that.
The 2" makes my 04 screw fx4 look very level (although there is still a slight rake if you check it with a tape measure).

I'd go 2" if you're looking for a level look, another .5" and I don't see how it wouldn't make my truck look "nose up"

 

Motley crue, that was one heck of a deal!
I was charged ~$75 for the alignment alone.

 

Jeezus, you guys need to not go to Vegas and get a job like I did. Here in million-aire-row they want $575 to install the autospring, and not including an alignment. This just sucks. I am from Idaho, where autosprings are from. I called them yesterday, and I will do the drive (500 miles), do the lift in Boise, visit some friends, drive back home, and come out better than paying for the LV lift. Go figure! Hell I might even do a 4" lift while I am there for no more than another $250. Life is about who ya know!

Las Vegas, land of crooks and pimps! Yeee hahhh.

Rick

 

Did the lift myself, super easy! In addition to my socket set I needed a 1 1/16" wrench and a 30mm socket to remove the bolt on the lower control arm and strut. I'll tell you what, PM me with your email and I'll send you detailed pictures and instructions for you if you wanna see.