Who has a leveling kit?
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,474
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From: ME
Originally Posted by 1979FordF-250
Well I don't tow at all, and I only haul a 373lb. race quad, so Im thinking the 2.5" is right for me. I think the daystars are a 2 piece spacer, and the Pro comp is just like the AS, one spacer on top of the coil.
If it was on a tight budget I'd go with the AS.If I wasn't on a tight budget I'd get some Bilstein 5100's and lift the front end 2" that way.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,604
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
Originally Posted by NASSTY
Well, the Pro Comp mounts in the same location as the AS but besides that they are not alike.The Pro comp is a poly spacer the AS is steel plates with gussets welded between them.
If it was on a tight budget I'd go with the AS.If I wasn't on a tight budget I'd get some Bilstein 5100's and lift the front end 2" that way.
If it was on a tight budget I'd go with the AS.If I wasn't on a tight budget I'd get some Bilstein 5100's and lift the front end 2" that way.
they run $150+ for each one though.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: NOR CAL
I weant into my local central 4wd and they had a very nice Readylift spacer. It was made very well, and was all steal not "poly". I liked it alot. Mounts in the same way as the AS. They also want 229.99 for it
, and they can install it right there too. I can't seem to find a dealer that has the Bilstein Preload Adjustable 5100's either, and I noticed that they increase the coil preload which should stiffen my front suspension. Not what im after.
, and they can install it right there too. I can't seem to find a dealer that has the Bilstein Preload Adjustable 5100's either, and I noticed that they increase the coil preload which should stiffen my front suspension. Not what im after.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: NOR CAL
Originally Posted by tylus
true, if you don't mind spending some money, I hear the bilstiens have a pretty good ride and they are selectable from 1.5" to 2.5" (3 positions)
they run $150+ for each one though.
they run $150+ for each one though.
I didn't see your post. I read that they increase the preload, and wouldn't my truck run even stiffer in the front. It already bounces off the ground on speed bumps.
Last edited by 1979FordF-250; May 29, 2007 at 09:46 PM.
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Senior User
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From: NOR CAL
$150 isn't a bad price. The other spacers are already 200+. Isn't the front a strut? I hope that doesn't make them cost even more. Anyway if its a good price I wouldn't mind doing the adjustable preload 5100 struts in the front and some regular 5100's in the rear. It would roughly be about $450, if the front struts are $150 each and the rear shocks are $75 each.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,604
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From: SE Georgia
no, front uses coil-overs. big shock with a coil spring wrapped around it. struts are just a shock with a modified body and a coil spring is still in the front end somewhere.
thats $150+ per coil-over per side. so $300+ for parts, then install labor if you don't do it yourself. I think your looking at $500 minimum to get new coil-overs installed vs. the $300 (spacer + install charge)...and it's only $89 or less if you do it all yourself and do the spacer.
your ride could be stiffer, or softer. How hard are you hitting speed bumps to get the front end off the ground? I haven't done that yet.
btw, $229 is a rip-off. they're charging you for maybe $10-20 of metal and some welding...I'll bet the shop is also charging about $80-90 per hour, and saying it'll take at least 3 hours. I did it in my driveway in under 3 hours. Don't let them feed you a line of B.S.
thats $150+ per coil-over per side. so $300+ for parts, then install labor if you don't do it yourself. I think your looking at $500 minimum to get new coil-overs installed vs. the $300 (spacer + install charge)...and it's only $89 or less if you do it all yourself and do the spacer.
your ride could be stiffer, or softer. How hard are you hitting speed bumps to get the front end off the ground? I haven't done that yet.
btw, $229 is a rip-off. they're charging you for maybe $10-20 of metal and some welding...I'll bet the shop is also charging about $80-90 per hour, and saying it'll take at least 3 hours. I did it in my driveway in under 3 hours. Don't let them feed you a line of B.S.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: NOR CAL
I was only thinking they had struts because all the different suspensions companies (rancho, pro comp, fabtech) say that the newer f150 need "struts/ or coils", or something like that.
I know that spacer is a rip off. Its the most expensive I have found. So the install of the front coil overs is roughly $500 or are you talking about coil overs + install would be $500. Im still keeping in mind too that I can get the pro comp spacers and 4 top end es9000 shocks for $310.00, but their stacers are "poly".
When The truck bounces off the ground Im only doing a couple mph. No more than 5mph. Its probably because it has the same front suspension as a screw with a 5.4, and mine weighs a lot less than that.
I know that spacer is a rip off. Its the most expensive I have found. So the install of the front coil overs is roughly $500 or are you talking about coil overs + install would be $500. Im still keeping in mind too that I can get the pro comp spacers and 4 top end es9000 shocks for $310.00, but their stacers are "poly".
When The truck bounces off the ground Im only doing a couple mph. No more than 5mph. Its probably because it has the same front suspension as a screw with a 5.4, and mine weighs a lot less than that.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: MA
Have you completely ruled out an Autospring kit? Seems like you have to me.
Also, why are you changing shocks? You dont need to do that with any of the kits.
Also, why are you changing shocks? You dont need to do that with any of the kits.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: NOR CAL
I would have no problem getting AS, but I don't do Ebay. So if I have to pay a little more, thats fine. Im also getting the new shocks to help eat up the bumps that the stock ones won't, and last.
Do polyurethane spacers really wear out? I read that they wear out like polyurethane joints and bushings do.
Do polyurethane spacers really wear out? I read that they wear out like polyurethane joints and bushings do.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: NOR CAL
Originally Posted by WheelMA1
They deform over time, as well as squeak. Oh, and you have a PM 
, and I think if I do go with a spacer, most likely I will then I will get AS. Im still considering the Bilstein 5100 adjustables too, but can't find a place that sells them.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,604
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From: SE Georgia
Originally Posted by tylus
thats $150+ per coil-over per side. so $300+ for parts, then install labor if you don't do it yourself. I think your looking at $500 minimum to get new coil-overs installed
$300 (AS spacer + install charge), or $500 for the spacer you quoted and install charge
and it's only $89 or less if you do it all yourself and do the spacer.
$300 (AS spacer + install charge), or $500 for the spacer you quoted and install charge
and it's only $89 or less if you do it all yourself and do the spacer.
maybe you could call up Autosprings and see if they'll let you directly purchase it over the phone. They're located in Idaho and have a real business they operate out of. I'm sure they can do that.
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
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Originally Posted by WheelMA1
Well "right" is up to the installer . What is your truck? Regular Cab? Supercab? Supercrew? It seems many guys get different 'level' settings. Certainly if you take the rake out of your truck, and you tow or put a lot of weight in the bed, you will find yourself in a nose high situation. Thats the nature of the beast.... Depending on your budget, you could either add a leaf to your rear spring pack, or do something like an airbag setup, that is completey adjustable to the load (something I would LOVE to do some day!) The warranty issue is really a case by case/dealer by dealer thing. All depends on your relationship I think. I would have zero problems adding one, knowing my local dealer quite well.
. What is your truck? Regular Cab? Supercab? Supercrew? It seems many guys get different 'level' settings. Certainly if you take the rake out of your truck, and you tow or put a lot of weight in the bed, you will find yourself in a nose high situation. Thats the nature of the beast.... Depending on your budget, you could either add a leaf to your rear spring pack, or do something like an airbag setup, that is completey adjustable to the load (something I would LOVE to do some day!) The warranty issue is really a case by case/dealer by dealer thing. All depends on your relationship I think. I would have zero problems adding one, knowing my local dealer quite well.Last edited by bma4573; May 31, 2007 at 01:58 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: West Chester Pa.
A coil over is basicly the same as a strut. strut's do support the weight of the vehicle.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacPherson_strut
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacPherson_strut