I have a 2001 F350 Diesel 4x4 Super Cab that I would REALLY like to level the front on. I have never really been too happy with the lower front end look and have searched extensively reading about leveling kits. It seems that most complain about the harsh ride of the new spring packs and I have also heard of the Donahoe Racing shackles. The shackle kit would still give the factory ride, but they are VERY PROUD of them as far as cost. I live on a VERY rough road in a rural area and need shocks, but I hate to buy them until I figure out what to do, if anything, with the suspension. I have read of some folks using air bags on the front suspension to support the heavy diesel front end and give a little lift as well. Does anyone have any suggestions without breaking the bank and making the truck ride like a crawler tractor? Thanks!

 

I just installed a leveling kit in my pickup. You can see the thread here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...cs-inside.html

It rides the exact same as factory and doesn't require the longer shocks that a shackle lift would, plus it's easier to install. I got my kit from Zone which includes spring packs, u-bolts, and an adjustable track bar.

2-1/2" Leveling Kit

I don't see how a spring pack would change the ride at all. An add-a-leaf would but aside from that it's just a glorified spacer.

 

So, you keep the original springs and put this kit under them? That looks like it's a pretty hefty spring pack when it's all over.

I had never heard of Zone before. But, you say the ride is like the factory ride? So, this was a leveling kit and you did not add anything to the rear?

Many thanks. I will check further!

 

Yes you keep the original spring pack. The kit will come with longer u-bolts to accommodate the extra lift.

Yes, the ride will remain the exact same as the factory ride. In fact mine was actually improved to be honest. I still can't figure that out. I have an F250 so in order for it to be level I had to install F350 blocks in the rear.

 

I put my kit on early last summer. The kit was from "Procomp" and completely replaces the front spring pack and some other stuff too including shocks. It added about 2 1/2" to 3" to the front so I also installed their add-a-leaf kit to the rear. My rear springs had sagged from new and the front end actually looked too high. The rear kit involves dis-assembling each rear spring pack and installing a long recurved spring third from the top. It ends up recurving the whole rear spring pack once re-assembled. It takes a while and you need a pile of big C-clamps and a couple of hydraulic jacks to work the springs into shape. The front is even more fun. You replace the spring packs completely with a new five leaf progressive rate spring pack. They weigh about 100 lbs a piece. To get to the front hanger bolts you have to remove some fender panel support brackets and the front bumper to gain access. It does take some doing but I'm glad I did it. The improvement in the ride was amazing. The ride on rough roads is softer with a lot more control. The leafs in the front are thinner than factory, but there's five vs the OEM two. After doing the work I got the wheel alignment checked and it was dead on. Now the truck doesn't hammer and bang everytime I hit a pot hole. I don't cringe everytime I come up to road construction. Also all that front end squeak from the springs is gone.
In my opinion...Since your truck is an 01, dump the factory springs and go with a properly engineered suspension system. Everything under there is already 8 years old and probably worn out anyway.

 

There is also 2" leveling kits available - then you don't need to worry about the rear. I used Daystar spacers on my 06 6.0

 

An 06 has coils up front. He has an 01 with leafs. I think a spacer block would not do great things to an already 8 year old suspension. I think when your dealing with the end that controls the steering and majority of the braking, it should be done right. Especially if you pulling heavy loads.

 

there are a couple of things you can do first tuff country makes a 1.5 inch add a leaf for the front its like 120$ not bad at all i put this on my 5.4 F-350 and love everything about it. the ride is firmer and doesnt bottom out on every hole and its a lot more stable in corners as well. second you can buy X code leaf springs from ford they are 6000gvw springs for the snow plow package and they too will raise the front end and should help with the weight of the 7.3 third you can get a actual leaf packs from skyjacker, superlift, etc that are made to raise this trucks. my dad had a superlift on his 2000 F-350 it was nice but one thing they have no plastic isolaters so they do nothing but squeak all the time. but im looking for a level kit now too but have noticed that most of the new spring packs not have the isolaters so im still looking

 

That's what I was talking about. Add-a-leaf kits in the front make an already stiff ride, stiffer. Option 3 is the best route, although the most expensive. I'm surprised to hear that the kits you listed have no isolators and squeak. The "procomp" springs that I've got on mine have them and are silent. But they do have urathane bushings that need to be greased prior to install, or they would probably squeak as well.