2" Leveling Kit...Headlamp adjustment?
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2" Leveling Kit...Headlamp adjustment?
Just added a 2" leveling kit to my '09 F150 SCrew 4x4 Lariat. Really like the results and looks pretty darn good. I noticed that anytime I drive at night now, I get "flashed" by the oncoming party that my high beams are on even when they are not activated. For the forum members with leveling kits, do you have the same problem? Did you adjust your headlamps to offset the change in elevation to the front end? Is this even possible and what do you tink it costs to get reset (both standard beams and high beams)? I notice that my high beams shine in the trees now. 
Thanks in advance,
Bullet Bob
Thanks in advance,
Bullet Bob
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Dayton, TX
i had to adjust mine a little. one top of your headlamp you will notice a small hole. down in that hole is a little plastic gear. pull up to a wall or garage door when its dark out. take a flat head screw driver into that hole and turn that gear. you will notice the light moving up or down on the wall or garage door. just adjust to your liking. test drive and make more adjustments until you get it where you need it.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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Hey Bullet Bob, I have the exact same truck as you and I'm thinking about doing the same mod. I'm wondering if you happened to take any before and after pictures you could share to help me decide? What kit did you use? What size wheels/tires did you use? I'm thinking of keeping my stock 20" rims and bumping up to a larger tire but not sure just yet. Thanks!
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Dayton, TX
i have some pics for you.
stock:
<img src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/76/l_00831df7162641b596c4dbbdbd354cc4.jpg">
with daystar 2" level kit:
<img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/99/l_19e6d8e693094438a55f84c1c267b261.jpg">
with level kit and 35" tires:
<img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/l_026f525327c242f799b6e9033e9b319d.jpg">
i know its not the same truck as you have but the all work the same.
stock:
<img src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/76/l_00831df7162641b596c4dbbdbd354cc4.jpg">
with daystar 2" level kit:
<img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/99/l_19e6d8e693094438a55f84c1c267b261.jpg">
with level kit and 35" tires:
<img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/3/l_026f525327c242f799b6e9033e9b319d.jpg">
i know its not the same truck as you have but the all work the same.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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That looks awesome, thanks for posting. This is a lot like what I have in mind for mine so this is very helpful. Looks like you used the stock rims too which I plan to do, I have the 20" chrome rims already so why replace them. How do you find those tires ride on highways or pavement in general? I want to find a tire that won't make me regret it when I'm taking a longer trip due to road noise or excessive wear over time. Thanks again!
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,392
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From: Dayton, TX
Yes I used the factory 20" FX4 wheels. The tires I have do ride real good on the highway and anywhere else. They are just pretty noisy. But I like that. They turn a lot of heads and work great offroad as well. They are 35x12.5x20 nitto mudgrapplers. They have a good sized side wall so they are very smooth on the 20s at 20mph and above. Below that they have some vibration but that's typical with an offroad tire. So far I have almost 40k miles on them. Just have to keep them rotated every 3-5k miles. Hope this will help you decide
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Tyler - I think I may have an old picture that I had to take for insurance when I first bought the truck for my wife. I'll try to get a new pic this weekend and post them up. It makes the truck look nice without the nose dive. I have not replaced the Scorpion tires yet, will drive them a while longer even though I do not like them. When I put new tires, I will go with the Nitto Terra Grapplers. I had the Terra's on my F250's for years and loved them, seem to be a good balance between the aggressive tires and the street tires.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Dayton, TX
a lot of people dont like the daystar kits for some reason but i do. they all install pretty much the same. but daystar has a lifetime warranty. if it ever breaks or cracks then they will replace it.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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Thanks BulletBob, that's exactly what I was looking for! Looks like what I'm after and looks great by the way! I'm trying to decide which kit to order now and I know you said you used the Daystar kit but I'm liking the looks of the Rough Country kit which can come with a 1" rear block and shock package for a decent price. Do you (or anyone else) have any experience with this kit/company?
Sorry for all the questions, I'm new to the site but really appreciate all the feedback and quick responses!
Sorry for all the questions, I'm new to the site but really appreciate all the feedback and quick responses!
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Tyler - I don't know anything about the kit you mentioned but this is my first leveling kit so I cannot provide any help and/or guidance. Please be sure and post some pics (before and after) once you get it installed! 
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,392
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From: Dayton, TX
i think with the rough county kit you have to removed and take apart your factory spring to install the spacers. the daystar kit bolts right on top and doesnt take nearly as long and its doesnt preload the spring. but in the end its your decision. do some searches and you can see which kit people use the most. pictures would be good though when you get done.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: southeast mi
who has and who has not had their truck aligned after the install of the leveling kit...
notice the tires wearing?? drive different??
i know of a couple guys that did not have theirs aligned afterwards and have had no ill effects....1 has 80,000 since the install
notice the tires wearing?? drive different??
i know of a couple guys that did not have theirs aligned afterwards and have had no ill effects....1 has 80,000 since the install