I'm looking for opinions. I have an '08 F250 CCLB 4x4 5.4L. Looking to level the front end. Seems like the choices are spacers, leveling springs, factory plow springs or Firestone air bags w/ stock springs. I plow in the winter, but the plow is only on for as long as it takes to plow. I remove it between storms. Occasionally pull a 8K lb. gooseneck horse trailer. What would be the best choice for my daily driver?

 

I am fan of air HELPER bags. Even my F450 has stiff suspension, the rear axle is in less than 1/2 of the bed, so all the loads spread on it will have the center of gravity behind the axle. Meaning sagging the rear and taking off the load from front axle.
I just installed the bags and not only they help a lot with leveling, but ride comfort with empty truck is way better.

 

I've been looking at helper bags on all 4 corners. Was wondering what they did for ride quality.

 

You can do an easy test.
Put air inflated pillow on the car seat and drive with it and than take a piece of metal bar and do the comparison
Jokes aside, I love air bags. Have air suspension on my motorhome and wish my Superduty would have the same.

 

If your already level and only want to level the front when the plow is on then maybe the air bags will fit your needs, although i don't believe their all that popular with front mount (but can be) and will typically harshen the ride when fully inflated.

Other front level choices are the Readylift spacer system which i am a fan of
(for non or light off-roading). The BDS kits are popular as well. Stay away from poly spacers and stick with the steel heavy duty top-hat style spacers if you go that route.

Just remember if you decide to level the front not to go too high or you will then want to raise the rear to match the front. This will all depend on how much your front is sagging. The factory plow or heavy duty service springs typically won't bring you up much more than an inch or so and are typically just i higher rate spring, meaning it will hold the heavier load better and less sag over time but that may be all you need.

Also remember anytime you raise the front 2-3 inches or higher you will or should need to purchase a track bar drop bracket or adjustable bar, possibly longer shocks to be correct if you expect to extend the travel of the shocks (off-road) and a quality alignment that may require caster alignment shims.

To get away with a minimal expense and if the truck is mainly street driven you can safely go with a 1-2" spacer. Allways re-align the truck though.

 

I put 6000# springs in the front and raised it 1" with a spacer. It sits nice, rides like a truck should and holds my plow like a charm.