I've dealt with Zone Offroad a few times and can't say enough good things about them. In state shipping was next day the other was second day and it was a late day order.

I spoke with Mike on the phone this AM about some questions I had on the 2-1/2" kit, like what the actual thickness of the pack was and it's overall length, then some shock questions, etc. Spent about 15 minutes on the phone with him. Then I placed my order online. Less than one hour later I had an order confirmation via email. Then about 3 hours later I had a shipping invoice via email with UPS tracking numbers. They ship same day if you order before 1:00 PM. Though I was not in a hurry to get parts in hand, it's refreshing to know they actually want my business, and follow that up with expedient shipping.

There are several other companies I have puchased from that also offer excellent shipping such as RiffRaff, Summit and Dieselsite. But considering Zone is factory direct, it's hard to beat. Now if UPS is just up to the task, I'll be a happy camper.

Mr. P how was the install on that kit i have been looking at the same exact kit all winter long. just didnt know anyone who had it , now that i knowsomeone who has it and likes the ride im gonna order it this week. i have X code springs so my truck sits level right now so im gonna put that up front and f350 blocks in the rear to level it back off

I didn't do the install...my wife had the install included in the package deal, it was my Christmas gift. I told her if they would install it for $150 or less...then let them do it! That didn't include the alignment after the install. Had the install price been higher I would have installed it myself. Not much to it! As stated earlier in this post, my wife says it rides smoother then before? The alignment really was the icing on the cake! It really tightened up the steering and now it goes straight down the road...no steering adjustments needed!

You're very welcome! I was surprised by the low response I received from the FTE brothers when I first inquired about the Zone Off-Road leveling kit. I'm not sure if no one was familair with the product or what? It's one of the least expensive leveling kits you can buy and it comes with an adjustable track bar! Like yourself...I think I purchased the best product on the market...and it was the least expensive.

Mr Pipeline- there are some slightly cheaper mini packs ie, Icon $230 (a glorified block) and cheaper yet options like extended shackles (not the safest) and add-a-leafs (much harsher ride). but unless you need 4" plus in the front (full spring set), these are the way to go. Like you said- they're a combination of mini pack and add-a-leaf, but when installed, behave much like a whole new spring pack.

Were you having alignment/camber issues before the spring packs went in. A mild lift, even a serious lift, should not cause alignment problems if properly installed. It could, however, exagerrate them. What exactly did you have adjusted and how? Did you have shims installed?

Well…I had an alignment about a year ago and the camber/caster was border-line. The shop decided for me that it was good enough and I didn’t want to spend the money for the new bushings. That was after I told them to “do it right” I was looking to improve the trucks drivability. I didn’t attempt another alignment to explore if improvement was possible. The shop that installed the leveling kit basically said it was needed after raising the truck and new track bar installation would change the camber/caster angle. I’ve heard others on this forum state an alignment wasn’t needed with a leveling kit, but I sure observed improvement with the alignment following the leveling kit installation. The adjustment needed exceeded the bushings in the truck and new bushing with more adjustment was needed. Sorry for the vague answer…I couldn’t find the repair bill to identify the parts replaced.

thanks, I would agree that a correctly installed engineered and installed lift DOES NOT cause alignment problems in MONOBEAM suspensions. If the axle drops straight down the neither is changed. The increase in driveshaft input angle is compensated by the universal joint and the increased distance between the differential output and axle is made up by the slip joint shaft. Thus the camber doesn't change. If say, only drop shackes were put on the rear of a leaf spring, without a drop bracket at the front, then positive caster would be induced, and shimming required. And many other issues with lift kits can create alignment issues. Also, independent sprung suspensions will definitely require caster correction.

That being said- most Ford trucks (I've owned 4) are notorious for alignment issues and it is generally sound practice to have them checked/aligned regularly and especially when suspension changes are made. Trick is, finding a shop that can actually do it correctly. If you find improvement in tire wear and handling, you have gotten a good alignment job. Thanks for your reply.

another Zone level installed
 

I just installed Zone Offroad's 2-1/2" front end leveling kit on my '02 F350 PSD. Truck had the typical front end sag we have all seen. Original factory front leaves, V code, 5200#, stamped ADB, basically sat flat across the axle with little or no upward arch. Original 3-3/4" rear blocks. Front was down 3-1/2" as compared to the rear, measured from axle center straight up to lip of wheel well. Leveling kit install raised front suspension 3-1/4" as it sits now. May settle a little in the near future, but will pretty much be set with a solid 3" lift. Ride and handling seems about the same so far. Just a little "loose" going in the corners because the increased center of gravity under the 850+ pound engine.

1 floor jack and 2 stands, 5 hours. Probably used more of a variety of wrenches on this job than I have nearly any other. Track bar end bolts=30mm, captive nut. Track bar adjust bolts=21mm, nuts=3/4. Adjustable track bar that came with kit set within 1/8" of it's shortest length. Drag ling nuts=15mm, captive bolt head. About 2-3/4 turns out to center steering wheel.

I previously posted on this thread that kit was "Made in America" as it states on Zone's website, but springs were clearly labeled made in Canada. No biggy, but Zone needs to change their website. The quality and fitment is excellent. Grade 8 fasteners. English is the national language there (probably more so than here) and I have fought alongside them. Last I heard they still hold longest sniper kill shot. Should be fine (];-\>

Tire size
 

The site says that 33"x12.50" is the max tire size with the leveling kit. What size tires are you planning on running now? I'm looking at getting this kit for my truck but I was hoping I could squeeze some 35's on once it's lifted. How much clearance is there with the kit on?

I have stock suspension and fit 34" (305/70R16) tires on stock wheels with no rubbing at all. I don't know why you couldn't fit 35" tires with this level kit. You can check my garage for pics of mine.

Awesome! I may have to go even bigger then! Thanks for the help. I'll check out your pictures. Are yours 305/75R16's or 315/75R16's?

315/75/16 tires work with this exact kit. See my truck on BFGs and stock Lariat rims.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/b...a/439bf40d.jpg

I've got the nittos that are in my sig sitting in the garage. they were going to go on yesterday, but it didn't happen. they are 33.8X11.3 on 17s with 4.5" backspace wheels. so I can tell you more in a couple of days. However, I know lift kits change specs between 03 and 04 models, but I don't know what the diff is.

Most of the supension lift sites start out recommending the 33X12.5 with a mild lift, then they go 35X12.5, etc... each time you go up. THE MOST signigicant factor when trying to fit larger rims and tires is the offset of the wheel. Clearance issues will usually first arise by rubbing on suspension components in turns (too small of a backspace or too wide of a tire), then if you clear the suspension they can still rub on the bumper or inner fender (too tall, not enough lift). Any lift/tire conversations are mute if you don't consider backspace (or offset as it compares to the stockers). When someone states well I run 35" blah blah 12.5 blah blahs, it doesn't mean jack unless you know what the offset of the wheel is and EXACTLY what the susp set up is. If I wanted to squeeze the absolutely biggest tire on my rig I could, I would beg someone with the same combo to let me try 2 of theirs on the front of mine. Or find a rig with exactly the identical setup and ask how they run.

I'll update my fitment on this thread this week when I get my tires/wheels mounted. So subscribe so you will see it.

the minimum recommended rim width for 315X16s is 8". If those stock wheel are 7", then you have effectively reduced the load capacity of the tire (no big deal if you don't tow), but you will also wear the tires faster (-10,000 miles or so) and they will be more prone to cupping. Sure they fit, many people run that combo, but it is not ideal. Also, fitting wide tires on smaller than recommended width wheels can induce handling issues (ie... "wobble").

But at least we know they fit. and both of you have 250s while I'm working on a 350. I think the 250s are hung with leafs and coils aren't they. vice just leafs on 350s?