Posted: 1/7/2013 2:05:02 PM EDT
|
Just got a King Ranch F150 and love it, considering leveling the front with the back. Is there any reason I shouldn't? I've heard its hard on ball joints etc etc..
Whats the hive think? |
| Have same truck (minus all the fancy stuff on your KR) and was thinking about doing the same thing. I see lots of Ford 4x4's with level front ends, most I've read raise with blocks. I think the concensus is if you don't go above 1.5" or 2" max lift on front then your GTG with all your front end angles. Will have to get front end re-aligned after lift though. |
|
Quoted:
I think its a good idea. If anything it will make truck look better. The front of trucks or Jeeps lower in the front drive me crazy. They jack the back end up because you are supposed to have a load in the thing. Put a pallet of block in the back,that will level it right out. 
|
|
Do It
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t155/PSU_Engineer/truck_lifted_zpsede3dd72.jpg 2.5" front 1" rear ReadyLift |
|
Quoted:
Do It http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t155/PSU_Engineer/truck_lifted_zpsede3dd72.jpg 2.5" front 1" rear ReadyLift Looks great! Did you do it yourself? |
|
Which way are you intending to go when you level it, raise the front end or lower the rear? You can get drop shackles for the rear that will level an F-150 for dirt cheap. A 2-inch drop on my XLT made a huge difference and it didn't throw off the front end alignment.
I was afraid there could be a major caster angle change and possibly a toe change with the pivot points shifting as the frame was lowered in the rear, but it all stayed within specs. It did change, but no new alignment required. |
|
Quoted:
Which way are you intending to go when you level it, raise the front end or lower the rear? You can get drop shackles for the rear that will level an F-150 for dirt cheap. A 2-inch drop on my XLT made a huge difference and it didn't throw off the front end alignment. I was afraid there could be a major caster angle change and possibly a toe change with the pivot points shifting as the frame was lowered in the rear, but it all stayed within specs. It did change, but no new alignment required. I don't want to go lower, so I would do the front. |
|
Quoted:
Did the ride get rougher? Ooops missed that one. No it doesn't ride any different. Oh, I forgot to mention, when you lift it park next to a stock one for effect. Mine doesn't look that tall unless it's parked next to a stock height 4x4 and it looks really good. And if you do the kit, get the steel not the aluminum. No "tech" to add, but I just don't trust the aluminum in a compression area like suspension on a heavy truck. YMMV Not trying to start anything by the last statement it is only my opinion |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Did the ride get rougher? Ooops missed that one. No it doesn't ride any different. Oh, I forgot to mention, when you lift it park next to a stock one for effect. Mine doesn't look that tall unless it's parked next to a stock height 4x4 and it looks really good. And if you do the kit, get the steel not the aluminum. No "tech" to add, but I just don't trust the aluminum in a compression area like suspension on a heavy truck. YMMV Not trying to start anything by the last statement it is only my opinion Yep, most people don't even realize mine is bigger than stock (also an add a leaf in back) until you park it next to a stocker. That truck really makes 35s look small. I dont have any decent pics so heres some crappy ones that don't really show much of anything. 
and stock 
|
|
Wow they're 35's
Truck does make them look small. Mine are 285/75/17's (33 inch tall) for comparison. http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t155/PSU_Engineer/33_upclose_zps9d8606f5.jpg |
| You should, I put a 2" Rough Country leveling springs in my old F150..it had front end sag bad from snowplow duty, not only did it make it look a lot better but it made it better to drive, didn't roll so bad going around corners and fixed the dramatic nose dive under hard braking |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
I think its a good idea. If anything it will make truck look better. The front of trucks or Jeeps lower in the front drive me crazy. They jack the back end up because you are supposed to have a load in the thing. Put a pallet of block in the back,that will level it right out. But once you do that with a leveling kit in front, the ass end looks like it's squatting. So your homies give you shit about it, you add a leaf in the rear so it doesn't squat, then the front looks too low, lather rinse, repeat. 
|
|
I have a 1.5" leveling kit on my '05 F150. It raised the front almost 2" and now it's almost exactly even with the rear sitting on 285/26/18 BFG ATs.
ETA, I have 70,000 miles on mine with no abnormal wear. About 45,000 miles are on the same tires and they still have plenty of life. 
Quoted:
A truck with a lower front than rear is better in deep and drifted snow. I've driven mine in over 30" of snow without issue. 
|
|
Quoted: I have a 2011 Chevy crew cab and I would love to level that thing out just don't want mess with it becuase I don't think I will be keeping it long. Chevys are way worse than fords on the low fronts. yup my 1500 needs about 3" in the front to lvl it going to try to run 33's when I get it done |
|
I did my 06 KR in about 2 hrs in the driveway. A strong impact wrench helps makes it easier. You can borrow the 30mm (?) socket from your local Autozone. It's really a piece of cake.
It doesn't change the ride quality. You may lose a little on the mpg. I lost about 4 tenths. I had my alignment checked after and it changed very little. Measure 5 times on level ground then once more for the hell of it. If you're -2 inches in the front you dont want a 2 inch kit. More like a 1.5 Autospring and Hellbentsteel make good stuff. See what they recommend for measurements. IIRC cost about 80 bucks and an alignment. I hope for your sake you don't have 20 inch wheels. BIG difference in tire price! (ask me how I know!) If you're just leveling the front 35's are going to rub quite a bit. |