Greyhound

After reading through hundreds of pages of the tire and wheel fitment guide, some of my questions were answered but I still left with some concerns. I have a 2013 FX4 and I want to level it and wrap it with either 295/60/20's or 285/65/20's. I'm staying with the factory wheels and not wanting to have to trim for either tire size. My question is which is the proper way to level the truck...going with spacers or coilovers/shocks? If going the spacer route, I would probably raise the front 2.5". From what I've read, the shocks are adjustable so I'd try to get a 2.5" lift from those too. My concern is how the spacers might alter the suspension from a front-end wear standpoint AND from a rider comfort standpoint. I do not want to sacrifice riding comfort at all. Seems like the coilovers provide a better riding comfort?


Usually when I buy a truck I keep it for 10+ years so I want to level the truck the right way. Cost is a concern, but saving $100 by going with one method over the other if the other is a better method is not a concern. Thanks for the help!!

smgfx4

A spacer won't change your ride much, if any at all and if the truck is line up correctly you won't have wear problems.

The tires will change your ride more than anything.
The coil overs will give you a firmer more sporty type ride.

GotHonks?

If your going to keep the truck for some time like 10 yrs or more , I would go with the coil over set up , spacers seem like a cheap quick fix that works but IMO it's not the right way to do it ... With an adjustable coil over ( Boss f150 lifts coil over , Fox 2.0 , 2.5 and the new Bilstien along with too many others to list) you can adjust your level to what you want for the most part . And IMO as long as you just level with coil overs Im fairly sure your not going to due anything that will cause ball joint problems or the uca rub on the coils .... Your not adding a part to your truck but exchanging , out with the oem junk and in with the performance parts . Your ride will be much better than oem as you loose the body roll for one and handling is greatly improved due to the better coil springs used on aftermarket coil overs .. Pro Comp Pro runners / Bilstien 5100's use the same junk oem coil springs unless you upgrade to aftermarket 600-700 lb coil springs the handling will be like oem with stiffer shocks and IMO sucks ..... That is why these cost less than most complete coil over set ups ... I ran the Pro Runners for a year but upgraded to Fox 2.0 and the change was night and day ... they cost more per coil over than a full set of 4 Pro runners .."you get what you pay for" this is were that old saying holds true .... As far as tires go ...they do effect ride as much as anything ... an LT(light Truck) tire is heavier duty than a P metric (car tire basically) so the ride is definitely rougher with the LT but its a better tire IMO....
Go with a Coil Over level and you wont be sorry

winchested

There is absolutely no difference in a coil over or a spacer when it comes to added angles on the oem parts. A 2" block will lift the exact same as a 2" lift coil over and give you the exact same angles. So of your Ford coil overs are new it's cheaper to just run spacer and when they die replace them with a real performance coil over. Depends what you want to do with your truck.

smgfx4

Exactly right

Sirikenewtron

I have the Bilsteins front coilovers set at highest setting and they are great! Gave me two inches of lift. The ride is firmer but truck is more planted. I couldn't imagine a stiffer spring with Coilovers though (700lb+) I think the ride would be way to stiff.
Been off road 4x'n multiple times and no issues what so ever. I did change out the rear blocks with 3"blocks to give me some rake back, I haul stuff in the bed a lot and it's perfectly leveled when I do. Can't stand the nose high look.

justjimmy

I have the exact same questions.

Looking for the same...34.5 - 35" rubber no wider than 11.5", using the OEM 18" wheels and a proper lift so I don't have to trim on my 2014 FX4.

I have time to wait and cost is less of a concern (within reason).

I want it done right because I go off road several times a month so I need something rugged and high that will last the life of the truck.

Adobe2X

Or, you could level it with one of these:



Towing is one of the main reasons I've not leveled the front end. I will admit that the standard rake looks worse unloaded than a leveled unloaded truck....

Halfshell1

Yes, this is the best option. Your truck is designed to be level when loaded.

slingshot60

Go with the 2.5" spacer. I've had my Rough Country kit in for 40K miles and have absolutely no problems. No effect on ride--just looks MUCH better. I do tow frequently with mine (22' wakeboard boat and 20' enclosed car hauler with a 3500 lb show car) so I installed the Roadmaster Active Suspension on the rear and really like it too. I have it set on a slight preload so the rear is raised about 3/4" empty and it sets perfect when loaded and between that and the load leveling hitch I have no sway.
As for tires--I installed 275/65R20 BFG KO2's about 2500 miles ago. Love the look and they are actually more comfortable on the highway than the stock Pirelli's. No road noise either... did have to do minor trimming of the bottom of the plastic wheelwell liner to stop rubbing at max turning. Easy to do with the tires on--took maybe 15 minutes.