Argos

First I would like to say hello to everyone on the forum. I am a new member to this site as you can plainly see. I am the proud owner of a silver 2007 F150 FX4 super crew as of only a few days ago. I am new to owning trucks but have been in love with them for quite some time. I am no stranger to vehicles and vehicle mods as I previously owned a mustang with multiple suspension/gearing/tranny/bold-on mods.

Suspension: On to my general questions. I spent hours first sifting through the threads on lifts and leveling kits. I myself am interested in beefing my truck up a bit but unfortunately fall on a budget being that I'm a full time student. To clear things up however I would rather spend more money now to get the job done right. What are the exact pros and cons to a simple level kit? If leveling kits are the way to go for a small but noticeable 'stance' what different options are available within leveling kits? With an FX4 how big of a level would I have to do etc...

Tires: My truck came with 20 inch rims. Again being on a budget I would like to get new tires along with my level/lift without having to replace the rims immediately. Not to say I'm keeping the stock ones, I just want to be able to do things as I go along. That being said are there any good AT tires for 20 inch rims or would I be better off dropping down to an 18? With a level on the truck would a tire with a diameter of 34 inches rub or look good? Or perhaps stick with 33s? Any input on this would be great.

Exhaust: After taking a good hard look under the truck I've come to the conclusion that I have to get a cat back dual exit exhaust. After reading the forums that was confirmed. Simple question. Which muffler sounds mean but not obnoxious?

Well, it seems I've put most of my uncertainty into words now. I appreciate any feedback and look forward to hearing from you guys.
-Ryan-

NGM

There are a number of good leveling kits on the market. 2 inch leveling kit has worked in the past and should be good for your truck. Daystar makes a nice easy to bolt on kit. I think BDS makes a kit but don't hold me to that. The pros of a leveling kit are the look obviously. You can clear a larger tire and you dont feel like you are driving downhill all the time. The only cons I can think of is if you are pulling a trailer the truck wont sit as level and it takes time and money to install the kit.

I don't think you will clear 34's with just a leveling kit. I am honestly not sure about 33's. Some of the other guys on here will be able to answer that.

On the exhaust, I prefer Magnaflow. I like the straight thru design of the muffler and they don't have an obnoxious sound. It has a nice burble at idle and is decenlty loud at WOT.

Ty

welecome to the site! and It is to early to answer all of your questions, lol

LovetheTide

Welcome to the site!

For a leveling kit i would go with a 2" Autospring, they will run ya about 85 bucks. You will obviously get rid of the stink bug look. The kit will allow you to run 35/12.5 tires. Although you will get some rubbing, only at full lock while in parking lots etc., you will need to do some MINOR trimming but the end result will def. be worth it.

As far as exhaust goes i would go with Magnaflow but there are others like Flowmaster, IMCO, and Banks that are much louder.

Argos

Thanks for some of the early replies. I was wondering if anyone could give me their opinion on the 'newly designed' 2.5" autospring level kit. Wear on the ball joints after 30k miles? Not towing anything would I need to put the 'add a leaf' on the rear? If I did go with a 2.5" instead of trimming and putting 35" could I simply find a set of tires with a 34" diameter and avoid any trimming?

Ty

you should be able to clear 34s with a 2 inch leveling kit.

wxmcpo

Since a full suspension lift isn't within your budget I'd go with a 2.5" leveling kit up front and a 1.5" AAL in the rear and throw some 35's on that bad boy. Since you're sticking with stock wheels I'd keep my wheel selection down to 12.50" wide tires. You should have trimming to do with that setup and it'll look really good when it's done.

ROB

The biggest pros are that you get a more aggressive stance, can fit bigger tires, and you can still fit in parking garages. There aren't any cons to a leveling kit that I have heard of or ran into myself. Different options are either a Spacer Lift (+/-$100), Air Lift (+/-$200), or a Coilover Lift (+/-$1100). I'd go with a 2.5" (min) or 3" in order to clear 35's.
Shooot, the only AT to go with is BFG. They got 35x12.5R20's for a little over $400. Looks great, great performance (on and off-road), and quiet at highway speeds.

I love my Gibson (sweptside) its deep and quiet at idle and low RPMs, and sounds great when you "hit it". Also, to agree with have to agree with NGM on the Magnaflow. I've heard, like the Gibson, that it is not as "obnoxious" as the other exhausts.