Leveling Kits FAQ
03-09-2014, 10:49 PM
#341
Senior Member
Stumbled onto this thread (thanks to the OP Lenn) while looking to level out a stock 2013 XLT F150 screw 4WD. Load of great information and comments. Don't recall this link being mentioned but Bilstein does a nice job of explaining benifits and features of using the 5100 series shock. BILSTEIN Shock Shop - Differences between 5100 Series Ride Height Adjustable & Spacer Kit - YouTube
If I lift my truck 2 inches (did with a Readylift over spring spacer) I increase the angle for my control arm and ball joints. If I lift it with the Bilsteins. With the bilsteens I am simply using increasing the preload on the spring as a means to lift the truck. Moving the bottom spring stop up the shock is no different than placing a spacer on the top of the spring to compress it more.
What am I missing on this? I am not trying to call anybody out on this, I am truly curious how this works.
Last edited by Rockjock3; 03-09-2014 at 10:51 PM.
03-10-2014, 08:32 AM
#342
Senior Member
Great link, but I still don't get it. What am I missing?
If I lift my truck 2 inches (did with a Readylift over spring spacer) I increase the angle for my control arm and ball joints. If I lift it with the Bilsteins. With the bilsteens I am simply using increasing the preload on the spring as a means to lift the truck. Moving the bottom spring stop up the shock is no different than placing a spacer on the top of the spring to compress it more.
What am I missing on this? I am not trying to call anybody out on this, I am truly curious how this works.
If I lift my truck 2 inches (did with a Readylift over spring spacer) I increase the angle for my control arm and ball joints. If I lift it with the Bilsteins. With the bilsteens I am simply using increasing the preload on the spring as a means to lift the truck. Moving the bottom spring stop up the shock is no different than placing a spacer on the top of the spring to compress it more.
What am I missing on this? I am not trying to call anybody out on this, I am truly curious how this works.
Last edited by redneck wrencher; 03-10-2014 at 08:35 AM.
03-10-2014, 08:39 AM
#343
Mark
iTrader: (1)
Great link, but I still don't get it. What am I missing?
If I lift my truck 2 inches (did with a Readylift over spring spacer) I increase the angle for my control arm and ball joints. If I lift it with the Bilsteins. With the bilsteens I am simply using increasing the preload on the spring as a means to lift the truck. Moving the bottom spring stop up the shock is no different than placing a spacer on the top of the spring to compress it more.
What am I missing on this? I am not trying to call anybody out on this, I am truly curious how this works.
If I lift my truck 2 inches (did with a Readylift over spring spacer) I increase the angle for my control arm and ball joints. If I lift it with the Bilsteins. With the bilsteens I am simply using increasing the preload on the spring as a means to lift the truck. Moving the bottom spring stop up the shock is no different than placing a spacer on the top of the spring to compress it more.
What am I missing on this? I am not trying to call anybody out on this, I am truly curious how this works.
03-10-2014, 02:24 PM
#344
Senior Member
Redneck wrencher,
Thanks, I thought I was going mad for a minute. I did get the travel and that is a nice part. The thing I thought I was missing something about is they keep talking about Their way is better and it won't wear out your suspension because the angles don't change. That's what I thought I was missing, because If I lift the truck up "ANY" inches I change the angles, it doesn't matter how, unless I only do it by putting taller tires on. So basically that part is a pile. Thanks again.
Whew, thanks, thought it was just me.
Thanks, I thought I was going mad for a minute. I did get the travel and that is a nice part. The thing I thought I was missing something about is they keep talking about Their way is better and it won't wear out your suspension because the angles don't change. That's what I thought I was missing, because If I lift the truck up "ANY" inches I change the angles, it doesn't matter how, unless I only do it by putting taller tires on. So basically that part is a pile. Thanks again.
Whew, thanks, thought it was just me.
03-10-2014, 02:52 PM
#345
Mark
iTrader: (1)
That's why lift kit's come with drop spindles..
03-12-2014, 07:45 PM
#346
Awesome thread! In my last 2 F150's I have used the spacers kits that are mounted on top, I am now interested in the Bilstein's, they seem to be a better choice for the suspension and wear. I have just purchased a F150 2014 Platinum and cannot stand the nose down look and feel. Not knowing much about them, any advice would help. I believe the ones I am looking for are the 5100 series?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Last edited by ztman; 03-12-2014 at 07:48 PM.
03-13-2014, 06:21 AM
#347
Mark
iTrader: (1)
03-13-2014, 02:03 PM
#348
So, if lifting the front has the potential to create excess wear, why not just lower the rear? I know, the higher the better, but for the others that don't tow heavy loads, and are not concerned with the lifted look , wouldn't it make more sense to lower the rear?
03-13-2014, 03:26 PM
#349
Mark
iTrader: (1)
Because, most people want to run larger tires...and need the added clearance up front... but you could lower the rear to level ...but then you will not be able to tow a heavy load.
03-13-2014, 03:57 PM
#350
That make sense. I see other vehicles with heavy tow ratings, but they start out of the gate level. Ie, I tow a 7k lb trailer with my Suburban and it starts out level and stays level if you have the trailer loaded right. I don't mind that my f150 is higher in the rear by two inches. I know some do