Leveling kit vs. Adjustable leveling shocks
01-30-2018, 04:21 PM
#1
Leveling kit vs. Adjustable leveling shocks
Hey All - I searched but could not find an exact answer to a question I have about leveling my new 2017 F-150 4x4 Supercab.
I have read about the possible damage or premature wear of certain suspension parts that could result in using the leveling kits (the aluminum or steel strut extensions that get bolted on to the tops of the factory struts). For this reason, some folks recommend leveling struts instead (like the Billstien 5150 series). Apparently these come as shocks that are retrofitted into your current strut coils (i.e. reusing your current coils), or... as complete coil over strut replacements (all in one; completely new strut assemblies). So the one question I have that I could not find an answer to is this: Does using either the adjustable leveling strut or the complete coil-over strut replacements eliminate any/all concerns of premature wear issues one would get from using the simple disc-type leveling kits? Seems changing the geometry at all (regardless of how it's changed) would still cause wear issues, but I haven't seen anything on line that confirms this. Any and all info would be helpful. My goal is to lift the front about 2" to be level with the rear. THANKS!
I have read about the possible damage or premature wear of certain suspension parts that could result in using the leveling kits (the aluminum or steel strut extensions that get bolted on to the tops of the factory struts). For this reason, some folks recommend leveling struts instead (like the Billstien 5150 series). Apparently these come as shocks that are retrofitted into your current strut coils (i.e. reusing your current coils), or... as complete coil over strut replacements (all in one; completely new strut assemblies). So the one question I have that I could not find an answer to is this: Does using either the adjustable leveling strut or the complete coil-over strut replacements eliminate any/all concerns of premature wear issues one would get from using the simple disc-type leveling kits? Seems changing the geometry at all (regardless of how it's changed) would still cause wear issues, but I haven't seen anything on line that confirms this. Any and all info would be helpful. My goal is to lift the front about 2" to be level with the rear. THANKS!
04-23-2018, 09:08 AM
#3
Mark
iTrader: (1)
Hey All - I searched but could not find an exact answer to a question I have about leveling my new 2017 F-150 4x4 Supercab.
I have read about the possible damage or premature wear of certain suspension parts that could result in using the leveling kits (the aluminum or steel strut extensions that get bolted on to the tops of the factory struts). For this reason, some folks recommend leveling struts instead (like the Billstien 5150 series). Apparently these come as shocks that are retrofitted into your current strut coils (i.e. reusing your current coils), or... as complete coil over strut replacements (all in one; completely new strut assemblies). So the one question I have that I could not find an answer to is this: Does using either the adjustable leveling strut or the complete coil-over strut replacements eliminate any/all concerns of premature wear issues one would get from using the simple disc-type leveling kits? Seems changing the geometry at all (regardless of how it's changed) would still cause wear issues, but I haven't seen anything on line that confirms this. Any and all info would be helpful. My goal is to lift the front about 2" to be level with the rear. THANKS!
I have read about the possible damage or premature wear of certain suspension parts that could result in using the leveling kits (the aluminum or steel strut extensions that get bolted on to the tops of the factory struts). For this reason, some folks recommend leveling struts instead (like the Billstien 5150 series). Apparently these come as shocks that are retrofitted into your current strut coils (i.e. reusing your current coils), or... as complete coil over strut replacements (all in one; completely new strut assemblies). So the one question I have that I could not find an answer to is this: Does using either the adjustable leveling strut or the complete coil-over strut replacements eliminate any/all concerns of premature wear issues one would get from using the simple disc-type leveling kits? Seems changing the geometry at all (regardless of how it's changed) would still cause wear issues, but I haven't seen anything on line that confirms this. Any and all info would be helpful. My goal is to lift the front about 2" to be level with the rear. THANKS!
04-23-2018, 09:12 AM
#4
I think Ivy's response got lost along the way...
Spauld- as far as I know, yes, the amount of wear/tear is the same whether you have a 2 inch leveling, 2 inch coilover replacement, or 2 inch leveling strut. However, I don't think that amount of geometry change is going to cause any significant problems. I think you are fine and can proceed without concern unless you hit 3 inches or more on either option.
Spauld- as far as I know, yes, the amount of wear/tear is the same whether you have a 2 inch leveling, 2 inch coilover replacement, or 2 inch leveling strut. However, I don't think that amount of geometry change is going to cause any significant problems. I think you are fine and can proceed without concern unless you hit 3 inches or more on either option.