It’s time to replace front & rear shocks. I’m also considering a leveling kit and I have a few questions. I was considering a spacer kit but with the need for new struts/shocks I’m second guessing myself. I’m a shade tree mechanic so this is not my area of expertise. Also bad about paralysis from analysis. TIA

1.With new front struts needed, what is the most cost effective (quality) setup for leveling (spacers, struts, etc.)?

2. I only tow twice a year (tongue weight 275/load 3,500) & want to avoid squat. Would 2” level with a slight rake accomplish this or would you suggest rear modifications as well? What about 2.5” level?

3. Leveling is to get slightly more clearance while hunting along with 33” tires. Am I overthinking this or missing obvious considerations?

 

Myself, I'd do some coilovers. You get new springs, no screwing around using your olde ones like with Bilstein/Eibach.
Spacers work well, but why only do half the job, with more labor?
Coilovers just bolt right in, and ones like Fox 2.0 come preset for a 2" level, even less screwing around.

 

Unless you're never going offroad, avoid spacers. They are a cheap way to level but do nothing (actually make it worse) if you're going to spend any time off the pavement.

Complete coilovers require much less work than a kit that doesn't come with fully assembled coilovers. If you will be offroad some, the best bank for your buck is the Bilstein 6112 Stage 1 kit. More work (you'll have to disassemble your current coilovers and use a few parts, but this will give you 6112s on front and 5100s on the back for $830 or so. Otherwise, you'll need to spend more money for a full coilover package - Fox 2.0 stage 1 about $1,300 or FP Ford Performance Bilstein kit for $1,750 -- these are the lower price point for a good set, but you can spend tons more. Personally, I would not put Rough Country kits on my truck, but they are a cheaper option.

If you will tow a few times a year, then yes, I 'd go 2.0 and leave a smidge of rake.

No idea why you think leveling has anything to do with hunting ... :?

 

Thank you guys. Helpful info. The comment about hunting was basically just to say I would like a little extra ground clearance with the level & larger tires. I realize it’s not much but even a slight improvement will help in the rutted dirt roads.

 

[QUOTE=Bigwheel;7663765]It’s time to replace front & rear shocks. I’m also considering a leveling kit and I have a few questions. I was considering a spacer kit but with the need for new struts/shocks I’m second guessing myself. I’m a shade tree mechanic so this is not my area of expertise. Also bad about paralysis from analysis. TIA

1.With new front struts needed, what is the most cost effective (quality) setup for leveling (spacers, struts, etc.)? Look into a front shock and new spring pre-asembled. That will save the hassle of spring compression. Shock Surplus offers this as a package so do other shops. Ya need the shocks so a coil-over assembly is a very good choice for leveling at the same time. Keep it mild to avoid alignment issues and after market UCA's, 2 inches.

2. I only tow twice a year (tongue weight 275/load 3,500) & want to avoid squat. Would 2” level with a slight rake accomplish this or would you suggest rear modifications as well? What about 2.5” level? Still some rake at a 2 inch front level. I think you will be fine.

3. Leveling is to get slightly more clearance while hunting along with 33” tires. Am I overthinking this or missing obvious considerations? [The tires will provide extra even without a lift. You can fit 33 inch tall on stock suspension at least on current gens.
/QUOTE]


The choice of shock is another topic, so I'll leave that alone! KM

 

When my truck was new I bought a cheap spacer lift and before installation I decided that if I was going to level my truck I was going to do it correctly and just wait until the factory suspension needed replacement and do a coilover system. I was originally going looking at bilstein 5100’s as I have used them on previous vehicles with good results, but in my search I stumbled upon a new in box set of ford performance fox 2.0’s that were only a few hundred more than the 5100’s. I picked up the fox system last week and got them installed on Friday.

I will say that the install was fairly easy and took me about 3 hours give or take with my dad handing me tools to help out. The fox shocks were plug and play unlike the bilsteins which will require you to use some of your factory parts and probably add a couple hours to the job. Overall the fox 2.0 system seems excellent so far, but I’ve only put around 10 miles on it around the farm/hunting camp. My truck is almost completely level and I do expect the front to settle some after a few more miles.

This is how my truck sits after install “there is a couple hundred pounds in the bed in the photo”.

 

Nice looking truck and I was just looking at the Fox 2.0 last night. The only off road long I do is hunting and it is not extreme by any means. The biggest issue can be rutted fire roads which is why I want a little more clearance up front.

What makes the spacers attractive simply is the cost (Capt. Obvious reporting) and frankly, I was hoping not to drop $1,000+. That said you guys have given me a lot of good info to chew on. I’m not one for doing things halfway. Thanks

 

If you tow or carry loads in your bed...don't level.

If you think you are doing it for ground clearance, your diffs are still at the same clearance with or without a lift.

 

Only towing about once a year and want small increase in front clearance with larger tires and level. I’m aware of diffs.

 

For sure no pucks but Fox is overkill. Do the 5100s at all four corners and be done. Parts are less than half your $1k target, but if you can't self-install $1k ought to be about right. Rears are super simple...you can do it. Fronts require breaking down the strut (ie: spring compression) and perhaps best left to a pro.