I called the repair shop that I work with to see if they would do a level kit install on the new to me 2016 XL 2wd and their response was its usually an hour to an hour and a half plus alignment. He suggested I get on the forums and make sure Im buying a kit which "comes with all the hardware" and we dont have to "cuss" at.

He made a comment that he thought the Rough Country kit has been a pain in the butt for them. He said ask they guys who did it their selves and you should get on the right track.

so that being said, can I get a recommendation because it sounds like this is a penny wise pound foolish thing with these kits and Id rather spend a little on the kit to avoid the shop slamming me with a big install bill.

Some of you might consider this advice not good perhaps.. all I can say is this shop is really good and did a PPI on another truck for me and saved me from making a big mistake. They could have said, heck yeah, nice truck! and then took my money later but they did not.

I would normally do this myself but was in a bad motorcycle accident and my wrenching days are limited now.

 

most puck style kits are alike and will come with the required hardware. Your shop may be referring to their 4-6" kits with an abundance of hardware required. You're looking at, at most, 6pc studs and nuts to secure it to the factory strut.

 

I think you might be right. I did ask him though, we are talking about just a spacer right? And he said yes. So I dont know what the deal is. I guess maybe I wont get the rough country since its apparently a sore spot.

 

If I were you I'd just go with Bilstein adjustable shock up front. Its an older shock, you can get better performance from that over a used OEM shock and a puck level.

 

I see so the perch is adjustable I take it?

 

The Bilstein's have shocks for these trucks that have different settings for height. They can add an additional 2.1" of height. Similar to a leveling kit puck, but instead you get a new/better shock up front. You can choose how to get the lift/level. Add spacers or get shocks.

 

Ok great, I found them.. thanks, great advice! I dont want my ride compromised.. I absolutely love the stick ride.

 

They say 4wd.. do they work for 2wd without issue?



2009-2020 F150 4WD Bilstein 5100

 

They will require less preload on the spring bc the strut itself is taller. You'd likely gain 1.5" at the stock setting on a 2wd truck. IIRC, they do make the 2wd length leveling strut as well though, but obviously would require the spring to be preloaded more for additional lift.

 

If Im understanding you I should seek out the 2wd version to avoid a harsh ride? Sorry, read this like 5 times.