IAFF FFMCROSS

I am new to this forum and new to Ford. I will have admit that this is my first F150. I ordered a 2011 FX4 White Super Crew with Luxury Pkg and Trailer Brake controller.

For my first mod, I would like to level the truck out. I have read alot of posts on leveling kits and preferred brands but I wanted to open a thread for 2011 truck owners and see what leveling kit they chose and why. Also if you have any pics that would help.

Thanks

Matt

blackknight87

I bought a 1" leveling kit by daystar, but quickly returned it. I didnt install it, but i read that it lifts more than the 1". which i didnt not want.

When i eventually do a level on my truck I will be going with the bilstein 5100 ride adjustable shocks. they have different perches for different level adjustments. They are more expensive than a standard "puck" style kit, but i think its overall much better.

IAFF FFMCROSS

Thanks for the reply, I have not done much research into the 5100's but now i will.

Matt

ratswithmatches

This weekend I leveled my FX2, which was 1 1/2" higher in the rear than the front. (Your FX4 may be slightly different, so measure). The Bilstein 5100 leveling struts for your coilovers have 5 adjustment settings. I placed my circlips (which position the height of the strut) on the 3rd position (from the top or bottom, doesn't matter, it's in the middle spot). My truck is the exactly where I like it, within 1/4" from front to rear, front being a hair lower but not noticeable. I'm getting the alignment done as I type, so I'll post a photo when I get home.

Some people have placed the settings at the highest position, and some have placed the circlip at the 4th position, but I wanted to maintain rideability and not get into the interference issues where the UCA (upper control arm) can contact the coil spring at the top of the spring.

I gave it considerable thought and realized that by putting the 5100 front struts at the highest position, they also lifted the rear of the truck with a block and then got 33 inch tires. Its all relative; if you went a bit conservative and didn't add the rear blocks, and went with a 32" inch tire instead of 33's or bigger, the relationship between the tire and wheelwell opening is about the same. Plus, no interference with the tire hitting the wheelwell when turning. AND, no alignment issues.

A word of caution..... disconnect the battery (or be sure to instruct whomever does the work) before disassembling the steering control arm. It's in the shop manual, but not well known to everyone working on the suspension, since the electric power steering is relatively new.

Good luck to you

IAFF FFMCROSS

What are the height settings on the 5100's. I have read numerous things on the internet and on this forum. Do you know for certain since you just bought them?

This may be a dumb question so I apologize upfront if so but I am planning on upgrading my rims and tires to the KMC Revolver's Black with 285 65 r18 or 275 70 r18, not sure yet what size. Would that fit and or having any problems regarding what you mentioned with the UCA and the blocks in the rear?

Also, what did you pay for those shocks and install if you dont mind me asking.

Thanks
Matt

ratswithmatches

ratswithmatches

I bought my Bilsteins for 339.00 from shox.com and paid a friend $75 to help me install them. Ford realigned for $49.
As you can see the settings in the image above that the middle setting is at 1.3"
I could have gone higher, but wanted to retain the full functionality of the shock without interference. If you notice on other posts here, there are some that have pretty crazy looking UCA droops and the angle at the ball joint is pretty severe. I can live with mine in the 3rd of 5 grooves. Check out the tire and wheel fitment sticky at the top of the message lineup, it's very informative.

I'll probably wear out this set of Michelins (265/60/18) before going to a little larger set (275/65/18).

Good luck

IAFF FFMCROSS

Your truck looks great! That is exactly the way I hope mine looks.

What are your measurements on the front vs the back?

Also how much did you pay to get the side fenders painted? Looks great!

Thanks for all the info too.

Matt

greatone_1022

I got a 2010 fx4 which I installed a 2" daystar leveling kit. When u buy the kit, it comes with 1" spacers, which confused me, thought they gave me the wrong one. But after calling daystar, they informed me that the kit does have 1" spacers but once installed it lifts the front end up 2". Something to do with geometry???

Heres a b4 and after pic of mine

VolFire

+1 on the 5100s. However since you have the 2011 FX4 there are some 2011s that have a welded spring seat on the front shocks that CANNOT use the 5100s since you have to re-use the factory spring seat from the old shock. Check before you spend the money.