2014 FX4 leveled 1.5" and Duratracs on!
11-05-2014, 08:56 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
2014 FX4 leveled 1.5" and Duratracs on!
I am coming from a 2012 FX4 5.0 screw that I had leveled 2" front, 3" block, and 295 70 18 Trail Grapplers on aftermarket wheels. Traded it in early October for a 2014 FX4 screw with App Package , Eco, and 3.55's. From the minute I drove it off the lot, I knew I had to level. So, after MUCH searching on this forum, I decided on a "mild" 1.5" level and 275 65 20 Duratracs.
Got it all done today and wow. What a difference.
First, I went with AutoSpring. They are USA made and I used them on my 2012. So I ordered from Stage3 ( great people BTW) and scheduled the install, alignment and tires at my favorite local shop. I can install the kit, but they only charge $105 labor AND alignment. They turned around the entire job in 2 hours. Including the test drive. I spoke with the mechanic and he has done a bunch of levels and knew to disconnect the battery. So, with much anticipation, I took off on the trip home (25 miles).
This truck had massive tire shake with the factory Scorpions. I know new tires didn't fix it for many, so I was pretty antsy to get it up to 70-75 mph. Results?
Power- no real difference. Pulled all interstate hills in 6th with pedal left.
Stopping- didn't notice
Ride- surprisingly, made a huge difference- for the better. I think the sidewalls of the Duratracs, especially being taller than the stock rubber bands, provide more cushion. Couldn't believe a 10 ply could ride so good. I loved my Trails but I felt everything with them. The greatest thing is ZERO shake. Smooth at interstate speeds.
Navigation- spot on. This one worried me. But, the tech had the battery disconnected and it reset the NAV. Tracked straight all the way home. Speedo is off 3-4 mph at 70.
Noise- louder than the Scorpions, quieter than the Trails. Not bad at all. It's a truck.
Looks- yep. Gave the truck attitude. Ready for snow.
I have zero rubbing, no strange noises, and 4x4 works fine.
Sorry for the long winded report, but if this helps someone, it was worth it.
BTW- a 1.5" AS perfectly leveled this truck. I have maybe 1/4 rake. Glad I didn't go 2".
Got it all done today and wow. What a difference.
First, I went with AutoSpring. They are USA made and I used them on my 2012. So I ordered from Stage3 ( great people BTW) and scheduled the install, alignment and tires at my favorite local shop. I can install the kit, but they only charge $105 labor AND alignment. They turned around the entire job in 2 hours. Including the test drive. I spoke with the mechanic and he has done a bunch of levels and knew to disconnect the battery. So, with much anticipation, I took off on the trip home (25 miles).
This truck had massive tire shake with the factory Scorpions. I know new tires didn't fix it for many, so I was pretty antsy to get it up to 70-75 mph. Results?
Power- no real difference. Pulled all interstate hills in 6th with pedal left.
Stopping- didn't notice
Ride- surprisingly, made a huge difference- for the better. I think the sidewalls of the Duratracs, especially being taller than the stock rubber bands, provide more cushion. Couldn't believe a 10 ply could ride so good. I loved my Trails but I felt everything with them. The greatest thing is ZERO shake. Smooth at interstate speeds.
Navigation- spot on. This one worried me. But, the tech had the battery disconnected and it reset the NAV. Tracked straight all the way home. Speedo is off 3-4 mph at 70.
Noise- louder than the Scorpions, quieter than the Trails. Not bad at all. It's a truck.
Looks- yep. Gave the truck attitude. Ready for snow.
I have zero rubbing, no strange noises, and 4x4 works fine.
Sorry for the long winded report, but if this helps someone, it was worth it.
BTW- a 1.5" AS perfectly leveled this truck. I have maybe 1/4 rake. Glad I didn't go 2".
The following 5 users liked this post by dave91gt:
eng45ine (12-07-2014),
HuttoFX4 (01-01-2015),
magellan44 (12-02-2014),
Mandryk (12-14-2014),
yanki01 (08-06-2015)
11-05-2014, 09:56 PM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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11-06-2014, 06:53 AM
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Tire prices are crazy. I sold the wheels and tires I had on my 2012 ( traded in with the stockers) to fund this one. 20" seem a bit more than the 18's. My 18" Trail Grapplers were cheaper than the 20" Duratracs. The guys at the shop I had do the work commented on how drastic a F150's looks change with a level. They have to get lift kits under the Chevy's to get a similar tire size under it evidently.
