john0270

So my eBay spacer kit arrived Wednesday and I finally found some time to install the kit today. It is what it is, two laser cut and welded steel spacers, probably about $10 or less to manufacture. The instructions are actually pretty straightforward, and it isn't that hard to do. The lower strut bolt is quite tight, so you need good sockets/breaking bar or a decent 1/2" impact and the ball joints don't take much to free with a couple wacks from a hammer. Be carefull of the lines to the hub/brake ect, it helps to remove the two bolted on stay's to allow some slack. Getting the struts back in wasn't particularly hard, but a little lube on the lower rubber mount and they slip back in with a little prying with a large screwdriver ect.

My only concern is the upper ball joint when the suspension is at full extension, the whole thing runs awfully close to binding, and comes close to the spring. Just as it sits with weight on it looks like there won't be any problems with anything thought, and it will spend 99% of its time in this position.

Now, I was measuring ground clearance at the trans cross member on level concreat. Before lift, 9.5" after lift around 11" So that makes me smile. The ride quality seems the same, handling hasn't changed in fact I think its slightly better. The front tires are still running same temp as before on the highway so it can't be off much if at all.

Now I just have to decide on tires. I want to go with bf goodrich km2's, but idealy I want a 245/80r17, but its either 245/75r17(aproximately 31.5"x9.5") or 255/80R17(about 33 1/4x10"). I should probably go with the smaller, since I do wan't to do some off road with it, and larger tires stress parts exponentially in my experience.

Over all I am still on the fence about this and would be more comfortable if they knocked off about 1/4" on the spacer(wich is 1-1/4" tall) just for that extra margin of safety.

rschopp

Good write up and review.

Thanks

Nicky817Nick

Do you need to have it realigned???

john0270

As far as I can tell everything seems ok.

Rok

I always heard your supposed too. But same thing for my car when i lowered it but never had a problem.

john0270

Well no doubt it would be good practice to have it checked/adjusted, it could be out right off the dealership lot. When I have new tires mounted I will probably have it checked at the same time.

2009F150FX4

trust me, get your alignment checked. Its a $40k+ vehicle, spend the $100 to get it aligned before you get problems that cost a lot more.

john0270

I payed $23'000.... A slight misalinement isn't going to destroy anything in short order.... its still doing 25mpg highway.

2009F150FX4

it may not do anything in the short term, but could have long term effects. Do what you want, but I am just saying that I highly advise you get an alignment sooner than later. Whenever you changes levels and/or angles of springs, control arms, axles, you should always get an alignment check.

SVTF150

I am jones'n for those KM2 tires, post a pic when you get them on!