BigPimpin

What are the possible ill effects of leveling and adding rear blocks? What size of each are non-destructive?

Thanks

Half_ton

All will add more stress to the front end components.

IrishRed

I've had a 2" ReadyLift spacer on the front since the truck was new in 2010. Nothing in the rear & it sits level. I haven't had any issues. I am able to clear Raptor wheels and tires with no rubbing.

However, I just ordered a 6" Rancho suspension lift. I was tired of the limited travel the level gives & the dreaded clunk when the UCA contacts the coil. Wish I would have just lifted it from the beginning.

However, if your not into a full out lift. Level kits are fine. I advise going with 2" or 2.5". Anything over puts front end components at bad angles. Just go into it knowing the pros/cons/limitations and you won't be disappointed.

That said, if you have the funds and could one day picture lifting it further, then just do it now and avoid my mistake.

This of course is just my opinion/experiences. It is your truck and only you know what will make you happy.

jcgoodwrench03

It does in-fact throw off the geometry of the front suspension components, but I do not see anything over 1.5" doing any serious damage, just be sure to get an alignment as the change in geometry may indicate some small toe angle decrease.


I have a 2" kit on my 2013, I will be honest with you, the way the control arms will sit without load on them will seriously disturb you. But once a load is on them there is a lot of clearance between the arm and the spring.


My suggestion go with a 1.5" and call it good.

Mr.Bojangles

2" on my 2012. Truck rides really rough now but I knew that going in. I drive on a pot hole infested gravel/dirt road everyday getting to my job site and it's scary at times. Everything in the truck rattles horribly now to. Would I change it? Heck no, it looks awesome! Once I can afford some coilovers I'll swap them out, but not until then.

BigPimpin

what components are more stressed? what does this added stress do in the long run?

how about drive shaft angles being changed? what damage can this lead to?

has anyone here had any experience with these mods leading to problems on these trucks?

NASSTY

It may add stress and cause funky angles but it rarely causes part failures. My 06 has been leveled for 8 years and 64k miles and I haven't had any part failures. I have 20k miles on my leveled '11 and everything is fine.

jcgoodwrench03

When you ask the question what is stressed? with a load on it really nothing is stressed, sure you can make the arguement that the top ball joing would be, but I have aligned my truck and verified Caster, nothing is out of spec (not even .02 degree).

Again 1.5-2" you will have nothing to worry about, just make sure your ball joints are in good condition.

Just keep in mind when you install a kit to get a print out of the alignment and look at your tolerances make sure you are still IN the green and not borderline.

Rear blocks will have a minimal effect on drive shaft angles. This angle is WAY more important than anything else on that vehicle pinion bearings can cost a pretty penny to replace.

ready to roll

I have a 2" lift on my 09'.

* Had to get realignment
* Had to adjust headlites
* Clicking noise coming from front end
* Truck rides rougher
* Had to install different splash shield in the wheel wells
* The control arm is a bit at an odd angle that is putting pressure on it's rubber boot. (I think the clicking noise is coming from here)

This level kit has been on the truck for 3 years and other then the above the truck rides true down the road and the tires are wearing normal. Mainly it's the clicking noise that happens when I'm brakeing that has me a bit concerned.

BigPimpin

I hadn't heard so much negativity about leveling kits until I recently found this forum. Now I am wondering what the concequences will be. This is my first Ford and I am really enjoying it. Back in the day we used to turn the torsion bars up on our Chevys and run bigger tires. That cost me a nice chunk when the idler arms, pitman arms, and ball joints had to be replaced. Here's a pic of my rig. I have a 2.5" Rough Country leveling kit and the 3" Auto Spring rear block kit in it. Rollin of 35's.