I am seriously considering leveling my 2010 Lariat 4x4. I've seen endless threads on here and looked at countless pics. Love the look. I don't plan to put huge tires on and still tow with the truck. My question is do I go with the AS spacers or the 5100 height adjustable shocks.

Some say the spacers are the way to go because it leaves the full shock travel available to you. Some say the spacers cause stress on your other suspension components. Some say the 5100s are the way to go and some say the 5100s are a waste.

I simply want about a 1.5" real world lift of the front end, will still use the stock rims and tires (until they wear out) and will still tow occasionally. I'm looking for knowledgeable input on the merits of each and sincere advice on which direction is best.

Thanks guys.

 

I like the 5100's improved ride. Have them on my 2010 and had them on my '05. Also had spacers (Donahoe Racing/Icon) on my '05 and preferred the Bilsteins. I hadn't heard that the 5100's decreased your shock travel. I would think the spacers do, because they compress the same shock into a smaller area reducing travel--but I'm definitely not an expert. I have mine adjusted for 2.25 inches. The truck sits level and has 275/70R18 (33.4) tires with plenty of room for travel without rubbing.

Hope that helps you out.

 

Thanks man, I appreciate your response! Anyone else have experience with both and a preference one way or another?

 

Hey Justi, did you ever decide on spacers or leveling 5100's? If so what did you pick and what are your likes and/or dislikes? Thanks.

 

I'd like to know too..

 

I've not pulled the trigger yet unfortunately. I keep going back and forth between the two and have no idea what I'd like to do tire wise. One concern I have is it appears people that are putting 34s or 35s on their truck are reporting a 3-4 MPG drop. I'd like to avoid that if possible, especially when towing!

 

I had a leveling kit on my 05 fx4. The first set of tires i had was the toyo m/t's in 35". My truck did in fact lose 3-4 mpg. But the deal is that 35" tires are too darn big for a stock truck, period.
I sold those and went with 33" nittos a/t's and they were much bigger then stock size, and i still had the leveling kit and the truck went right back to stock mpg.
So the issue with losing 3-4 mpg is true, but really only with 35" tires and no powertrain upgrades.

To me the f-150's look their best with a 2" leveling kit and 33" a/t's anyway.

Dont be worried to it, because the amount you gain in looks, ride, and traction with better tires is well worth the .5-1 mpg loss you may see with a basic leveling kit and 33" tire upgrade.

My suggestion to you is to upgrade the shocks to the bilsteins, KEEP your stock wheels and get nitto terra grapplers in a 33" size of your liking for the stockers. Your truck will look amazing that way and i really thing the shock upgrade is worth it because the leveling kits are cheaper and work awsome, but lets be serious.. the stock shocks are crap within 30k miles, especially if you haul or tow alot.

 

my 2 cents. I went 5100 all the way around on my tundra. max front (2.5") and an AAL out back the ride was very nice! love it..... BUT if you are only looking to get 1.5" up front I would just do an AS spacer and call it a day. That isn't enough lift to sacrifice anything.... save the $$$ on the install unless you can do it yourself... then it would pretty much be a wash

 

So what are the pros and cons of each. I purchased a HBS 2" kit, but got cold feet and have yet to install it. A shock replacement seems logical to have the least potential for any negative impact on the suspension.?.?.?

 

can u put the 5100's on if u have a leveling kit already installed?