ReefDonkey

I searched, but couldn't really find what I wanted with the site search feature.

Anyway, I contacted a local shop about a leveling kit for my dads week old F-150. They are a very well respected 4x4 shop in the area and I've been very pleased with previous work they have done for me. First off, he basically told me that they WILL NOT install a Rough Country kit for various reasons with previous installs, and they recommend and sell ReadyLift which they speak very highly about. I asked him about buying a kit (mentioned Hell Bent Steel) and he said they would have to look at it and give it the okay before installing it.

So lets get to the question. I checked out the ReadyLift online and see that it's about $200. Compared to other kits that are half the price, what is so much better about the ReadyLift that they need to charge double the price? Is it stronger? better materials? What?

I would install whatever kit by myself, but my dad wants to just pay for it and be done with it. The couple shops he called around town are asking around 450-500 for the kit+install. I've looked at the install videos online and it seems to me that 3-4 hours of installation is a lot for a good shop. Am I wrong here?

I thought I had it all figured out, but now I'm second guessing myself and certain products. If yall could help me out a little bit, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks a lot and sorry if I'm beating the dead horse on this topic.

JASON Z

From what I could see when I chose mine they were the same and hell bent was a lot cheaper and that's what I put on my truck. Now it's a 2" and ready lift does make a 2.5" but with the 2 my truck is level. As for install it took me under 2 hours total and with a few jacks, stands, and a hammer it is pretty simple

ReefDonkey

Yeah, I think the 2" would be perfect after measuring the truck. If it was my truck, I would just buy the 2" HBS and do the install myself and save $400, but the ol' man doesn't know what's up. Preciate it man

BayouTruck

ReefDonkey, I just picked mine up about 4 hours ago from being done. I went with the 2" HBS level and I live it so far. No difference at all in handling or ride quality and it got rid of just enough rake; it looks awesome. I got the kit for 90 bucks off the HBS website, brought it to a 4x4 place in town and it was 380 installed. Took about 5 hours but they had 2 other trucks in there before me so idk exactly how long it took to do mine. Hope this helps! Ill post some pics too

ReefDonkey

Please do. I'm up the road in Baton Rouge.

JASON Z

Here is a pic of mine for reference with the 2" hell bent level and 295/60/20. Like he said above my rise is still great and I love it. Measured out I am 1/2" higher in the back

BayouTruck

Oh, nice! Where were you looking at having it done up there?

ReefDonkey

Searchers 4x4 in Prarieville

94-F150-10

I've had mixed feelings about Searchers. They're regearing my truck (for decent price) this week but when asked about installing rancho 4" lift they told me it is a 16-18 hour job and I know it won't take even half that long. Oh and they will try to push certain brands like as if they're getting kickbacks. As for as leveling kits, I bought hell bent steel and installed myself in about 1 1/2 hours, very easy install

LuisG

Does it require an allignment after the installation I thought about doing the job myself.