DylanH

I have a 2011 F150 4x4 that I want to level. After doing a lot of research, I think that I've decided to go with the adjustable Bilstein 5100's in the front. Probably at the max setting. I'm also looking at adding an add-a-leaf to the rear to raise that a bit. Should I get the Bilstein 5100's for the rear as well? I know that if I do I'm limited to a 1 inch add-a-leaf. Also, I've heard of people buying bushing kits, differential drops, and new coils. Are these necessary or recommended?

I use my truck to drive 50 miles a day and do some mild off roading for now on the weekends. At first I was considering doing spacers or even a lift kit but I think that the Bilsteins are a good compromise. If I do go this route, will I be fine with my current tires? They are 265/70r17 Nitto Terra Grapplers. I'll also attach a picture of my truck if that helps.

Thanks for your help,
Dylan

12GBMPlatinum

People have different experience with the Bilstein settings. I have mine on the middle and I'm pretty close to being leveled (most people cannot tell that there is an ever so slight rake). If you go the top setting you could be level or a tad nose up. If that happens you'll want to get a block that will enable you bring up the rear to match the now lifted front. I would get the 5100s, set them how you think you want them and then order an appropriate size block for the rear if you need to raise it any. Another option is an add-a-leaf (but you'll likely not be level without a spacer).

MikeyZ

The tires will look small if you do that lift.

DylanH

You think that a 31.6" tire would look small with a 2 inch lift in the front and 1 in the back?

12GBMPlatinum

If you're going for leveling plenty of people run stock size rims and tires while leveled. I would strongly recommend you do the front lift first (you can change to Bilsteins in the rear without any gain in the rear) and then determine if you need to do anything more to the rear since you'll know what the fronts looked like.

aeford09

Here's my 09 before I traded her in. Forgive me for not having more I deleted after I traded.
265/70r17 kelly safari

Loved them.

DylanH

Makes sense. I don't wan't the Bilsteins in the front to level the truck as much as just lift it some. I don't really mind a slight rake. So that's why I was looking into adding to the back as well. I feel like this is my best option without spending thousands of dollars for a real suspension lift.

aeford09

Here's same truck with 33x12.5.

mmwest

Maybe not too small but small anyhow.
Personally I have Bilstein 5100's all the way around with front set on max. I consider myself pretty **** when it comes to researching stuff and I went as far as ordering an AAL from ProComp and went to have it installed and was talked out of by the shop because off how rough it'll make the ride. I went with the Firestone RideRites rear air bags and love em.
My truck is 2012 4x4 so it's already up a little and had a stock rake of 2" now I can put it exactly level ,1" or whatever I choose. Now the ride isn't stock smooth but love the **** outta the look and the ability to break out the bike pump when I hook up the ole boat and level that sucker out.


Hope this helps, good luck and remember if you go cheap ...........you'll wanta change it later. Guarantee it!!

DylanH

Yea I'm really considering doing a full out 4 or 6 inch lift but my mechanic who is going to be installing it for me tried to talk me out of it. His reasoning is that while the suspension kit may only be another 600 or 700 dollars the amount of time that it's going to take him to install it is going to add another 1,000 dollars. So yea sure a 4 or 6 inch lift might be sweet but for 3 or 4 times the price is it really worth the extra 2 or 3 inches?

Also getting back to the leveling kit, should I look at bushing kits, differential drops, and new coils? Or are those not necessary