Hey new to the forum.
I am considering a leveling kit for my 04. Does anyone have experience towing with a 2-2.5" leveling kit? I tow my old Bronco (about 5-6000 lbs with trailer) and was wondering if the leveling kit would affect the handling much while towing.
Thanks.

 

Not sure about a leveling kit, but I tow a flatbed trailer with a 3600 pound ranger, and about 1000 pounds worth of tools and parts to go racing with my f-150 with a 4 inch lift, and as long as you get it aligned at a shop it doesnt change handling, to me anyway.

 

check cstsuspension.com. they have a 2 or 2.5 leveling kit for your truck. it will not affect your towing either. there is no reason that it would

 

Well...

While towing a light load shouldn't affect the suspension geometry enough to affect basic handling, it CAN affect the weight transfer which can lead to other issues.

One of the reasons pickups are built with rake is to compensate for anticipated loads. Without that built-in rake to absorb the first few inches of sag, the vehicle will begin to drop it's rear below level with only a moderate load or trailer tonque weight. Place a heavy load or trailer on a leveled truck, and you may see understeer and visibility issues where you wouldn't normally expect them (i.e. while still under the trucks rated towing capacity). You can also begin to overload the rear tires and suspension if the sag is pronounced, as the rear is forced to carry a larger proportion of the vehicle's weight as well.

I think the easy fix is adjustable air bags or other active load levelers. You may also want to use a load-distributing hitch on lighter loads than you would normally consider. And there is always the old goose-neck if applicable.

I wouldn't sweat it if you are just towing pleasure boats or toys and travel trailers occasionally. If you are really working your truck daily or weekly, it would be a small price to invest in some of these items to keep you safe and predictable.

 

I'll show you mine if you show me yours...

 

Thanks for the advice, think I'll do the 2" to get the least amount of "nose up" and then add air bags if it's a problem. Like you said, I only tow heavy loads once in a awhile so I can probably live with it. Nice Bronco mcaldwell, here is my 69 on a recent wheelin trip here in Missouri. Have a good day.

 

I know I'm not in this, but I wanted to play too.