eghead

Most leveling kits are strut extension spacers as shown below. This is why they are not that expensive. A stock truck has "rake", which means it sits higher in the back than the front. This is by design to accommodate for heavy loads and towing. So the leveling kit uses a spacer on the front struts to level out the front with the back, which gives you a nice lifted look on the whole truck. Hell Bent Steel does sell a 3" leveling kit, but most people go with a 2.5" with good results. If you go much higher than that, it may put strain on your front suspension plus it may make your front end higher than the rear. Remember that after installing a leveling kit, you will need to budget yourself for a front end alignment.

HBS 2.5" Leveling Kit $69:


Some people opt to lift the rear with a similar method by getting new rear blocks. This would be done if your front leveling kit made the front higher than the back or some people like adding new blocks to maintain some rake in their truck. If you have 4WD, it comes stock with a 1 5/8" rear block, so if you wanted to get some lift on the back, you could go with a new 3" rear block. Some people also Add A Leaf (AAL) to raise their rear instead of replacing the rear block. I've heard this stiffens up your ride somewhat.

ReadyLift 3" Rear Block Kit $139:


Pro Comp AAL $100:


This is just one option to level your truck, some people also like to get replacement shocks that give you lift, like the Rancho QuickLifts or the Bilstein 5100s. This option is nice because they are adjustable. I am going to go with the Ranchos myself because they are running a special that includes the MyRide wireless adjustment system free with the purchase of 4 Rancho QuickLift or RS9000XL. I like the idea of having the truck level, but adjusting it when towing or hauling.

As for lift kits and why they are so much more expensive, its because these are considered suspension lift kits. They basically include all the parts to raise/extend all your factory suspension parts. Lift kits can go from 3" and up. If you are buying a suspension lift, go with a good one so you maintain a better ride, you stay safe, and you reduce unnecessary wear and tear on your truck. One thing to remember is that when you are lifting your truck this high, it's probably not going to look right unless you spend the money to also get wider wheels and larger tires. After all that, you can plan on spending over $3k depending on if you buy used or new and if you plan on doing the install yourself.

6" Pro Comp Complete Suspension Lift $1,730:


A cheaper option to lift your truck would be a body lift, which just raises your body up from the suspension. I would suggest to go with a suspension lift, but some like their body lifts just fine. Also when you start wanting more than 8" of lift, you can start combining body and suspension lift to get the desired results.

3" Performance Accessories Body Lift Kit $350:


Just as a side note/disclaimer, I am speaking from my exhaustive research on these forums and not personal experience. As I said previously, for now I am going to level my truck with the Rancho QuickLift system, but maybe in the future I will go with a 6"-8" suspension lift and new wheels and tires. I hope this info helps a fellow F150 newbie like me.

Krazy

Thanks for all that info, that really helped.
I have one question tho, if I chose to go with the Rancho QuickLifts, do I still need the HBS 2.5" Leveling Kit or no ??? Since the Rancho QuickLifts changes the shocks, does it makes the ride on the truck smoother or the advantage of it is just that it's adjustable?? I'm not going to be towing or hauling much, just a motorcycle when going to the track once in a while.

Once again thanks for all the help everyone.

eghead

No, you would not need both. The Quicklift shocks would level the vehicle for you. http://www.gorancho.com/suspension.p..._4wd#quicklift

I am still doing research, but it looks like for a 2004-2008 F150 4WD, here are the part numbers:

Front QuickLIFT RS999792
Rear RS9000XL RS999286

The QL listed above requires you to use your OE springs and upper mount. If you want to get the Loaded QL for the front, you can get the whole QuickStrut system, which doesn't seem to be too much more expensive at 4wheelparts.com $199 each vs $179 each

Front QuickStrut RS999910 (I found this info and part number here)

For the price difference of only $20 each, I am going with the Loaded QuickStrut system.

Don't forget that if you buy any combo of these 4 right now, you get the MyRide wireless system free! Promo Details

And also, I found a coupon code CC5OFF that gives you 5% off any order over $250 at http://www.4wheelparts.com.

I have everything in my cart right now (QuickStrut for front and RS9000XL for rear) and the total before shipping $566. Thats not too bad of a deal to level your truck, get performance struts and shocks, and a get free remote system for adjustment! I know I sound like I must be affiliated with Rancho, but I am not. I have just been doing research all morning, so I am happy to finally put it all together.

Now I just have to either decide to install myself with my little mechanical experience or find a shop to do it. Any suggestions from others would be appreciated. Is this something to try on your own or should you just stick to getting a pro to do it?

picaflor

If you add the quick lift, it allows you to lift the front from 1 to 2.5 inches ... its adjustable. you dont need the leveling kit.

this is the route i will take in the future when the shocks need replacement...

Krazy

I plan on doing it myself and have a friend that works on trucks help, we have a big hydraulic lift, then taking it somewhere to get it all alignment done at a shop.

Since the Rancho QuickLifts changes the shocks, does it makes the ride on the truck smoother or the advantage of it is just that it's adjustable??

picaflor

rancho quicklifts are shocks. and they are suppose to give you a better ride than stock

eghead

From what I have been reading, people really like the improved ride since these are premium shocks. This is where the MyRide system would come in handy, because both the QL and XL are adjustable for ride quality depending on your current usage

Krazy

I think I'm going the same route you are going:

QuickLIFT Quick-Strut
Part #RANRS999909

Shock Absorber
Part #RANRS999285

Does a Pro Comp Dual Steering Stabilizer Kit make a big difference, worth the $$ or save to get a programmer??

Krazy

Found it cheaper and free shipping @ http://goodies-speedshop.com

Rancho RS999285 Shock Absorber
(680551 - RS999285)
2 $99.95 $199.90

Rancho RS999909 QuickLIFT Quick-Strut
(4179374 - RS999909)
2 $192.95 $385.90
Sub Total $585.80
Handling $4.95
Total $590.75

Krazy

Rancho RS999909 QuickLIFT Quick-Strut 1.5 in. Lift Compatible With myRIDE Wireless Controller 2 $169.32 $338.64
Rancho RS999285 Shock Absorber R9000XL Series 2 $87.62 $175.24
Shipping: $19.68
Taxes: $35.97
TOTAL: $569.53

@ https://www.race-mart.com