wo0dy

Im trying to decide between a body lift and a leveling kit. I have a 2003 2wd f150 screw 5.4 v8. I was looking for a increase in height overall. i was looking at a PA 3" body kit or probably a 2.5" leveling kit. I was just wondering the pros and cons of each. I in no way want whatever i do to casue parts to wear faster or be compromised. help!

A7X

Body lift won't wear parts at all...

Leveling springs... Eh, maybe you wear out a balljoint 1,500 miles earlier... No big deal

I'd do a leveling kit over a body lift on a 2wd and not worry about it...

Or why not a spindle lift? At $379.00 its not a bad option either at around the same amount of lift

wo0dy

Well i can get the PA 3" BL for 200 so i was leaning towards that. Why would you go with the leveling kit?

A7X

You should be able to get the body lift cheaper than that if you shop around....

But anyway the body lift will lift your body off the chassis revealing a good portion of the frame underneath the truck... Not the cleanest look, I don't mind mine cuz my truck is so high and I gain a bit more clearance without a harsher ride goin all springs but for a 2wd its way easier and cleaner looking goin leveling or spindle if your only going for 2.5-3" of lift...

Also are you ready for the 12 grueling hours of a body lift install? Maaaybe 6 if you're lucky and know what you're doin...

Spindle lift: 3 hrs
Leveling: 3 hrs

A7X

In my opinion a body lift isn't worth the work out $$ unless...

You don't want to spend $1,000.00+ for a suspension lift on a 4x4 and you're only gonna drive it on the street mostly anyway...

Or you want to go HUGE and don't want a harsh ride from all spring...

With a 2wd you don't need to spend $1k to get 3" of lift, a 4x4 you do...

A7X

What I'm sayin is why not spend an extra $150 on 3.5" spindles for the REAL clearance with no frame hangin and $58 on blocks n ubolts?

Or only spend $129 for 2" springs and REAL clearance with no frame hangin and $58 on blocks and ubolts?

Yes bigger tires will add clearance but you won't get any from the body lift...

The leveling kit will raise the frame as well as the spindles plus more from the tires...

Edit: Us 97-03 4x4 guys n gals don't have these leveling kit and spindle options... Its crankin stock keys(free 2"), body lift or $1k+ suspension lift for us...

wo0dy

Well im on a definite budget... so im looking for the most out of my money for the most lift. i hate to say it but itll be mostly for looks. One of the most important things is maintaining the condition of the truck. I dont want to do something that will wear any parts faster.

wo0dy

and i don't have the tools to install them myself so i was going to have it installed by my mechanic.... so what would be the cheapest install too?

A7X

I posted some install times above... So you can take those as your install price comparison...

And as far as longevity of the suspension components? Don't worry about it with any of these options...

Throw some 33s on and run it...

Depending on what engine and rear gear set you have, well, you may want to look at that if you're concerned about budget... For fuel consumption...

A7X

Those install times were...

Body: 12hrs
Spindle: 3hrs
Level: 3hrs

These times are for the novice mechanic.... I could cut each of those install times in half easy... I hope your mechanic could as well...

But obviously a body lift would be the most expensive install, there's a lot of work involved to install one...

Spindles or springs are no biggie, hell install both!