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I recently bought a used 2016 F150 Fx4 Lariat with the 5.0. It came with the 20 inch wheels and needs new tires so I figured I would just level it before getting the new tires. I have read multiple threads about spacers and the fullly assembled leveling struts but still have a few questions before I make the purchase. I would like to put 34’s on the truck. So from what I read raising the truck 2.5 inches in the front gets me level? Do I need to add blocks in the back to fit 34’s
or are the back blocks just to maintain the rake? I don’t want the tire filling the entire wheel well. What are everyone’s thoughts on adjustable leveling struts vs spacers? Sounded like if you can afford adjusting leveling struts that’s the way to go for ride quality. I read about Racho quick lift adjustable leveling struts that go up to 2.75 or are there better options? Is it worth getting the back shocks as well? Sorry for all the questions. Just want to make sure I get it right the first time. Thanks in advance.
Personally I don't install anything more than a 2" on 4X4s. There are people that do install 2.5 and 3" but I won't. With that being said I have installed plenty 2" kits on 4X4 and they are pretty damn level. I've done one with a 2" leveling kit, removed the factory 1.25" and installed a 2" block and it had a very slight rack to it.
With that being said 95% go with spacers and that's fine. I had a spacer kit for about two years and then I upgraded to adjustable coilovers and boy what a difference in ride. Never again will I do a spacer. Straight to coilovers for my next trucks. Not that the spacer kit road bad but the coilovers ride so good.
I'd suggest AutoSpring or HellBentSteel
Oh and btw 04-08 4X4s have 1-15/16" blocks in the rear. The 09-Current have 1.25" blocks.
Wayne,
Thanks! Didn’t know they come with blocks in the rear from the factory, makes a lot of sense now. Definitely leaning towards the coil over as well since reading more about the truck having a better ride. Do you suggest the entire strut and spring combo or are you only buying the strut and using stock springs? I looked up the products you suggested and it looked like just spacers. Any recommendation on the coil over set up? Thanks again.
Wayne,
Thanks! Didn’t know they come with blocks in the rear from the factory, makes a lot of sense now. Definitely leaning towards the coil over as well since reading more about the truck having a better ride. Do you suggest the entire strut and spring combo or are you only buying the strut and using stock springs? I looked up the products you suggested and it looked like just spacers. Any recommendation on the coil over set up? Thanks again.
Sorry i gave you suggestions for a spacer but not coilovers. I have Boss coilovers which replaces the entire assembly and I love them! Boss, Fox, ICON & King are what I would call top coilover brands. If you don't want to spend that much, Bilsteins 5100 are a great choice as well. They reuse your factory spring and spring hat.
I can't comment on the Ranchos because I never installed them or ridden in a truck with them.
Wayne
Wayne,
A few questions on the brands you provided. Do the kits come with the block for the back or do I need to buy separately? Would even recommend changing the back block with 34’s or just level the front 2 inches? Thanks
To fit 34s you don't need to do anything in the rear. What exact size tire you want 275/65R20(34.07X10.83)? Your stock size(assuming you have 20s) is 275/55R20(31.91X10.83).
1st picture is a 2" AutoSpring Kit in the front with the factory 1.25" block removed and a 1-15/16 block(OEM 04-08 4X4 Block) installed in the rear with 275/65R20.
2nd picture is the same truck with the 2" Autospring removed and Boss Coilovers installed. The rear was kept the same with the OEM 04-08 Blocks. Tires are 33X12.50R20.
3rd picture is another truck I did with a 2" Autospring with 35X12.50R20(now it currently has the 2" AS removed and Bilstein 5100s installed) , it rubs with the spacer and 5100s so I wouldn't suggest going with a 35X12.50.
If you were to go with the Bilstein 5100 shocks, I would recommend setting them at zero and running a 2" levelling spacer. When you attempt levelling by increasing spring preload (which is how the Bilstein works) the ride gets pretty stiff.
Wayne,
I appreciate the time you’ve spent responding and the pics. You were correct about the stock tire size and I am looking to purchase 275/65R20(34.07X10.83) to go up to 34’s. With you saying I do not need to do anything in the back to fit 34’s would it be best to just get the front coil over set up rather then the entire kit? Any benefits to spending the extra money and getting the back shocks as well? From the sounds of it the entire coilover setup in the long run is a much better ride the the spacer and Bilstein setup.
Wayne,
I appreciate the time you’ve spent responding and the pics. You were correct about the stock tire size and I am looking to purchase 275/65R20(34.07X10.83) to go up to 34’s. With you saying I do not need to do anything in the back to fit 34’s would it be best to just get the front coil over set up rather then the entire kit? Any benefits to spending the extra money and getting the back shocks as well? From the sounds of it the entire coilover setup in the long run is a much better ride the the spacer and Bilstein setup.
Getting the rear shocks is a very good idea. The Boss rear shocks were a huge improvement over stock. As for it you should get the complete kit, well that depends on the height you set the front at. Stock you have a 1.25" block, so if you went with anymore than 2" up from you may want to get the complete kit with 2" blocks so the front isn't higher than the rear.
03-26-2019, 10:27 PM
2016 F150 Leveling Question
