I HATE videos that say "just remove the tie rod nut" without explaining it will very likely just spin instead of loosening. At the end he shows that if the tie rod bolt spin to use a ratchet and 8mm socket. Other wise very good video. Now I have to figure a way to get the damn tie rod nut off after starting this!
hands-down one of the best instructional videos out there for F150 leveling kit self- install! Tool inventory, good lighting and clarity, detailed step-by-step walk-through, and relevant tips....you guys do make it look easy.
Does this negatively effect the wear and tear on the vehicle at all? Want to do a 2inch spacer to put 33 in. tires on but don’t want to put any added stress or effect ride quality. Should I be worried?
A 2" leveling kit with 33" inch tires will have very little long term negative effects on your suspension. It's probably one of the most common modifications made to F150's. I recently purchased a 2020 F150 and have every intention of making that exact modification. 2" of leveling in the front is a mild modification in the grand scheme of things, and will provide plenty of clearance for a 33" tire without any rubbing issues. 2 things you need to be aware of though...If you go with an LT rated tire, you're definitely going to lose some gas mileage as LT rated tires are heavier, and your truck is essentially pushing more rotational mass. Your speedometer will also have to be re-calibrated due to the taller tires if you want a true reading. As far as ride quality, the leveling kit really won't have much of an effect. If you move up to an LT rated tire, then yeah, that you may feel. As long as the job is done properly, I wouldn't be too worried about any long term suspension issues.
This was by far the best instructional video for the install (even though I went with the Rough Country kit). One thing I see that got edited out of this video was just how hard it really is to hammer out the 2 studs at the bottom of the strut. At least on my truck, this was near impossible to do.
You should place the lower control in its natural position ( truck on the ground} before fastening the lower control arm bolts. To prevent bushing binding.
This is a cheap way to level your truck but not without sacrificing handling. These will make your expensive truck ride like crap,spend the extra money and go with adjustable coil over shocks like the bilstein 5100. You can thank me later.🇵🇱🇺🇸
Steven Potvin I've been doing some research on that because I'm getting ready to level my f150 and put 285's on. From what I've come across, they should.
I thought more about it, after I wrote my previous comment. Some of the lift will come from the top spacer, which will extend the physical length of the strut. The remainder of the lift will come from the increased spring compression from the internal spacer. Although it is more work, I think that this is a better system than the one-piece lifts. You will get the same 2" lift but the strut will be only 1" longer. Neither system changes the amount of maximum drop nor the axial position of the springs. This two-piece system is likely give a slightly bumpier ride because of the increased static spring-loading. I really don't think that either system has an advantage over the other unless you are looking for ease of installation or a slightly firmer front-end, which may or may not even be noticeable. I like the two-piece idea, but it's a lot more work to install.
I can't say for certain what a mechanic will charge because rates vary and so do the skills and speed of the mechanic. That being said I would estimate between $150-$300
Misleading info. This is not going to void your warranty what so ever. Now if you have something break that they can prove was a result of the modification then it won't be covered, but it does NOT automatically void your entire warranty.
Looks like an awful lot of work installing those. I'm thinking about going with a 1.5" leveling kit. But I gotta watch my height over all. I am handicapped and stock ride height on my RWD 2016 Lariat with running boards is not too bad regarding getting my strong leg up to it to get in the truck. So my question is, how much would a 1.5" lift kit raise the running boards at the drivers door.
It should lift the front end of the running boards to be equal to the stock height of the rear of the running boards. That's what I've seen on every truck I've leveled.
Is 2” the normal difference between and the front and back? I have a 2017 f150 regular cab. I really don’t like how it isn’t level, and compared to the core cabs it looks worse because the angle is so much higher
Hi CJ, does one have to remove the EPAS plugs before doing suspension work? I have the rough country 2.5" level strut spacers and the instruction manual says you MUST unplug the EPAS, however my plugs are very hard to remove and don't seem to want to come out. Can I just install the strut spacers without unplugging the EPAS or is this a bad idea?
As I see it, there is no advantage. The effective spring compression is the same as a 1-piece system of the same total thickness. This system just makes for a more involved and expensive installation, which will give you a sense of satisfaction for a job well done, as well as bragging rights to your buds about your prowess as a mechanic. I think that this two-piece system might have more to do with avoiding patent infringement than anything else. It's no better or worse than any other similar spring compression system, just a lot more unnecessary work.
sweet good to know I have them in both of my ecoboosts.The 2 piece feels more like stock to me. But I didn’t do it the dealer did way too much work I just put the 1 piece in with half the work.
/This is the last kit in the world you want to get, 4x the amount of work to put these in vs regular 2'' level kit above the Strut....... Skyjacker is Garbage
WARNING!!!! In this video the strut was installed backwards!! Notice the label on the strut before and after, its swapped. Also notice the lower mounted studs not aligning. this will destroy your strut bushings.
So the label faces the other direction, so what. Doesn't matter. And when he tightens the lower mounting bolt, they straighten out. Those are press in bolts, they have to be pulled in completely to tighten. So this install is good.
Nice job. While it was all apart I would have put on a beefier upper control arm.
I HATE videos that say "just remove the tie rod nut" without explaining it will very likely just spin instead of loosening. At the end he shows that if the tie rod bolt spin to use a ratchet and 8mm socket. Other wise very good video. Now I have to figure a way to get the damn tie rod nut off after starting this!
Although this was a great instructional video. How much can you expect to pay for the install?
Why did Ford go to the studs instead of the bolt on the bottom
hands-down one of the best instructional videos out there for F150 leveling kit self- install! Tool inventory, good lighting and clarity, detailed step-by-step walk-through, and relevant tips....you guys do make it look easy.
Thank you very much!
Val Alonzo Agreed
Freddy does this leveling kit alter the gas mileage ?
Excellent video. Well made. Clear concise instructions. Nice job !!!
Does this negatively effect the wear and tear on the vehicle at all? Want to do a 2inch spacer to put 33 in. tires on but don’t want to put any added stress or effect ride quality. Should I be worried?
A 2" leveling kit with 33" inch tires will have very little long term negative effects on your suspension. It's probably one of the most common modifications made to F150's. I recently purchased a 2020 F150 and have every intention of making that exact modification. 2" of leveling in the front is a mild modification in the grand scheme of things, and will provide plenty of clearance for a 33" tire without any rubbing issues. 2 things you need to be aware of though...If you go with an LT rated tire, you're definitely going to lose some gas mileage as LT rated tires are heavier, and your truck is essentially pushing more rotational mass. Your speedometer will also have to be re-calibrated due to the taller tires if you want a true reading. As far as ride quality, the leveling kit really won't have much of an effect. If you move up to an LT rated tire, then yeah, that you may feel. As long as the job is done properly, I wouldn't be too worried about any long term suspension issues.
Is it necessary to pull off the axle nut? Sometimes I see this, sometimes I don't. Great video!!!!
Does this kit install not put the ball joint in a bind? Maybe I’m over thinking this!
This was by far the best instructional video for the install (even though I went with the Rough Country kit). One thing I see that got edited out of this video was just how hard it really is to hammer out the 2 studs at the bottom of the strut. At least on my truck, this was near impossible to do.
Thank you very much!
What are the torque specs?
Just give it hell.
:)
You should place the lower control in its natural position ( truck on the ground} before fastening the lower control arm bolts. To prevent bushing binding.
Kappa123
can you still access the lower control arm bolts with the wheels on and truck on the ground?
So with that you can put 35s tires??? Pls let me Know thanks
Gera Ortiz if you don’t care that they rub
Bottom is backwards!!
Very good video!! thanks for posting.... looks like i'm going to install a 2" leveling kit on my 2017 F150 now
Good video Freddie and great tips too pry bar lube and mark the top part of the strut.
Thank you very much!
Freddy CJPP well made video. Thanks
I had everything nailed except the spring compressor.
This is a cheap way to level your truck but not without sacrificing handling. These will make your expensive truck ride like crap,spend the extra money and go with adjustable coil over shocks like the bilstein 5100. You can thank me later.🇵🇱🇺🇸
Hey do you think a 285/70R17 will fit on a stock 2015 f150 4wd with stock 17" rims.
They should fit, but if you want to go any bigger you will need atleast a leveling kit.
Freddy CJPP thank you
Steven Potvin I've been doing some research on that because I'm getting ready to level my f150 and put 285's on. From what I've come across, they should.
Demetrius Stump yep I just put my 285 on a couple days ago they fit perfect no level kit or anything on it
Steven Potvin Awesome to hear! I'm not a gear head so I was honestly worried about the tires rubbing.
I thought more about it, after I wrote my previous comment. Some of the lift will come from the top spacer, which will extend the physical length of the strut. The remainder of the lift will come from the increased spring compression from the internal spacer. Although it is more work, I think that this is a better system than the one-piece lifts. You will get the same 2" lift but the strut will be only 1" longer.
Neither system changes the amount of maximum drop nor the axial position of the springs. This two-piece system is likely give a slightly bumpier ride because of the increased static spring-loading. I really don't think that either system has an advantage over the other unless you are looking for ease of installation or a slightly firmer front-end, which may or may not even be noticeable. I like the two-piece idea, but it's a lot more work to install.
Why not just use the leveling kits that you don't have to do all that extra work?
Rick Knowles I was wondering the same thing
😂😂 yea just buy a normal one that sits on too of the strut hat. Dont need to take apart the strut
Great video, thanks for posting!
Thanks for watching!
looks so easy. what should a mechanic charge to install this?
I can't say for certain what a mechanic will charge because rates vary and so do the skills and speed of the mechanic. That being said I would estimate between $150-$300
Like he said at the end, you will also need an alignment. That cost has to be factored in as well.
What model spring compressor did you use? Or do you suggest?
This is the one we use, it's much safer than the ones you can rent/buy at your local auto part store amzn.to/2LeV72w
Will this void your warranty?
Give your local Ford Service department a call, they will know for sure. Thanks for watching!
It will, I checked.
Misleading info. This is not going to void your warranty what so ever. Now if you have something break that they can prove was a result of the modification then it won't be covered, but it does NOT automatically void your entire warranty.
I was able to do it without removing upper away bar
that will be my next step level my truck
Sweeet!
Dig the videos. Great presentation!
Thank you very much!
how about showing how to lower rear?
I can't get th bottom strut studs out
Looks like an awful lot of work installing those. I'm thinking about going with a 1.5" leveling kit. But I gotta watch my height over all. I am handicapped and stock ride height on my RWD 2016 Lariat with running boards is not too bad regarding getting my strong leg up to it to get in the truck. So my question is, how much would a 1.5" lift kit raise the running boards at the drivers door.
It should lift the front end of the running boards to be equal to the stock height of the rear of the running boards. That's what I've seen on every truck I've leveled.
Is 2” the normal difference between and the front and back? I have a 2017 f150 regular cab. I really don’t like how it isn’t level, and compared to the core cabs it looks worse because the angle is so much higher
2" is pretty standard sometimes its a little bit more though. You can take some measurements to see what your difference is.
Hi CJ, does one have to remove the EPAS plugs before doing suspension work? I have the rough country 2.5" level strut spacers and the instruction manual says you MUST unplug the EPAS, however my plugs are very hard to remove and don't seem to want to come out. Can I just install the strut spacers without unplugging the EPAS or is this a bad idea?
I've never disconnected that plug, but I would try to follow their instructions if you can.
What is the benefit of having two pieces to the spacer as opposed to just one like most other kits?
As I see it, there is no advantage. The effective spring compression is the same as a 1-piece system of the same total thickness. This system just makes for a more involved and expensive installation, which will give you a sense of satisfaction for a job well done, as well as bragging rights to your buds about your prowess as a mechanic. I think that this two-piece system might have more to do with avoiding patent infringement than anything else. It's no better or worse than any other similar spring compression system, just a lot more unnecessary work.
It will avoid UCA hit coil springs when front wheels full drop.
sweet good to know I have them in both of my ecoboosts.The 2 piece feels more like stock to me. But I didn’t do it the dealer did way too much work I just put the 1 piece in with half the work.
Do you need an alignment after this?
Yes
This kit is a lot more work than many others....no thanks.
/This is the last kit in the world you want to get, 4x the amount of work to put these in vs regular 2'' level kit above the Strut....... Skyjacker is Garbage
Nice good job.
Thank you!
what is the max tire size can you install with that 2 inches leveling kit?
33 x 12.50 Tires
Freddy CJPP thanks!
that will help for my 2012 Fx4.
Freddy CJPP thanks!
that will help for my 2012 Fx4.
Carlos Lamboy what size did you end up putting on your truck?
dude get some air tools and you don't have to remove the sway bar links
WARNING!!!! In this video the strut was installed backwards!! Notice the label on the strut before and after, its swapped. Also notice the lower mounted studs not aligning. this will destroy your strut bushings.
So the label faces the other direction, so what. Doesn't matter. And when he tightens the lower mounting bolt, they straighten out. Those are press in bolts, they have to be pulled in completely to tighten. So this install is good.