7 Best leveling & lift kits for Ford F-150 & Buyers Guide (2020)

by · Automotive Expert
Published
Updated

Purchasing a vehicle presupposes not only indulging yourself, but taking good care of it and constant upgrade if you do want to prolong its life. What’s more, you can add to its perfect look with inexpensive but really handy modifications. So stop raking your truck! Prevent damaging your suspension and wearing it out. What your truck really needs is a lift up.

Why you can trust me?I accept nothing from product manufacturers. Never. Here — only unbiased reviews and my opinion. I only earn commission from Amazon

I recommend:

our pick

MotoFab Lifts

Very popular, advantageous and cheap kit. High-quality and durable.

best value

Rough Country System

The best leveling kit that I recommend for you because it keeps your front and rear suspension at the same level. Moreover, you can choose which side you want to lower and which to lift. Also this kit helps you make friends with the road.

budget

YITAMOTOR Leveling Lift Kit

  • Durable
  • Cheap
  • Easy installation
  • Allows you to use larger tires

Leveling / Lift kits are perfect way to lift the front of the vehicle and avoid sagging as well as gives a ground clearance advantage. You will be able to have the front of the truck at the same level as its back and besides practical advantage, it will give your truck a more aggressive and dependable look. However, it’s really important to make sure you’ve chosen the proper kit (leveling or lift kits) for your vehicle. Otherwise, the effect you’re trying to get won’t meet your expectations. This article will disclose all features of a range of leveling/lift kits, provide all pros and cons and cover all kit related issues

Lift kits vs Leveling kits. Which is for you?

This is the most common dilemma among drivers of SUVs and off-road vehicles. The answers lie in what target you are pursuing with buying the kit. The thing is that lift kits are used for rough terrains and they usually demonstrate a higher lift than leveling kits. The later ones are designed to balance your car. What’s more, lift kits are more expensive due to their broader use and are harder to install. To make a proper choice, follow the link for more information

Table of Best leveling & lift kits for Ford F-150

NameOur ratingImportant characteristicsYear of the carPriceTypeShops
MotoFab Lifts
Made of aluminum workpiece which protects against rust and cracking2004-2018$Leveling kit
Rough Country System
Item is quite informative in terms of rigidity; Nitrogen has full shot2009-2020$Leveling kit
YITAMOTOR Leveling Lift Kit
Made of aluminum workpiece, pre-installed bolts 10,9 grade. Anodic coating2004-2018$Leveling kit
Rough Country 52230-2-inch
Includes aluminum spacers2009-2013$$Leveling kit
Rancho Suspension QuickLIFT
These shocks come placed in an extra-large shock cab2009-2013$$$Lift kit
SDT Lift & Leveling Kit
Durability and long quality for professional drivers 2004-2017$$Leveling kit
DNA Motoring
Composed of high quality aluminum2004-2017$Leveling kit

swipe left to see more

How I decided

22
models considered
32
hours spend
3
experts interviewed

Best leveling & lift kits for Ford F-150

MotoFab Lifts

our-pick
Our rating:
5.0

The kit is designed to lift the front of your car for as much as two inches. The quality is high compared to other sets, because it is not a welded spacer, like all other kits. Welded spacers are often worn out and crack, that is not very good. However, this kit is very strong and comfortable, it guarantees durability on any road.

Made of aluminum workpiece, and also covered with black powder, which protects against rust and cracking.

To install this kit you will not need to go to the car service centers, as you can do it yourself. You do not even have to disassemble coils or struts, as in other kits.

Bob Barnesauto mechanic in King Mechanic, says:

It's pretty much not permanently modifying anything on the truck. It's actually technically a bolt-on application and one of the reasons why it's so affordable is because of the construction and the method of how we actually use this kit. It's basically a small spacer, a small aluminum alloys that throw on top of the front struts. Everything else stays factory spec. No drilling, no cutting, no custom modification.

For this you need to read the detailed instruction that goes with the set and spend one or two hours of your time. Suitable for all modern F-150. The price is simply great for this kit. Made in America.

Key Features:

  • Covered with black powder
  • has detailed instruction

Specification:

  • Brand: MotoFab
  • Model: F150-2
  • Weight: 5.2 pounds

Product score:

  • ease of installation(10/10)
  • durability (10/10)
  • offroad comfort (9/10)
  • lift level (9/10)

MY RATAING: 9.5

Pros
  • Nice price
  • Durable
  • Has good longevity
  • Easy installation
Cons
  • Kit does not lift the rear part of car

Rough Country

best-value
Our rating:
5.0

The product is quite informative in terms of rigidity - the driver feels the road and obstacles, feeling that he is driving this SUV, and not a glamorous crossover.

Leveling kit must be checked by an experienced, skillful mechanic leastwise every 3,500 - 4000 kilometers

Nitrogen has full shot. Leveling struts elevate the front end of your car to a level position preserving a comfortable ride. Railings help protect against water and dirt.

Jhonauto mechanic in Sunrise Auto Repair, LA says:

Cranking your torsion bars can cause a stiffer ride and can cause early wear on your front end suspension. The keys in the kit will rotate the front position or the index of your torsion bar causing the bar to handle your truck's load at higher ride height.

Struts are constructed to approach perfectly on each designed application, and are planned to use the OEM coil while ensuring enough leveling height to avoid the need for strut spacers or other ways of leveling. As a result, we can observe a better and quieter ride quality of your truck.

Also, this leveling kit can be used as for old as well as for modern generation. You will not be disappointed with this.

Key features:

  • Nitrogen has full shot
  • Includes front and rear gaskets

Specification:

  • Brand: Rough Country
  • Model: 510.20-2.5-inch Suspension Leveling Lift System
  • Weight: 230 pounds

Product score:

  • ease of installation(8/10)
  • durability (9/10)
  • offroad comfort (10/10)
  • lift level (8/10)

MY RATAING: 8.75

Pros
  • Better and quieter ride quality
  • Easy to travel on different surfaces
  • Good for old and modern cars
  • Long life
Cons
  • none

YITAMOTOR Ford Leveling Lift Kit 2.5

budget
Our rating:
4.0

This kit is one of the standard risers. It is designed to lift the front of your car for two and a half inches.

Perfect for both four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles. Its advantage is that it perfectly eliminates factory deficiencies and ideally aligns the front part. Because of which your car becomes more aggressive.

FatGuyBuildsfrom the video below, said that:

he noticed no difference in handling or ride quality before and after changing his lift with this kit

Also, this kit allows you to apply larger and wider tires. Supports easy ride and comfortable control on any relief.

The kit is made of aluminum workpiece, pre-installed bolts 10,9 grade, and heat treatment. Anodic coating also shows excellent resistance to rust, corrosion and cracks. In comparison with steel spacers it is quite light and durable.

The installation is fairly easy, since it does not require cutting, modification of the wicker parts. You just need to concentrate and spend two or three hours of your time.

At a price you don’t need to worry at all because this kit is quite cheap.

Key features:

  • Made of aluminum workpiece, pre-installed bolts 10,9 grade, and heat treatment
  • Anodic coating

Specifications:

  • Brand: Yitamotor
  • Model: W01-042-xS1eg
  • Weight: 6 pounds

Product score:

  • ease of installation(8/10)
  • durability (8/10)
  • offroad comfort (8/10)
  • lift level (7/10)

MY RATAING: 7.75

Pros
  • Durable
  • Cheap
  • Easy installation
  • Allows you to use larger tires
Cons
  • Kit does not lift the rear part of car
  • Does not fit 2004 Heritage

Rough Country 52230-2-inch

Our rating:
4.0

This leveling kit includes aluminum spacers, which combines great looks and longevity. The front and rear of the car are at the same level. Rough Country's spacer design excludes all the assumptions with an interesting designed driver and passenger side scheme that allows to clear between the top manage arm and the strut. It will help to easily overcome mountain surfaces and marsh lands. The easiest thing you can do is buy this kit and install it.

You can install it yourself in your own garage, using the usual tools (2 - 2,5 hours).

This kit also annexes an assortment of rear blocks which can lift your car by 2 inches and Rough Country's Premium N3 Shock Absorbers. Uses respect for newbies and lovers as they are sold at a decent price and are standard in the set. You also do not have to call an expert to install the leveling kit. Plus you will save money.

Key features:

  • Includes aluminum spacers
  • Front and rear at the same level
  • Has Premium N3 Shock Absorbers

Specification:

  • Brand: Rough Country
  • Model: Leveling Lift Kit with Shocks
  • Weight: 26.7 pounds

Product score:

  • ease of installation(9/10)
  • durability (7/10)
  • offroad comfort (8/10)
  • lift level (7/10)

MY RATAING: 7.75

Pros
  • Fast and without complications of installation
  • Raised ground clearance
  • Great longevity
Cons
  • Not for use on F-150 Raptors

Rancho Suspension QuickLIFT (Struts & Rear RS9000XL Shocks)

Our rating:
5.0

One of the most popular and high quality leveling kit. Rancho quickLIFT improves aggregate level and lifts old model trucks and SUVs, showing an aggressive position.You can use large wheels and tires.

It has a good longevity. You can replace it after 55-65 thousand miles

Vincent Rhodes from TX, F150 2014, says:

with a strut like this you're not gonna get the same performance that you get from a factory strut in the sense that these aren't gonna be quite as soft. I`ve noticed that it's a little bit stiffer on the road and felt the bumps a little more, but what you're gaining is obviously the two and a half inches of lift on the front to level it out and the adjustability for off-road trips.

The Rancho RS9000xl is a good choice for small trucks and SUVs from the last century. It's sturdy and safe, also it is great for driving on the road or off the road. Adjustable Shocks can give 9 prime levels of productivity to stock or elevated off-road cars and SUVs. Also, the RS9000XL batch shocks come placed in an extra-large shock cab, it is permitted for cooler and more hard work, good use for towing and hauling even in the worst weather conditions.

Key features:

  • Improves aggregate level and lifts
  • 9 prime levels of productivity

Specification:

  • Brand: Rancho
  • Model: Quicklift Leveling Strut + Rear Rs9000xl Shock
  • Weight: 50 pounds

Product score:

  • ease of installation(9/10)
  • durability (10/10)
  • offroad comfort (10/10)
  • lift level (9/10)

MY RATAING: 9.5

Pros
  • You can use large wheels and tires
  • Has a good longevity
  • Good drive even in the worst weather condition
Cons
  • Price

SDT 4WD 4X4 Full Lift Leveling Kit

Our rating:
4.0

If you are tired of frequent breakage or replacement of the leveling kit, then we have an interesting offer for you. SDT is one of the most well-known and popular companies in the field of mechanical engineering. It is well suited for harsh professionals and hardcore enthusiasts, who spend almost all the time on the road. So if you are a person who does not have much experience on the road, I suggest you choose another leveling kit.

Sometimes you will not find the instruction in the kit, because people who choose this kit know again what to do. Also this kit has a good price. The manufacturer guarantees durability and long quality.

Key features:

  • front lift 3 - inch
  • rear lift 1,5 - inch

Product score:

  • ease of installation(8/10)
  • durability (8/10)
  • offroad comfort (7/10)
  • lift level (8/10)

MY RATAING: 7.75

Pros
  • Durable product
  • High quality
  • Nice price
  • Good for off road
Cons
  • For professional drivers

DNA Motoring

Our rating:
3.0

Novelty on the market of leveling kits.

One of the minuses is that you will need to contact an expert because the kit does not include the installation instructions.

A knowledgeable person knows what to do. Composed of high quality aluminum. According to the standards has 2 front and 2 rear lifts. An unbalanced vehicle that yields to any end not only makes the vehicle look less attractive, but also influences the ride, suspension, and tire wear down. So this special leveling kits help you to balance the weight of your ride and build right alignment.

Employees of the company often carry out tests on the power and reliability of the product. And they are happy with good results, but often the company feels bad reviews from customers.

Key features:

  • has 2 front and 2 rear lift
  • composed of high quality aluminum

Specefication:

  • Brand: DNA MOTORING
  • Weight: 19 pounds

Product score:

  • ease of installation(5/10)
  • durability (8/10)
  • offroad comfort (7/10)
  • lift level (8/10)

MY RATAING: 7

Pros
  • Balance the weight of your ride
  • Build right alignment
  • Employees often carry out tests
Cons
  • Kit does not include the installation instructions
  • Often the company feels bad reviews from customers

Best leveling & lift kits for Ford F-150 Buying Guide & FAQ

Most people have no idea what leveling kit is. But now, if you've looked at the front of your truck, you may have noticed that the front sits are a lot lower than they do for the rear. Ford does this from the factory to help maintain better stability of the vehicle and all driving situations.

A lot of people find this unsightly and that is what the leveling kit is for. So basically what it consists of in most situations is a polyurethane spacer that you're going to put in between the front coil spring in the cold spring bucket. It's going to raise the front of the truck up level with the rear. So you're going to be able to put a lot larger tire under the truck and it just makes the overall appearance of the vehicle much more appealing.

So leveling kits come in a variety of sizes. Basically they start at three quarters of an inch and you'll generally see them go all the way up to two and a half inches depending on your application. Now leveling kits don't just strictly single out the front. There's also a kit that will level the front and the rear with spacers of different sizes and as well as there are some suspension lifts that are designed to level the vehicle as well.

Basically that leveling kit is going to give you that small bump and lift height to put on a little bit larger tire size. If you're not looking to make huge modifications to your vehicle or let's say, you do have a very tall lifted Ford and you need that little extra bit of lift, you can stick a leveling kit in there to go from let's say you run in 37th and you just need that extra lift for 40s you might want to look at a leveling kit to get the job done okay.

Does the price really match the kit?

The prices for leveling kits can vary greatly. Generally speaking, the kits are much cheaper if to compare with lift kits say. On the average the money you will have to spend can be between 200-500$, whereas for lift kits you have to expect to pay between 200-1200$. However, the price depends on many factors. Firstly, the type of a kit makes difference. Secondly, you should take into account what other parts come with the kit (spacers, shock-extensions, etc). If you buy a full kit, be ready to pay extra. In addition, installation of a kit may require extra expenses. Thus, if you have to use a garage service, you can add to a price 300-500$. But bear in mind, decent quality needs good investment.

How often to change the product?

Leveling kits are famous for their durability. However, it also depends on the materials they are made of. There are three main types: aluminium, steel, and molded polyurethane. All of them serve really well. But polyurethane is more heat, oil, and ultraviolet light-resistant. Most kits of high quality use this material for their leveling parts. As a result, they can serve you for years.

How to install?

When it comes to choosing a levelling kit, everyone may ask themselves a question how easy it is to install it on their trucks. Leveling kits have the biggest advantage over any other lift kits: they are really easy to install. What you need is some hand tools, some garage or any other space that can be used for this purpose, some spare time and a good video with instructions.

In fact you don’t have to replace a lot of parts to install the kit. What you need is dismantle some components of the suspension you have. Although if your truck has to have coil springs detached, you will need a professional help with kit installation.

How long does it take to install?

Taking into consideration the simplicity of levelling kit installation (see the answer above), it doesn’t take long. If you have all tools needed at hand, it may take a few hours of your time. Another thing that matters is how experienced in car servicing you are. If you are familiar with fundamentals, it may take about an hour for one side of your truck. If you have any doubts as for your capacities or experience, go ahead and use the help of a professional. However, you may need more time to wait for your vehicle to be serviced.

Should I change something else, in addition to lifting/leveling?

Yep. The headlights. Think about it. If the truck normally covers the road with light, what will it be, if you leveling or lift the clearance? The answer is headlights gonna be pointing in people's eyes. Shocking, isn't?

So, you do have the ability to adjust the headlights to get them back down a little bit further. Its real simple to do. You, basically, just park your truck in front of a wall at night and you can adjust them.

Special attention should be paid to the way how driveshaft is working. The thing is that the driveshafts have their own limit angle of inclination at which they can work. So, keep in mind that, the larger the angle of inclination - the faster your driveshaft wear capacity goes off.

Best leveling & lift kits for Ford F-150 FAQ

Leveling kits are really popular with drivers. They help make the ride more comfortable and protect the vehicles at the same time. However, leveling kits are more typical features of pickups. The reason is that they come from the factory with a rake. In order to balance the truck, leveling kits are commonly installed. Despite the fact that leveling kits are rarely marketed for such vehicles as SUVs and jeeps, the drivers do install them. As any other truck, they have a tendency to wear out their suspension due to a load or sagging can start with the time. For these reasons, the owners use leveling kits to lift the front level of the vehicle.

Q: Which tools are required to install a leveling kit?

Commonly leveling kits are easy to install. It definitely depends on what kit you buy, but in general the process won’t be too complicated and you will have to replace a few parts in your vehicle. However, it’s a mechanical process and it needs good preparation and a wide range of tools available in your garage. So before you get started, make sure you have the following:

  • Floor jack and jack stands rated for the correct weight
  • Wrenches (18 mm, 15 mm, 17 mm, 21mm) S
  • Screw driver
  • Pliers
  • Hammer
  • Extra nuts, bolts and screws in case you misplace yours
  • Ratchet
  • PB Blaster
  • 15mm Socket.
  • 7/32 Allen Wrench.

Conclusion

To sum up, we do hope the information selected in this article will help you make the right choice, make your vehicle parts more durable, help you face road challenges bravely and save your money.

To choose a proper kit for your particular car is not an easy task. It may require a profound research and can be time-consuming as well as costly at times. This is the reason why you need to make a priorities list first. Think carefully what you expect from your leveling kit. Take all the criteria in consideration before making your final decision.

Keep in your mind that some kits despite their durability, good price and high quality, may not fit your truck anyway. Some leveling kits are designed for professional drivers only, so if you are lack of experience better have a look at another one. Some of them are really hard to be installed or may not include any installation guide, so you will have to have it installed in the car service , which means extra expenses. In addition, some kits have all features you can dream about and seem perfectly fit, if not only one drawback: they don’t lift your truck at a needed level.

Thus, if you are thinking of purchasing a really good leveling kit for your vehicle and never regret buying it, be ready to shell out. We highly recommend Rough Country - 510.20-2.5-inch Suspension Leveling Lift System, MotoFab Lifts F150-2 – 2 and Rancho Suspension QuickLIFT Loaded Strut and Shock Kit. They have all characteristics a driver may think of, and the price is an only disadvantage of them. However, when you see them at work, you will have no doubts that you’ve made the right choice. They are really worth it!

Bear in mind all recommendations listed above and you will definitely have the best kit ever!

Resources:

  1. Lift kits vs Leveling kits, realtruck
  2. Installing a Leveling Kit on an F150, instructables