If leveling is so great, why doesn't Ford do it?

[Snakedoctor]

Ford spends millions designing and testing their trucks for the best performance, efficiency, and reliability. If having a level stance aided in these area’s they would obviously build them that way. Leveling a truck adversely affects it in the aforementioned areas. Oh, and some people think it looks good. Thanks for your thoughts.

For the same reason they cut costs with having the cheapest crappiest stock tire because that’s the only tire they can meet their numbers with.

Glare free lighting is great but Ford doesn’t do that from factory. Hell even having a full view of the back up camera is something that takes Forscan to see in gears other than reverse.

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[Larrymoe]

Then just because that’s your opinion that doesn’t mean it’s right.

I could care less where the tailgate hits me. It’s truck for work. It’s not a station wagon with a tailgate a foot above the ground. It’s a truck that’s what trucks have if it’s too high for you to get a damn stepstool.

Well, if you're shoveling a load of rock into the bed, the height of the tailgate is pretty god damn important.

If you don't care about tailgate height that tells me you don't actually put anything of any actual heft into or take anything out.

 

[Larrymoe]

The bottom one. It's a truck and looks like one.

Old trucks, which were far more "trucky" than these did not have factory engineered rakes.

 

[tomcaudell]

I agree they were “more trucky” I personally like the greater payload , horsepower, and towing capabilities not to mention fuel economy. I’ll gladly level my truck and loose a bit of fuel economy for the other benefits.

 

[Antimatter22]

I think all trucks should come factory with a Carolina Squat. That would help Larry's high tailgate issue as well.

 

[Larrymoe]

I think all trucks should come factory with a Carolina Squat. That would help Larry's high tailgate issue as well.

Now, that squat stuff is stupid.

 

[Ricksc]

Well, if you're shoveling a load of rock into the bed, the height of the tailgate is pretty god damn important.

If you don't care about tailgate height that tells me you don't actually put anything of any actual heft into or take anything out.

Usually a load of that size is loaded with tractor. Unloading tailgate height makes no difference. Stand in bed and shovel out. If you’re shoveling out from outside the bed that’s your problem. Hauled several loads of rock, gravel and mulch.

 

[Gros Ventre]

Ford builds the truck to carry a rated load. It'll be level at that load. A leveled truck will be sagging at rated load.

 

[Larrymoe]

Usually a load of that size is loaded with tractor. Unloading tailgate height makes no difference. Stand in bed and shovel out. If you’re shoveling out from outside the bed that’s your problem. Hauled several loads of rock, gravel and mulch.

I start unloading from the ground to give me a place to stand in the bed.

I can assure you the three loads of road pack I put in my truck were entirely loaded and unloaded by hand by me and my son.

 

[Larrymoe]

Ford builds the truck to carry a rated load. It'll be level at that load. A leveled truck will be sagging at rated load.

And that will matter for 4% of my truck's life.

 

[Gros Ventre]

And that will matter for 4% of my truck's life.

A choice to be made... no sweat!

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

. In my opinion the amount of rake the 122" wheelbase trucks come with make them look ridiculous.

Yes!! The RCSB really accentuates the rake, forcing that front bumper even lower.

I leveled my 13th gen RCSB, and as I was waiting for my 2024 RCSB to arrive, I was on the interstate and got a good look at a 2024 RCSB going the opposite direction.
When I got home, I ordered coilovers and had them ready for when it arrived.
Hears an example.
Which one do you prefer?

Neither, they look like monster trucks with those tiny transport wheels

 

[TopOMichXL]

Neither, they look like monster trucks with those tiny transport wheels

Nice.,What does that mean, exactly?

 

[Old Hat]

Thanks all, Gen 14 forum does not disappoint!

Follow up question: Considering the downsides, why is leveling so popular on this forum? Is it really mostly for looks?

 

[JumboJVT]

Thanks all, Gen 14 forum does not disappoint!

Follow up question: Considering the downsides, why is leveling so popular on this forum? Is it really mostly for looks?

Yep, looks. So they can add big tires. I suspect many, many owners are simply in denial about their actual use of the vehicle. I chuckle when I see a jacked, big-tired pickup on the road, knowing full well 95% of the miles will be on roads suitable to a Honda Fit. Glad they're keeping their money in circulation though.

I've got a new one ordered and have been considering a baby front level, exclusively for additional clearance for the AAD in snow and mud, things of concern here 6 months a year, and necessary to get through to get out in the AM and back in the PM. 1.5" doesn't sound like much, but makes a huge difference. But more and more, I'm considering removing the dam right out of the box and removing the rear blocks: the tailgate is too damned high. I'm 6'2" and have owned and and been actually using a pickup for truck things since I was 15. So I feel qualified to say the tailgate is too high.

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