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Level but keep smooth ride

higgledy

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Is it possible to level my truck but keep it’s smooth ride and original handling?
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24RMG

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I did the 2” Readylift level kit and can tell no difference in ride.
 

Riddick

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All spacer lifts will ride very similar to OEM, there are tons of companies who offer these and they are cheap.
 

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I have to disagree with the people who say that a puck leveling kit will maintain any factory ride quality. In my experience all pucks made the ride much more "bouncy" feeling and exaggerates the body roll when cornering.

The best ride I've gotten out a leveling kit has been Bilstein 5100's front and rear. The ride was definitely firmer than factory but felt very planted, completely took away the body roll and the feeling of the rear of the truck dancing around on the small chatter bumps.

There are many strut replacement kits out there. Some may be softer than the Bilstein's but that is what I have experience with.

I started with 2" spacer on my 12th gen, ended up going with the 5100's front and rear. Thinking that the 14th gen had to be better when I got it I started with the 1.5" Motofab puck. I can't stand the way it rides compared to my 12th gen. I ordered the 5100's on Friday and will switch to them when they show up.
 

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Spacers gave me 2" lift without impact on handling. Also have a powerboost which has stiffer springs and more mass to begin with.
 

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Mc1502

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Are you guys installing your level kits yourself? I’m having trouble finding a shop that will install mine. Never thought it would be so hard to give someone $
 

NotMyName

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I have to disagree with the people who say that a puck leveling kit will maintain any factory ride quality. In my experience all pucks made the ride much more "bouncy" feeling and exaggerates the body roll when cornering.

The best ride I've gotten out a leveling kit has been Bilstein 5100's front and rear. The ride was definitely firmer than factory but felt very planted, completely took away the body roll and the feeling of the rear of the truck dancing around on the small chatter bumps.

There are many strut replacement kits out there. Some may be softer than the Bilstein's but that is what I have experience with.

I started with 2" spacer on my 12th gen, ended up going with the 5100's front and rear. Thinking that the 14th gen had to be better when I got it I started with the 1.5" Motofab puck. I can't stand the way it rides compared to my 12th gen. I ordered the 5100's on Friday and will switch to them when they show up.
I believe pucks for the 14 gen are placed on top of the strut tower and previous gen’s were placed on top inside the strut tower. When placed inside the shock is compressed by the thickness of the puck. That means less movement and always under more load. When placed on top of the strut tower in Gen 14, you still have all the factory movement. At least this is the way I understand it but could be very wrong.
 

HammaMan

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Are you guys installing your level kits yourself? I’m having trouble finding a shop that will install mine. Never thought it would be so hard to give someone $
Yes, unbolt strut from inside the engine compartment and the lower control arm from the truck. Sharpie around the LCA's nut/bolt locations and put it back into the same spot. That will hold you over until alignment. Mine was only off by a hair when I got it aligned.

The pucks bolt holes are 180 degrees out of phase so it's easiest to just swap the left/right struts during install so you don't have to spin them around.
 

JRonchetto

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I have owned 3 F150s and put 2 1/2" pucks in all 3 with no impact to ride or handling. 2009 (12th gen), 2016 (13th gen), and 2021 (14th gen). You can see the result on my current 2021 in my thumbnail picture. I have put over 100,000 miles on the first 2 with no suspension or steering repairs and no uneven tire wear etc. I only have 38,000 on the 2021.
 

ChemGuy

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I believe pucks for the 14 gen are placed on top of the strut tower and previous gen’s were placed on top inside the strut tower. When placed inside the shock is compressed by the thickness of the puck. That means less movement and always under more load. When placed on top of the strut tower in Gen 14, you still have all the factory movement. At least this is the way I understand it but could be very wrong.

They mount inside the strut tower. If it were on top of the strut tower you would not gain any height.

Ford F-150 Level but keep smooth ride level
 

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Graygoose2021

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I think he meant on top of the strut.


I did the Readylift 2", wasn't enough for me, ended up Eibach kit, front and rear.
 

z-man

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SpaceWhiteF150

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Better than Bilstein's?
From an ease of install and adjustability definitely. The bilstiens will be more firm due to there valving compared to the eibachs. The eibachs provide more comfort on the road, which is where most of our trucks are mainly used!
 

z-man

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From an ease of install and adjustability definitely. The bilstiens will be more firm due to there valving compared to the eibachs. The eibachs provide more comfort on the road, which is where most of our trucks are mainly used!
Ya, I want to stop the bouncing. We just came back from a 700 some mile (one way) to Yellowstone pulling our 19ft camper. I currently have the stock setup on a Stage 3 Motorsports 2.3" leveling kit. I have the long bed too which probably makes it worse.
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