A Beginner’s Guide to Lifting Your Ford F150

When raising your truck, there are a few different types of lift kits to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Body lift kits, for example, typically provide 1-3 inches of lift, while suspension lift kits can give 2-6 inches or more. When deciding on a lift kit, consider the size of your wheels and tires, as well as the performance and handling characteristics you want to achieve. However, keep in mind that lifting your truck too high can negatively impact its stability and handling.

Raising Your Truck: What is a Lift Kit?

Raising a truck with a lift kit can improve its off-road performance and give it a more aggressive appearance. These kits consist of various components that raise the vehicle’s height. They can help a truck navigate rough terrain and obstacles more easily. Consider cost, compatibility, and required effort before installing a lift kit.

Why Lift a Truck?

There are several reasons to consider when raising your Ford truck:

• Lift kits improve off-road performance by providing extra ground clearance. It can also allow you to fit larger, more aggressive tires for improved traction.
• Enhanced appearance: A lifted truck can make a bold statement and give your F150 a more rugged, aggressive appearance.
• Lift kit can increase F150 load capacity for easier towing, hauling.
• Lift kit increases F150 resale value.

Lifting VS Leveling

Lifting a truck like the F-150 involves increasing the height of the vehicle’s suspension, typically by installing larger, taller tires or by adding spacers or lifts to the existing suspension. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to improve off-road performance, to allow for the installation of larger tires, or to give the truck a more aggressive appearance.

Leveling a truck like the F-150 involves adjusting the height of the front and rear of the vehicle so that it sits level with the ground, rather than being nose-down or nose-up. This is often done to improve the truck’s appearance or to allow for the installation of larger tires.

Lifting a truck increases its overall height more than leveling and is often used for off-road or performance. On the other hand, leveling is more commonly used for aesthetics or to increase tire clearance.

The Good and Bad of Lift Kits

Lift kits can provide many benefits, but they also have some potential drawbacks:

• The good: As mentioned above, lift kits can improve the off-road performance and appearance of your Ford F150. They can also increase the load capacity of your truck, allowing you to haul or tow heavier loads more easily. A well-done lift kit can also increase the resale value of your F150.
• The bad: Lift kits can be expensive, especially if you choose a high-quality kit with premium components. They can also alter the handling and stability of your F150, requiring you to adjust your driving style. In addition, lift kits can void the manufacturer’s warranty if not installed correctly. Finally, lift kits can increase fuel consumption due to the added weight and increased aerodynamic drag.

What Components Make a Lift Kit?

Raise the height of your truck or SUV with a lift kit that includes various components. The specific components included in a lift kit will depend on the type of kit and the manufacturer.

A lift kit for a truck typically includes the following components:

• Springs: Lift kits may include new springs that are designed to raise the height of the vehicle. These may be installed on the front and/or rear of the truck.
• Shocks: Lift kits may include new shock absorbers that are designed to work with the new springs and provide improved handling and stability.
• Control arms: Some lift kits may include new control arms that are used to adjust the suspension geometry of the truck.
• Spacers: Some lift kits, known as body lift kits, may include spacers that are installed between the body and the frame to raise the height of the truck.
• Wheels and tires: Some lift kits may include new wheels and tires that are designed to fit the lifted truck.

What Types of Kits are Available?

There are several types of lift kits available for the Ford F150, including:

• Body lift kits: Body lift kits use spacers to raise the body of the truck, providing additional ground clearance without altering the suspension. These kits are relatively simple to install and are a budget-friendly option, but they do not provide the same level of performance improvements as other types of lift kits.
• Suspension lift kits: Suspension lift kits alter the suspension of the truck, raising it higher off the ground and providing improved performance and handling. These kits typically include new springs, shocks, and control arms and may also include new wheels and tires. Suspension lift kits are more expensive than body lift kits, but they provide a more comprehensive lift and improved off-road capabilities.
• Leveling kits: Leveling kits balance out an uneven stance in a truck, often caused by a heavy load or aftermarket accessories. These kits often include new springs or spacers for the front of the truck, raising it to the same height as the rear. A budget-friendly choice, leveling kits don’t significantly change the truck’s suspension or appearance.

What are the Options for Heights?

Lift kits come in different types, each with its own lift capability based on the kit and the truck’s original suspension height. For instance, body lift kits typically lift a truck 1-3 inches, while suspension lift kits can offer 2-6 inches or more. When deciding on a lift kit, consider the size of your wheels and tires, desired performance and handling, and remember that too much lift can affect stability and handling negatively.

Raising Your Truck: How Much do Lift Kits Cost?

The cost of lift kits for raising your truck will vary based on the type and height of the kit, as well as the brand and quality of the components. Body lift kits can start at around $100, while suspension lift kits can range from $500 to $1,500 or more. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare prices from multiple retailers to find the best deal. Keep in mind that you may also need to purchase new wheels and tires if your current ones do not fit properly after lifting your truck.

Raising Your Truck: Where to Buy Lift Kits?

When it comes to purchasing a lift kit for your Ford F150, you have several options. These include auto parts stores, online retailers, and specialty shops. When choosing a seller, consider their reputation, customer service, and the quality and warranty of the components. Additionally, consider sellers who offer installation services or have experience helping customers select the appropriate lift kit for their vehicle.

It’s important to consider the reputation and customer service of the seller, as well as the quality and warranty of the components. You may want to purchase from a seller that provides installation services or has a strong track record of helping customers choose the right lift kit for their vehicles. If you’re not confident in your mechanical abilities, consider having a professional install the kit for you.

Raising Your Truck: How to Install a Lift Kit?

Here are the basic steps for installing a truck lifting kit:

1. Gather tools and equipment like a jack, jack stands, torque wrench, and sockets and wrenches.
2. Determine the proper lift height and included components by consulting the instructions provided with the kit.
3. Place the wheel chock behind one of the rear wheels to prevent the truck from rolling.
4. Use the jack to lift the front of the truck and place it on jack stands.
5. Remove the front bumper, grille, and any other components that may be in the way of the lift kit installation.
6. Locate the factory body mount bolts and loosen them using a socket or wrench.
7. Install the lift kit spacers between the body and the frame, aligning them with the factory body mount bolts.
8. Tighten the body mount bolts to the proper torque specification using the torque wrench.
9. Repeat the process for the
10. remaining body mount bolts.
11. Install the front bumper, grille, and any other removed components.
12. Lower the truck off the jack stands and remove the wheel chock.
13. Test the lift kit for proper installation and clearance.
14. Replace factory parts with new components during suspension lift kit installation. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use proper tools to avoid damaging the lift kit components or your truck. Consult a mechanic or lift kit manufacturer if unsure about installation.

How to Take Care of an Installed Truck Lifting System

Maintain your lift kit for optimal performance and longevity. Here are some tips for maintaining your lift kit:

• Follow manufacturer recommendations for maintaining and caring for lift kit components.
• Regularly inspect lift kit components for wear or damage. If you notice any issues, have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
• Lubricate components: Some lift kit components may require lubrication to prevent wear and improve performance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for which components to lubricate and how often.
• Adjust suspension components: Adjusting adjustable components, like shock absorbers or control arms, of your lift kit can optimize performance and handling for your driving style and load capacity. Don’t forget to properly set them.

By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your lift kit performing at its best and extend its lifespan.

Raising your Truck – Conclusion

In conclusion, lift kits are a popular and effective way to customize and improve the performance of your Ford F150. By choosing the right type of lift kit and taking good care of it, you can enjoy the benefits of a lifted truck for a long time.