Ford sets the rear of the F-150 higher than the front so the truck stays level with weight in the bed. If yours spends most of its life on the 405 with nothing in the back, that nose-down look isn't doing anything for you. A leveling kit fixes the stance and gives you room for a bigger tire.
The XL, XLT, Lariat, and King Ranch all use coil-over struts in front and leaf springs in back, which makes them easy to level. A strut spacer is the cheapest way and keeps your factory struts, which is fine on a low-mileage truck. A shock-based kit costs more but puts new struts on at the same time, and on a high-mileage truck that's money well spent.
Some trims need extra care. The Raptor runs long-travel Fox suspension and usually isn't leveled. The Tremor already sits higher and comes with 33-inch tires. The Lightning is electric and heavier, so its kits are different. If your truck has electronically controlled dampers, the kit has to be made for them.
What tire fits a leveled F-150
These are common sizes on a 2015-and-newer F-150 with a 2-inch level. Wheel offset and the tire's real width decide the final fit, so we check before ordering.
| Wheel | Common size | About | Fit with a 2-inch level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 in. | 285/70R17 | 32.7 in. | Usually fits |
| 18 in. | 275/70R18 | 33.2 in. | Usually fits |
| 20 in. | 275/60R20 | 33.0 in. | Usually fits |
| 20 in. | 275/65R20 | 34.1 in. | Depends on wheel offset, may rub at full lock |
Not sure which tread to run? Our truck tire upgrade guide compares all-terrain, mud-terrain, and highway tires. The BFGoodrich KO3 vs. Toyo AT3 comparison covers the two all-terrains F-150 owners ask us about most.
Leveling and towing
A leveling kit doesn't change your F-150's tow or payload rating. What it changes is how the truck sits once there's weight on the hitch. With the rake gone, a heavy trailer pushes the rear down and the nose up. Your headlights point higher and the front tires carry less weight, and you'll feel that in the steering. If you pull a boat out to Lake Havasu a couple of times a year, a weight-distributing hitch takes care of most of it. If you tow every weekend, a small lift at both ends is the better fit. Leveling kit vs. lift kit goes into that tradeoff.
After the install, the truck needs an alignment, because front camber and toe change with the height. Get the headlights re-aimed. On a 4x4, check the front CV boots at each oil change. And a taller tire makes the speedometer read slow, which many trucks can be recalibrated for.
Call us at 562-422-4449 to schedule. If the parts are in stock, a leveling kit is usually done within a day. You can also stop by Cherry Ave or Paramount Blvd. The alignment is done on the rack at Cherry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size leveling kit is best for an F-150?
A 2-inch front leveling kit is the most common choice for 2015-and-newer F-150s. It takes out most of the factory rake and makes room for a 33-inch tire. Kits up to about 2.5 inches are available, but taller kits put more strain on the front CV axles.
What size tires fit an F-150 with a 2-inch leveling kit?
Most leveled F-150s clear a 33-inch tire on wheels with close to factory offset, such as a 285/70R17, 275/70R18, or 275/60R20. Larger tires can fit with the right wheel offset and sometimes minor trimming. We check your exact tire and wheel combination before ordering.
Does a leveling kit affect F-150 towing?
A leveling kit doesn't change your truck's towing or payload rating. It changes how the truck sits under load. A leveled truck sits nose-high with a heavy trailer, which raises the headlights and takes weight off the front tires. If you tow often, a weight-distributing hitch or a small lift at both ends helps.
Can I level an F-150 Raptor or Tremor?
The Raptor runs long-travel Fox suspension, and most owners don't level it. The Tremor already sits higher than a standard F-150 and comes with 33-inch tires. Both can be modified, but only with kits made for that trim. Tell us the trim before you buy.
Do I need an alignment after leveling my F-150?
Yes. Leveling changes front camber and toe. Truck alignments at Ochoa's start at $125, and lifted and extra-large trucks start at $145. Alignments are done on the rack at our Cherry Ave shop.
Have this problem right now? Our Cherry Ave shop is open 7 days a week and Paramount is open Monday through Saturday. No appointment needed for most services.