F-150 Leveling Kit Guide: Spacers, Leveling Struts and Coilovers
By Shane Allen · · 7 min read
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An F-150 leveling kit raises the front of the truck, usually 2 to 3 inches, so it sits flat instead of nose-down. It costs far less than a lift kit, keeps the rear suspension stock and usually makes room for one size bigger tire.
Most F-150 leveling parts on our store cost $155 to $780. Strut spacers and leveling struts run $155 to $205, Bilstein 5100 adjustable front shocks are $176 to $246 each, and complete Belltech leveling coilover kits are $778.80. Shop F-150 lift and leveling kits or all leveling kits.
This guide covers the four ways to level an F-150, which parts fit your generation, tire sizes, install time and what else to budget for.
Why the F-150 sits nose-down
Ford builds the F-150 with the rear higher than the front. When you load the bed or hitch a trailer, the rear squats and the truck ends up close to level. Empty, it looks nose-low. A leveling kit raises only the front to match the rear. Because the rear springs are untouched, the truck keeps its rear ride and payload behavior.
The four ways to level an F-150
Strut spacers
A spacer bolts on top of the factory front strut and pushes it down, which raises the front. It is the cheapest option and keeps your factory strut and spring. Belltech lists a 2.5 inch front strut spacer for 2004-2018 F-150s at $189 and 2 to 3 inch spacers for 2021+ 4WD trucks at $171. The trade-off is that the factory strut now runs lower in its travel, so the front can top out sooner over big dips.
Leveling struts
A leveling strut replaces the factory strut with a complete unit built for the taller height. The Belltech Trail Performance leveling strut for 2021+ F-150 is listed for 0 to 2 inches at $155.40. For 2015-2020 trucks, Belltech's 3 to 3.5 inch Trail Performance lifting strut is the same price and is often paired with rear blocks.
Ride-height adjustable shocks
Bilstein's 5100 ride-height adjustable front shocks have several snap-ring grooves for the spring seat. You reuse your factory spring and pick the height. Bilstein says they level and lift 0 to 2.75 inches depending on the truck. On our store they cost $176 each for 2014 and 2015-2020 trucks and $245.85 each for 2004-2013 trucks. You also get a better damper than the factory part.
Leveling coilovers
A leveling coilover replaces the whole front strut and spring with an adjustable assembly. Belltech's kits come with the springs and bump stops already on the coilover. Belltech lists the 0 to 2 inch kit for 2015-2020 trucks, the 2021+ 4WD kit and a 3 inch kit for 2021+ 2WD, all at $778.80. These ride the best of the four because the damper and spring are matched to the new height.
F-150 leveling options compared
| Type | Typical front lift | Price on our store | Ride | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strut spacer | 2 to 3 in | $171 to $205 | Close to stock, can top out sooner | Lowest cost, look and tire clearance |
| Leveling strut | 0 to 2 in | $155.40 each | Matched to height | Worn factory struts that need replacing anyway |
| Bilstein 5100 adjustable | 0 to about 2 in, by truck | $176 to $246 each | Firmer, better controlled | Leveling plus a damping upgrade |
| Leveling coilover kit | 0 to 3 in or more, adjustable | $778.80 per kit | Best of the four | Owners who want a set-and-forget front end |
Which generation do you have?
Kits are listed by year range and often by 2WD or 4WD. Match both before you order.
| Years | Generation | Leveling parts we carry |
|---|---|---|
| 2004-2008 | 11th | Belltech 2.5 in spacer, Bilstein 5100 adjustable front |
| 2009-2014 | 12th | Belltech 2.5 in spacer, Bilstein 5100 adjustable front (2009-2013 and 2014 listings) |
| 2015-2020 | 13th, aluminum body | Belltech 2.5 in spacer, Belltech 0-2 in leveling coilovers, Bilstein 5100 adjustable front |
| 2021 and up | 14th | Belltech 2-3 in spacers (4WD), leveling strut, leveling coilovers for 2WD and 4WD |
The Raptor uses its own suspension and needs its own parts, such as Belltech's 2 inch leveling spacer for the 2010-2014 Raptor at $205. If you have a Tremor or another off-road package, buy only parts that name it in the listing.
What size tires fit a leveled F-150?
Leveling makes room for about one tire size bigger. AmericanTrucks lists 33 to 35 inch tires as the typical range after a leveling kit, but the real limit depends on your wheel width and offset, the generation and how much you are willing to trim. A wheel with more negative offset pushes the tire out toward the fender, which changes where it rubs.
Before you buy, check overall diameter and speedometer change with the tire size calculator and see how a new wheel sits with the wheel offset calculator. The ride height and wheel fitment calculator puts both together.
Install time and difficulty
Spacers and leveling struts are a few hours of work for someone comfortable removing front struts. AmericanTrucks lists 1 to 2 hours as typical for a leveling kit. Some spacer kits need the strut taken apart, which means a spring compressor. Pre-assembled leveling struts and coilovers avoid that step. On 4WD trucks you also work around the CV axles. If you are not set up to support the truck safely and handle loaded springs, have a shop do it.
What else to budget for
- Alignment. Raising the front changes camber and toe. Plan on an alignment after any leveling kit.
- Upper control arms. Near the top of a kit's range, some trucks run out of camber adjustment. Aftermarket upper arms fix that.
- Headlight aim. The beams point higher after leveling. Re-aim them so you do not blind oncoming drivers.
- Rear support for towing. A leveled F-150 sits nose-high with a heavy trailer. Helper bags like the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 for 2021+ F-150 at $502.99 bring it back. See all F-150 towing air bags.
- Rear shocks. If you also add rear blocks, match the rear shocks to the new height.
Leveling kit or lift kit?
A leveling kit only raises the front. A lift kit raises both ends, usually 3 inches or more, with new parts front and rear. Complete F-150 lift kits on our store run $2,718 to $4,588, covering Belltech 6 to 7 inch systems and the Camburg Performance Lift Kit with Fox 2.0 coilovers at $2,738.80. Read leveling kit vs lift kit if you are deciding between them.
Common mistakes
- Wrong drivetrain. Several 2021+ parts are 4WD only or 2WD only. Belltech's 15107 coilover kit, for example, is listed for 4WD trucks.
- Stacking spacers for more height. More spacer means less droop travel and a harsher front end.
- Buying tires first. Check wheel offset and clearance before you buy tires, not after.
- Skipping the alignment. Toe moves with height and will wear the front tires quickly.
Our picks
- Belltech 2.5 inch front strut spacer, 2004-2018 F-150, $189. The simple, low-cost level for older trucks.
- Belltech 2 to 3 inch strut spacers, 2021+ F-150 4WD, $171. The cheapest level for current 4WD trucks.
- Bilstein 5100 ride-height adjustable front shock, 2015-2020 F-150, $176 each. For owners who want to level and upgrade damping.
- Belltech 0 to 2 inch leveling coilover kit, 2015-2020 F-150, $778.80. The best ride of the bolt-in options.
- Belltech front leveling coilover kit, 2021+ F-150 4WD, $778.80. Adjustable height for current trucks.
FAQ
How much does it cost to level an F-150?
On our store, parts start at $155.40 for a leveling strut and $171 for strut spacers, and leveling coilover kits are $778.80. Add installation if you use a shop, plus an alignment.
How much lift does an F-150 leveling kit give?
Most kits add 2 to 3 inches at the front. Adjustable shocks and coilovers let you pick a height within their range.
Does a leveling kit hurt ride quality?
Spacers keep the factory strut, so the ride stays close to stock, but the front can top out sooner. Leveling struts, Bilstein 5100s and coilovers are valved for the new height.
Can I tow with a leveled F-150?
Yes. It will sit nose-high with a heavy trailer, so rear helper air bags are worth adding if you tow often.
Do I need an alignment after leveling my F-150?
Yes. Raising the front changes camber and toe, so have it aligned after the install.
Sources
Shop the parts in this guide
Written by Shane Allen
Shane runs Lower HQ. He builds suspension and telemetry hardware and comes from a motorsport background that spans Formula Drift, sim racing and vehicle dynamics. These guides are written for people setting up their own cars and trucks, using the fitment and prices listed in our catalog.
Specs, fitment and prices come from each brand and can change. Check the product listing before you order, or ask us to confirm fitment.
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