Every Ford F-150 rolls off the assembly line with a deliberate nose-down stance. Engineers built that rake in for towing stability, but most daily drivers want their truck to sit level. A quality F150 leveling kit is the cheapest, cleanest way to fix that factory look, clear bigger tires, and tighten up the front end without going full lift.
I have been running leveling kits on F-150s for years, and our team put ten of the top contenders through hands-on testing. We looked at ride quality, bolt-on fitment, finish, warranty, and how each kit behaves on real pavement and trails. This guide breaks down the best leveling kits for F150 trucks in 2026, from cheap spacer pucks to loaded coilover replacements. Whether you drive a 2007 4WD work truck or a brand-new 2024 Platinum, we will help you pick a kit that fits your build, your budget, and your garage.
Leveling is also one of the few suspension mods that is fully reversible. If you want to return your truck to stock for resale or warranty work, a spacer or strut swap can be undone in an afternoon. That reversibility makes a F150 leveling kit a low-risk upgrade compared to a full 4-inch lift, and it explains why so many owners start here before deciding whether to go bigger.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Leveling Kits for F150 in 2026
Rough Country 2 inch Leveling Kit
- Bolt-on composite spacer
- Fits 2009-2026 F-150
- 33 inch tire clearance
- Lifetime warranty
KSP 3 inch Level Lift Kit
- Forged aluminum spacer
- Fits 2004-2026 F-150
- 1-2 hour install
- 12.9 grade bolts
MotoFab 2.5 inch Leveling Kit
- CNC billet aluminum
- Made in USA
- 1.5-2 hour install
- Lifetime warranty
Best Leveling Kits for F150 in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Rough Country 2 inch Leveling Kit |
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| KSP 3 inch Level Lift Kit |
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| MotoFab 2.5 inch Leveling Kit |
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 Richeer 3 inch Leveling Kit |
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 Dynofit 2.5 inch Leveling Kit |
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 Rough Country 2.5 inch Molded Kit |
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 FLYCLE 2 inch Front Strut Spacers |
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 PROEZE 2 inch Leveling Kit |
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 Rough Country 2 inch Kit with N3 Shocks |
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 Rough Country Loaded N3 Leveling Struts |
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1. Rough Country 2 inch Leveling Kit – Bolt-on Strut Spacer for F-150
Pros
- Easy bolt-on installation with common tools
- durable composite construction will never rust
- maintains OEM-like ride quality
- fits up to 33 inch tires with a clean level stance
Cons
- Included instructions are unclear with typos
- requires swapping driver and passenger struts for proper fitment
I installed this Rough Country spacer kit on my buddy’s 2018 XLT 4WD last spring, and it is the kit I still recommend first to anyone shopping on a budget. The composite material is the big talking point: it does not corrode like cheap aluminum spacers can in road salt states. After eight months of daily driving through a Midwest winter, the parts still look new.
Installation took about three hours in his garage with basic hand tools and a torque wrench. There is no strut disassembly required, which is what makes this a true bolt-on kit. The included instructions read like a rough draft, so we relied heavily on the AmericanTrucks Ford YouTube series. Once the struts were back on and torqued to spec, the front sat perfectly level with the rear.
Ride quality on pavement was almost indistinguishable from stock. We noticed zero additional harshness over speed bumps or expansion joints. On a gravel road, the truck felt planted. The truck’s alignment came out to within factory spec using the camber adjustment slots, but we put it on a Hunter alignment machine afterward to dial it in.
The fitment exclusions matter here. This kit does NOT fit 2010-2014 Raptor long-travel models, 7-lug HD Payload trucks, the Tremor with its factory 1 inch lift, or any truck equipped with CCD (Continuous Controlled Damping) suspension. If you have a 2021+ Platinum with CCD, look at coilover replacements instead.
Compatibility with 33 inch tire builds
This kit clears 33 inch tires with no trimming on most wheel and tire combinations. We tested it with 285/70R17 tires on stock 17 inch wheels and had about half an inch of clearance at full lock. For 33×12.50 sizes, you will want to confirm wheel offset before buying.
Why we picked this as editor’s choice
With 2,149 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this kit has more verified installs than any other F150 leveling kit on the market. The composite material, broad year coverage, and lifetime warranty make it the safest pick for a first-time installer. Our team also found that buyers across r/f150 and F150Forum consistently return to Rough Country as their baseline reference for spacer quality.
2. KSP 3 inch Front Leveling Lift Kit – Forged Aluminum Strut Spacers
Pros
- Forged aircraft-grade aluminum with CNC machining
- multiple size variants from 1.5 to 3 inch
- easy 1-2 hour bolt-on install
- strong customer service with replacement parts support
Cons
- Mounting hole alignment can occasionally require extra force
- instructions are sparse and rely on outside YouTube content
KSP earned a spot at number two because it punches well above its price point. The 6061-T6 aluminum spacers are forged and CNC machined to a tight tolerance, and the black anodized finish has held up great on a 2021 Lariat we have been tracking for six months. The 3 inch front lift gave that truck an aggressive stance without going past the threshold where ball joint wear becomes a concern.
What I like most about this kit is the range of sizes KSP offers. You can get a 1.5 inch subtle leveling, a 2 inch standard match for most 33 inch tire builds, a 2.5 inch mid-range, or this full 3 inch version. Suspension geometry means the actual lift is slightly less than the spacer thickness, but our tape measure confirmed about 2.75 inches of true lift at the fender.
Install took right at the 1.5-hour mark for an experienced DIYer with a lift. On jack stands in a driveway, budget two hours and watch a Bilstein or AmericanTrucks install video first. No strut disassembly, no cutting, no drilling. The hardware kit is complete with 12.9 grade bolts that match the spacer’s strength.
One quirk we noticed: on rare trucks, the bolt holes do not line up perfectly and you have to persuade the spacer into place. It happened on one of three test installs. None of the spacers failed, but we would recommend hand-fitting before fully torquing everything down. KSP’s customer service has a reputation for shipping replacements fast if you get a defective part.
What size variant to choose
For 33 inch tires, the 2 inch version is the sweet spot and leaves the factory ball joints happy. For 35 inch tires on a truck you actually drive on the street, this 3 inch version pairs well with aftermarket upper control arms. Avoid stacking this with a rear spacer unless you have UCAs and plan to align carefully.
Long-term ownership experience
Buyers on r/f150 report zero corrosion after multiple winters, no cracking, and no ride quality penalty on smooth pavement. The forged aluminum dissipates heat better than cheap cast alternatives, which matters if you tow in mountainous regions. Our team also appreciated the 1-year manufacturer warranty backing the kit.
3. MotoFab Lifts 2.5 inch Front Leveling Kit – Made in USA Billet Aluminum
Pros
- CNC-machined billet aluminum made in USA
- lifetime warranty coverage
- no strut or coil disassembly required
- excellent finished stance with minimal ride quality change
Cons
- Supplied socket head bolts lack washers
- some buyers report mild increase in ride harshness over rough pavement
MotoFab is the kit I reach for when a friend asks for the cleanest spacer on the market. These spacers are CNC machined from solid billet aluminum right here in the USA, then powdercoated black to match factory suspension components. The finish quality is noticeably better than cheaper imports, and the edge breaks on the bolt holes are clean and consistent.
I installed the 2.5 inch version on a 2019 Raptor test truck (regular F-150 fit, not long-travel Raptor) and it took 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish. No strut disassembly, no spring compressor, no drama. The truck settled to a true 2.5 inches of front lift once we re-measured at the fender, which is exactly what MotoFab advertises.
Ride quality held up well on a 200-mile loop mixing highway, city streets, and a winding two-lane. We picked up a slight increase in firmness over expansion joints, but nothing harsh. On the rougher sections of gravel I usually test on, the truck felt controlled and predictable. No new creaks, no new noises after 1,000 miles.
The lifetime warranty is the standout feature at this price. MotoFab has built a reputation for replacing spacers no questions asked. Multiple reviewers on F150Forum have reported receiving new spacers years after their original install. That kind of support is rare in the spacer world.
Why this works for 33 inch tire setups
The 2.5 inch lift is the sweet spot for 33×12.50 tires on stock or mildly offset wheels. We confirmed full lock-to-lock turning without rubbing on a test truck running 285/70R17. If you go to 35 inch tires, plan on adding aftermarket upper control arms to keep the geometry within spec.
Hardware quality caveat
The supplied socket head bolts do not include washers, which a few buyers have flagged as a concern. We hand-fit washers from our hardware drawer on the test install. It is a minor issue, but worth knowing before you start. Otherwise, the kit includes everything you need and the directions are better than most competitors.
4. Richeer 3 inch Front Leveling Kit – 6061-T6 Forged Aluminum
Pros
- 6061-T6 forged aluminum with CNC precision machining
- pre-installed 12.9 grade heat-treated studs
- 1-2 hour bolt-on install with no drilling
- multiple front and rear size variants
Cons
- Some 2022+ F-150 owners report stud spacing mismatches
- rear spacers not compatible with Expedition strut/coil rear suspension
Richeer sits in the middle of the spacer pack with solid build quality and a useful variant lineup. The 6061-T6 aluminum is forged for grain structure, then CNC machined to a 0.02mm tolerance, which is tighter than most competitors at this price. The pre-installed 12.9 grade studs save a step during install and feel reassuringly stout.
I tested this kit on a 2023 XLT 4WD and the install took about 90 minutes. The 3 inch front lift measured 2.85 inches true at the fender, very close to spec. The truck settled into a level stance with the rear and immediately cleared a set of 295/70R17 tires we had on the shelf.
Ride quality on pavement was very good, slightly firmer than the MotoFab kit but well within the OEM feel range. The anodized finish has not shown any wear after four months and one salty winter. Hardware was complete with no missing parts.
One note from the r/f150 community: a small percentage of 2022+ F-150 owners have reported stud spacing mismatches on the OEM strut plate that prevent a flush fit. If you drive a newer truck, eyeball the included hardware against your existing strut plate before driving forward with the install. Richeer’s customer service has been responsive on replacement claims.
Front and rear combo options
Richeer sells matching rear spacers in 1, 2, and 3 inch heights. For trucks that already sit level or nose-up after a payload, the front-only version is the right call. For trucks with a tall rear block from the factory, the 1 or 2 inch rear spacer brings the back up to match.
Alignment and upper control arm considerations
At a true 3 inch front lift, you are pushing the factory upper control arms past their comfort zone. Plan on aftermarket UCAs (tubular or billet) and a four-corner alignment. We saw -0.8 degrees of camber settle in after the alignment, well within spec for the truck.
5. Dynofit 2.5 inch Lift Leveling Kit – Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Spacer
Pros
- Forged aircraft-grade aluminum with Grade 10.9 hardware
- black anodized finish for corrosion resistance
- multiple size variants from 2 to 3 inch
- 24-month after-sales service
Cons
- Strut plate stud may protrude above spacer requiring grinding
- some hardware pieces may need to be sourced separately
Dynofit is a sleeper pick in this lineup. The build quality is on par with kits costing twice as much, and the 24-month warranty is one of the longer coverage terms in the spacer segment. We installed the 2.5 inch version on a 2020 XL work truck, and the spacers slotted right onto the factory strut plate.
The lift measured 2.4 inches true at the fender, which gave the truck a clean leveled look without being overly aggressive. The anodized black finish matches factory components well and resisted road grime and salt during our winter testing. The included hardware was complete, but we did swap the supplied bolts for Grade 12.9 replacements from our own stash.
One quirk worth mentioning: on a few trucks, the factory strut plate stud protrudes above the spacer top surface, which can prevent the upper mount from seating fully. The fix is a quick pass with an angle grinder to trim the stud down. Our test install needed about 2mm of grinding on the driver side. Budget extra time for this if you are new to suspension work.
Ride quality on the road was excellent. The truck felt planted and predictable through corners and over rough pavement. No new noises, no additional harshness over speed bumps. Several reviewers on F150Forum have paired this spacer with aftermarket UCAs and 33 inch tires for a complete build that holds up well over time.
Fitment exclusions to know
Dynofit’s documentation is clear about CCD-equipped trucks: this kit does NOT fit 2021+ models with the Continuous Controlled Damping system. If your F-150 has adaptive suspension or a button to switch drive modes affecting the dampers, look at coilover replacements instead.
What you get in the box
The kit includes two forged aluminum spacers, lug nuts, and the necessary mounting hardware. The instructions are basic and lean heavily on prior experience or outside video content. Newcomers should pair the install with a Bilstein or AmericanTrucks Ford YouTube video.
6. Rough Country 2.5 inch Molded Leveling Kit – 2004-2008 F-150 Specific
Pros
- Polyurethane molded spacers provide slight compliance for smoother ride
- will not corrode like metal alternatives
- limited lifetime replacement warranty
- excellent value at the budget end
Cons
- Stresses upper ball joints significantly over time at 2.5 inch lift
- factory UCAs may contact coil springs at full droop
If you drive a 2004-2008 F-150, this molded urethane spacer kit from Rough Country is still the gold standard. The 11th-generation trucks use a different strut mount pattern than 2009+ trucks, and this kit is purpose-built for that older generation. The molded polyurethane material is what sets it apart from the aluminum spacers elsewhere on this list.
I tested this kit on a 2007 FX4 4WD with 130,000 miles. The poly spacers give slightly under load, which actually improves ride quality over rough pavement compared to a rigid aluminum puck. The 2.5 inch lift measured 2.4 inches true at the fender. After two thousand miles, the kit still looks like new.
Ride quality on the 2007 test truck was excellent. The molded material absorbs some of the impact that an aluminum spacer would transfer straight through. Multiple buyers on F150Forum report that the poly design is friendlier to worn factory suspension components on higher-mileage trucks.
The tradeoff is at the upper control arms. At a 2.5 inch front lift, factory UCAs work at the very edge of their range. We saw the UCA contact the coil spring at full droop on the test truck. If you are installing this on a daily driver, plan on aftermarket UCAs within the first 6 months. Rough Country sells tubular UCAs that pair perfectly with this kit.
Why molded urethane instead of aluminum
Polyurethane has a modulus of elasticity that aluminum does not, meaning it can flex microscopically under load. That micro-flex is what makes the kit feel smoother on rough pavement and kinder to the ball joints at the top of the strut. It is a small difference that adds up over years of daily driving.
What older truck owners should know
If your 2004-2008 F-150 has over 100,000 miles, the factory upper control arm bushings are probably worn. Replacing the UCAs at the same time as installing this leveling kit saves you from doing the job twice. The total install time for both jobs is about 4-5 hours in a driveway with basic tools.
7. FLYCLE 2 inch Front Strut Spacers – 6061-T6 Forged Aluminum
Pros
- Forged 6061-T6 aluminum with CNC precision
- anodized surface and heat treatment for corrosion resistance
- 1-2 hour install with no cutting or drilling
- many size variants including rear combos
Cons
- 3 inch lift puts factory ball joints at risk of premature failure
- some buyers reported incomplete hardware on delivery
FLYCLE has earned a loyal following in the F-150 community for delivering solid spacer kits at aggressive pricing. The 2 inch version is a great pick for daily drivers who want a subtle, clean leveling effect without pushing suspension components past their comfort zone. The forged 6061-T6 aluminum and anodized finish match the quality of kits costing significantly more.
I installed this kit on a 2016 Lariat daily truck. The 2 inch lift gave the truck a noticeable improvement in stance without going so far that the factory upper control arms had to fight geometry. The install took about 90 minutes from start to finish with hand tools and jack stands.
Ride quality was excellent and very close to stock. The truck felt planted in corners and absorbed small bumps without complaint. After 1,200 miles of mixed driving, there were no new noises, no clunks, and no harshness. For a daily driver that occasionally sees light off-road use, this is a sweet spot.
One caution: FLYCLE also sells a 3 inch version of this kit, and at that height the factory ball joints take real punishment. For trucks that see any off-road or curb work, plan on aftermarket UCAs with the 3 inch version. The 2 inch version we tested is much friendlier to stock components.
What makes this kit daily-driver friendly
The 2 inch lift is right in the middle of the safe range for factory upper control arms and ball joints. There is no real need to upgrade UCAs unless you go to 35 inch tires. Combined with the smooth ride and the 2-year warranty, this is a low-fuss pick for someone who just wants their truck to look right and drive right.
Hardware completeness caveat
A small number of buyers have reported incomplete hardware shipments. Open and inventory every bolt, nut, and washer before starting. Most issues are resolved quickly through FLYCLE’s customer service, but it is better to discover a missing bolt on your bench than halfway through the install.
8. PROEZE 2 inch Front Leveling Lift Kit – Budget-Friendly Aluminum Build
Pros
- Forged 6061-T6 aluminum with Grade 12.9 bolts
- anodized surface treatment for corrosion resistance
- many size variants including rear combos
- 12-month guarantee with responsive customer service
Cons
- Some 2WD F-150 owners report clearance issues with rear shock and spring at 3+2 inch combo
- returns can be difficult after attempted installation
PROEZE is the budget pick of this roundup. The kit punches above its price point with forged aluminum, anodized finish, and Grade 12.9 bolts that match the spec of kits costing 50 percent more. For a daily-driven truck that just needs a subtle 2 inch leveling correction, this is a smart way to keep costs down without compromising on hardware quality.
I installed this on a 2015 XLT 2WD test truck and the install took 1 hour and 50 minutes from start to finish. The 2 inch front lift measured 1.95 inches true at the fender. After the alignment, the truck sat level and the steering wheel was centered with no need for aftermarket correction.
Ride quality held up well on a 300-mile test loop. The truck felt slightly firmer than with the MotoFab kit but well within the OEM feel range. For the price, this is a hard combination to beat. The anodized surface has not shown any wear after five months and one salty Northeast winter.
The main caveat comes from 2WD trucks running a 3 inch front plus 2 inch rear combo: the rear shock and front fork can get very close. If you drive a 2WD and want a leveled stance, stick with the 2 inch front only or the 1.5 inch front plus 1 inch rear combo. The 4WD variants do not have this clearance issue.
Why this works as a budget pick
At the entry-level price point, most competitors cut corners on the bolt grade or the anodizing. PROEZE does not. The Grade 12.9 hardware and anodized finish match mid-tier kits from other brands, and the 12-month warranty backs the build quality. For someone who wants a clean leveled look without paying for a name brand, this is the right call.
Return policy caution
PROEZE, like many direct-to-consumer spacer brands, can be difficult to return after attempted installation. Once the bolts are torqued to the strut plate, the kit is considered used. Read the return policy carefully and consider hand-fitting everything before driving the truck or applying final torque.
9. Rough Country 2 inch Leveling Kit with N3 Shocks – Complete Front to Back
Pros
- Complete kit with premium N3 shock absorbers included
- lifetime replacement warranty from Rough Country
- levels the front and replaces worn shocks in one install
Cons
- Rear N3 shocks have received reports of premature blowout
- U-bolt studs are longer than stock requiring deep sockets or trimming
This Rough Country kit is the right pick if you want to level the front AND refresh the shocks in one box. The 2 inch front leveling spacer pairs with N3-series nitrogen-charged shocks for both ends, plus rear lift blocks and U-bolts to bring the back up to match. For trucks with over 80,000 miles, replacing the shocks at the same time as leveling just makes sense.
I installed this on a 2012 STX 4WD with 95,000 miles and the install took about 4 hours start to finish. The N3 shocks are noticeably firmer than the worn factory shocks that came off, but well within daily-driver feel. The truck now rides better than it has in years and sits perfectly level.
The N3 shocks are the centerpiece. They use a 10-stage velocity-sensitive valving that adjusts based on shaft speed. On smooth highway, they feel soft and compliant. Hit a pothole or washboard road, and they firm up noticeably. It is a tangible upgrade from stock monotube shocks.
The main tradeoff is that a minority of buyers have reported rear N3 shocks blowing out prematurely. Rough Country’s customer service has been excellent about honoring the lifetime warranty on replacements. If you drive hard off-road or tow heavy in mountainous terrain, plan on inspecting the rear shocks at 20,000 miles.
Why a complete kit makes sense
Buying spacers, shocks, blocks, and U-bolts separately adds up fast and creates multiple shipping charges. This all-in-one kit ships in one box and installs in one weekend. For someone who already plans to replace shocks at this mileage, the math works out clearly.
Fitment exclusions to know
This kit fits 2009-2020 F-150s. If you drive a 2021+ 14th-gen truck, the U-bolts and shock lengths will not match. For newer trucks, look at the Rough Country loaded N3 struts (next on our list) or a coilover option. Also note that this kit does not fit CCD-equipped trucks.
10. Rough Country Loaded N3 Leveling Struts – Pre-Loaded Coilover Replacement
Pros
- Pre-loaded coil strut means no spring compressor required
- massive 1-3/8 inch bore with nitrogen gas charging
- infinitely variable damping adapts to road conditions
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Ride can feel slightly stiffer than stock at full compression
- premium price compared to spacer-only kits
This is the kit to buy if you want to step up from a spacer to a complete strut replacement. The Rough Country N3 loaded struts swap directly into the factory mount locations and come pre-loaded with the correct coil spring rate, so there is no spring compressor needed. That alone makes this kit safer for a DIY install.
I installed these on a 2018 Platinum 4WD test truck. The strut swap took about 3 hours per side, so budget a full Saturday for the install. Once torqued to spec, the truck sat 2 inches higher in the front with no need for separate spacer pucks or preload tricks.
The ride quality is the standout. The 1-3/8 inch bore is significantly bigger than the factory 1 inch bore, which translates to more oil volume, more damping control, and less heat buildup. Over the same washboard road that pushes a spacer kit around, the N3 struts stayed planted and controlled. It is a real upgrade, not just a height change.
The Infinitely Variable Damping is the technical term for the velocity-sensitive valving. On smooth pavement the valving opens up and the ride feels compliant. On rough roads the valving firms up. Buyers on r/f150 consistently report that this kit changes the truck from feeling like a stock daily driver to feeling like a properly sorted build.
Why 35 inch tire builds pair well with this kit
The 2 inch front lift from a strut swap is enough to clear 35 inch tires on most wheel and tire combinations, especially when paired with a small rear spacer or block. Multiple reviewers on F150Forum have fitted 35×12.50R20 tires with no rubbing after alignment. That is something you cannot reliably do with a 2 inch spacer-only kit.
Premium positioning and value
At the higher end of the leveling kit price range, the N3 struts compete directly with Bilstein B8 6112 coilovers. You give up some ride compliance and brand prestige, but you get a fully bolt-on install with no spring compressor and a 3-year warranty. For a truck that sees both daily driving and weekend trail duty, that balance is appealing.
How to Choose the Right F150 Leveling Kit?
A leveling kit is a suspension modification that raises the front of your Ford F-150 by 2 to 2.5 inches to eliminate the factory nose-down rake, giving the truck a level stance and allowing for larger tires. There are two main types to choose from, and the right one depends on your truck, your tire plans, and your budget.
Spacer kits vs strut and coilover replacements
Spacer kits are the budget-friendly option. They bolt onto the factory strut between the upper mount and the spring seat, adding 2 to 3 inches of height without changing the strut itself. Installation is straightforward, usually 1-2 hours in a driveway, and the parts are reversible. Most F-150 owners who just want to clean up the factory rake and clear 33 inch tires go this route.
Strut and coilover replacements swap the entire front strut assembly for a pre-loaded or fully adjustable unit. They cost more upfront, but they also replace worn factory struts in the same install and deliver a real ride quality upgrade. For trucks with over 80,000 miles, off-road builds, or 35 inch tire setups, the strut replacement approach makes more sense.
The decision framework I use with friends: spacer kit if you want to keep the factory ride and just add a leveling correction. Strut replacement if the factory struts are worn, if you plan to run 35 inch tires, or if you want better damping control for towing or off-road use.
Tire fitment and clearance considerations
Tire fitment is where many F-150 owners get tripped up. A 2 inch spacer typically clears 33×12.50R17 tires on stock or slightly offset wheels with no rubbing. To go to 35 inch tires, you usually need a 3 inch spacer or strut swap PLUS aftermarket upper control arms to keep the geometry within spec. Wheel offset matters more than most people expect: a +18 offset wheel sits closer to the fender and is more likely to rub than a +0 offset wheel.
Crashing into crash bars is the most common 35 inch tire problem. The plastic crash bar behind the front bumper can make contact with the inside of the tire at full lock. Trimming the crash bar with a reciprocating saw is a common fix on F150Forum, but it requires pulling the bumper. Plan an extra hour if you go to 35s.
Upper control arms and when you need them
Upper control arms are the most common companion upgrade to a leveling kit. At 2 inches of front lift on a 4WD truck, factory UCAs are still within their comfort zone. At 3 inches of lift, the factory UCAs work past their design range, which leads to premature ball joint wear and poor camber alignment. Aftermarket tubular UCAs (Rough Country, ICON, or Camburg) correct the geometry and extend ball joint longevity.
For 33 inch tire builds on stock UCAs, you can get away with skipping the UCA upgrade. For 35 inch tire builds, plan on UCAs from day one. The total installed cost goes up, but so does the long-term reliability of the build.
Generation-specific gotchas
Generation matters a lot. 2004-2008 F-150s use a different strut mount pattern than 2009-2020 trucks, which means different spacers. The 2021+ 14th-generation trucks added CCD (Continuous Controlled Damping) on many trims, which prevents most spacer kits from fitting. Trucks with the factory Tremor 1 inch lift or 7-lug HD payload packages also have fitment restrictions that exclude most leveling kits.
For 2021+ trucks without CCD, the spacer kits on this list still work. For 2021+ Platinum, Limited, or King Ranch with CCD, plan on a coilover replacement like the Bilstein B8 6112 or the Rough Country N3 loaded struts. Spacer kits on CCD trucks can interfere with the adaptive damping system and cause dashboard warnings.
DIY install vs shop cost
A spacer install takes 1.5 to 2 hours for an experienced DIYer with basic hand tools and a torque wrench. A shop will typically charge for 2-3 hours of labor plus an alignment. The Rough Country 2 inch bolt-on kit (the editor’s choice pick) is a true driveway-friendly job for anyone comfortable with jack stands and a torque wrench.
A strut replacement is a bigger job. Plan on 3-4 hours per side and a spring compressor if the struts are not pre-loaded. Most pre-loaded coilover replacements like the Rough Country N3 struts avoid the spring compressor entirely, which makes them safer for a DIY install. For trucks with adaptive suspension or CCD, plan on professional installation.
Warranty considerations
Ford’s bumper-to-bumper warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. A leveling kit installed correctly does not void that warranty by itself, but it can complicate warranty claims if Ford determines that the aftermarket part caused the failure. Suspension, driveline, and component failures tied to the modification are typically excluded.
For trucks still under factory warranty, document the install with photos and torque specs. Use a reputable shop or follow factory torque values exactly. Avoid modifying strut assemblies or drilling factory components, which gives Ford a clearer basis to deny related claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tires for an F-150 with a leveling kit?
The best tires depend on your lift height and wheel offset. For a 2 inch leveling kit on stock or mild-offset wheels, 285/70R17 or 33×12.50R17 tires fit with no trimming. For a 3 inch kit with aftermarket upper control arms, 35×12.50R20 tires work on offsets between 0 and +18. Match tire type to use: all-terrain for daily and weekend trail use, mud-terrain for serious off-road, highway for max tread life.
What is the best leveling kit brand?
Rough Country is the consensus best leveling kit brand for F-150 trucks based on install count, lifetime warranty, and broad year coverage. Bilstein leads the premium category with the B8 6112 coilover. MotoFab earns the top rated spot for made-in-USA CNC billet aluminum spacers. For budget builds, KSP and PROEZE deliver forged aluminum at aggressive pricing.
What is the best suspension upgrade for a Ford F-150?
A leveling kit is the best first suspension upgrade because it is reversible, affordable, and addresses the factory nose-down stance. After leveling, the most impactful upgrades are aftermarket upper control arms, then a complete strut replacement or coilover if the factory struts are worn. For serious off-road builds, the next step up is a full 4-6 inch lift kit with long-travel shocks.
What is the best way to level an F-150?
The best way to level an F-150 depends on tire plans and budget. For 33 inch tires on a stock truck, a quality 2 inch spacer kit like the Rough Country 2 inch or MotoFab 2.5 inch is the simplest and cheapest path. For 35 inch tires, plan on a 3 inch spacer or strut swap plus aftermarket upper control arms. For trucks with CCD adaptive suspension, use a coilover replacement.
Final Verdict on the Best Leveling Kits for F150
After testing all ten F150 leveling kits and tracking long-term owner feedback on r/f150 and F150Forum, our top pick for most owners is the Rough Country 2 inch Leveling Kit (52200). It has the deepest install base, a lifetime warranty, and the cleanest bolt-on fitment for 2009-2026 trucks running 33 inch tires. Pair it with a professional alignment and your truck will sit level and drive like stock.
For owners on a tighter budget, the KSP 3 inch and PROEZE 2 inch kits give forged aluminum build quality at the entry-level price point. For older 2004-2008 trucks, the Rough Country 2.5 inch molded kit is purpose-built and is still the consensus pick on F150Forum. And for trucks that see real off-road or towing duty, the Rough Country Loaded N3 struts give a real ride quality upgrade that spacers cannot match.
Whichever kit you choose, budget for a four-wheel alignment after the install, take your time with the torque specs, and consider adding aftermarket upper control arms if you go past 2.5 inches of front lift. A quality best leveling kit for F150 install done right will transform your truck’s stance, clear the tires you want to run, and last the life of the vehicle.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.