The Ford F-150 is an iconic truck known for its ruggedness and versatility. Whether you use it for work, off-roading adventures, or daily commuting, enhancing its performance and aesthetics is always a good idea. One of the most popular and impactful upgrades you can make is adding a leveling kit to your F-150. Not only does it provide a more aggressive and commanding stance, but it also offers practical benefits like improved ground clearance and the ability to accommodate larger tires.
With the wide array of leveling kits available in the market, choosing the perfect leveling kit for your F-150 can be a challenging task. Let’s walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting a leveling kit and introduce you to the Koni powered Journey Better Leveling Kit from SuperSprings International.
1. The Purpose of a Leveling Kit
When it comes to customizing your Ford F-150, few upgrades offer as significant an impact as a leveling kit. These kits are designed with a straightforward yet transformative goal: to level out your truck’s stance. While the primary purpose might seem simple, the effects and benefits of installing a leveling kit go far beyond aesthetics.
Visual Transformation: The Aggressive Stance
One of the most apparent outcomes of installing a leveling kit is the immediate visual transformation it brings to your F-150. Stock trucks often have a slight downward slope from the rear to the front, which can give them a nose-down appearance. This design, while practical for carrying heavy loads in the bed, may not align with the aggressive and imposing look many truck owners desire.
A leveling kit rectifies this by raising the front of your F-150 to match the rear, effectively leveling out the stance. The result? Your truck’s appearance becomes more balanced, commanding, and ready for the road or off-road adventures. It’s as if your F-150 has undergone a subtle but powerful facelift, making it stand out in the crowd.
Improved Ground Clearance: Tackle Terrain with Confidence
Beyond its visual impact, a leveling kit offers substantial practical advantages, starting with improved ground clearance. This is especially crucial for F-150 owners who enjoy off-roading or frequently encounter uneven terrain.
With a leveled stance, your F-150 gains more clearance under the front end. This additional space provides crucial buffer room between your truck’s components, such as the front bumper and suspension, and any obstacles on the road or trail. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails, crossing streams, or tackling steep inclines, the improved ground clearance offered by a leveling kit empowers your F-150 to take on challenging terrains with confidence.
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Accommodating Larger Tires: Unleash Traction and Performance
One of the hidden gems of leveling kits is their ability to accommodate larger tires. While aesthetics and ground clearance are essential, the prospect of fitting larger, more robust tires onto your F-150 brings a range of benefits that can significantly enhance both on-road and off-road performance.
Larger tires offer more surface area and tread, resulting in increased traction and grip. This improvement in traction can be a game-changer, especially when you encounter slippery or uneven surfaces. Whether you’re traversing muddy trails, sandy dunes, or snowy roads, the combination of a leveling kit and larger tires empowers your F-150 to handle various conditions with ease.
Furthermore, larger tires can improve your truck’s ride quality, especially when traveling on rough terrain. The added cushioning and absorption provided by these tires contribute to a smoother and more comfortable driving experience, even when the going gets tough.
Weight Distribution and Load-Bearing Capability
One advantage of leveling kits that is often overlooked is their impact on weight distribution and load-bearing capability. When you level out your F-150’s stance, you create a more even weight distribution between the front and rear axles.
This balanced weight distribution can enhance your truck’s stability, especially when hauling heavy loads or towing trailers. It helps reduce the strain on the rear suspension while ensuring that the front suspension is equally engaged. The result is a more controlled and confident towing experience, which is essential for those who rely on their F-150 for work or recreational purposes.
2. Determining Your Budget
Leveling kits come in a wide range of prices, catering to various budgets. As a first step, determine your budget. Having a clear budget in mind early in the process will help you narrow down your choices and focus on kits that align with your financial plan. Keep in mind that higher-priced kits often offer superior build quality, durability, and additional features.
3. Choosing the Right Kit Type: Spacer or Coilover
There are two primary types of leveling kits: spacer kits and coilover kits.
- Spacer Kits: Spacer kits are the more budget-friendly option and are relatively straightforward to install. These kits sit on top of your F-150’s front struts, effectively raising the front end. They are an excellent choice for those on a budget or those looking for a simple leveling solution.
- Coilover Kits: Coilover kits, on the other hand, replace the front struts entirely. They offer superior ride quality and adjustability, making them a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts. However, they are generally more expensive and sometimes require professional installation.
4. Material and Build Quality
When evaluating leveling kits, consider the materials used and overall build quality. Leveling kits are crafted from various materials, including aluminum, steel, and polyurethane. The choice of material affects the kit’s durability and its resistance to corrosion. This is particularly important if you plan to take your F-150 off-road, where exposure to elements can be rigorous which is why we partnered with KONI. KONI revolutionized the suspension industry with the invention of the first adjustable hydraulic shock absorber.
5. Installation: DIY or Professional Assistance?
The ease of installation is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a leveling kit. Some leveling kits are designed for DIY installation and come with comprehensive instructions. Others may require professional expertise, especially coilover kits. Assess your mechanical skills and the tools available to you before making a decision. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s advisable to seek professional installation to ensure safety and proper alignment.
6. Compatibility with Your F-150
Ensure that the leveling kit you choose is compatible with your specific Ford F-150 model and year. Manufacturers often provide compatibility information, so double-check before making a purchase to avoid compatibility issues. The SuperSprings International Journey Better Leveling Kits are available for 2015 and newer F-150’s.
7. Research and Recommendations
Before making a final decision, conduct thorough research. Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from fellow F-150 enthusiasts. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the performance, durability, and ease of installation of the leveling kit you’re considering.
Introducing the Journey Better F-150 Leveling Kit
When it comes to leveling kits for your F-150, one option stands out: the Journey Better Leveling Kit. This exceptional leveling kit is powered by KONI Shocks, offering a blend of durability, performance, and ease of installation that’s hard to beat.
The JBS front shocks by KONI feature a twin-tube steel body design which allows for the highest performance while creating the highest level of comfort that a monotube cannot match. Plus they come in signature SuperSprings International blue.
We’ve built and pre-tuned these shocks with damper valving that is engineered for loaded and unloaded payloads. The JBS shock runs at lower pressures than mono-tube shocks, so there is far less energy buildup, a smoother and softer ride, particularly on poor or uneven roads. The simplicity of this design allows for top performance with no external reservoir canisters. This is our approach to all our suspension – simple design with better control both on and off road whether loaded or unloaded.
This front JBS shock let’s you chose to keep your factory ride height, or level the front of your F-150 with the removable leveling spacer. This we built from aluminum to resist corrosion.
SuperSprings and KONI Shocks: A Winning Combination
The Journey Better Leveling Kit brings together two trusted names in the automotive industry: SuperSprings International and KONI Shocks.
SuperSprings International, known for its top-quality suspension products, has collaborated with KONI Shocks, a renowned leader in shock absorber technology, to create an exceptional leveling kit.
Key Features of the JBS-101-01 Leveling Kit
The SuperSprings International JBS-101-01 leveling kit is designed with precision engineering to provide outstanding performance and reliability:
- KONI Shocks Technology: The SuperSprings International JBS-101-01 leveling kit features KONI Shocks, known for their advanced damping capabilities. These shocks enhance ride quality, control, and stability on various terrains.
- High-Quality Materials: Crafted from premium materials, this leveling kit is built to last. Its components are designed to resist corrosion and withstand the rigors of off-road adventures.
- Straightforward Installation: The SuperSprings International JBS-101-01 leveling kit is engineered for DIY installation, making it an excellent choice for truck owners who enjoy working on their vehicles. Clear and comprehensive instructions are included to guide you through the process.
- Level Stance: This leveling kit ensures your F-150 maintains a level stance, enhancing its appearance while accommodating larger tires for improved traction and ground clearance.
Elevate Your F-150 Experience with the Journey Better Leveling Kit
Choosing the right leveling kit for your Ford F-150 is a decision that can significantly impact your truck’s appearance and performance. By considering your budget, understanding the kit types, evaluating materials and build quality, thinking about installation, checking compatibility, and seeking recommendations, you can make an informed choice.
With the SuperSprings International JBS-101-01 leveling kit powered by KONI Shocks, you get more than just a leveling solution; you get a performance upgrade that enhances your F-150’s ride quality, control, and stability. Whether you’re conquering challenging off-road trails or cruising the city streets, this kit can transform your F-150 into the ultimate ride.
