TV Leveling Kit

[Fender]

Hi folks. I'm curious if anyone has experience with the pros and cons of having a leveling kit installed on a truck used for towing (Ford Ranger in this example).
I've never liked the appearance that the rake of a truck gives where the front is lower than the back. I understand the purpose (truck is more level with a heavy load in the back and may contribute a minuscule benefit to gas mileage) however I still don't like the look!
Some people believe that it may cause front end components to wear more quickly, cause handling issues or void warranty though I don't see any hard evidence to prove this.
With Ford it is a dealer installed option and does not impact the warranty. I know that a leveling lift was an available option from the factory with Colorados and Canyons.
My question is more about towing. I'm assuming that with a properly installed and adjusted WDH there really shouldn't be any difference in handling?

[Selkirk]

I have no experience with the Ranger....but it appears that the front suspension geometry and design of the available leveling kits are similar to the Tacoma (a vehicle I am familiar with). The kits look to consist of a spacer that is inserted between the spring/shock assembly and the upper perch. The spacer essentially forces the entire front suspension downward within its range of motion....resulting in a slight lift to the front end.

I don't think it will hurt your truck nor affect its towing ability (provided that the WDH is properly set up). Just be aware that this is an aesthetic change only. It will not provide any functional advantage to the performance/capability of the front suspension. If anything, it will result slightly reduced down-travel.

That type of modification isn't my cup my tea...but each to their own. Don't forget to re-align your headlights afterwards.

Now if the rear was also raised up with a set of those cheesy lift blocks (common to cheap "lift kits") that are placed between the axle and leaf springs....I could see how towing performance/stability could be a real concern.

[SageRpod]

I agree with Selkirk that leveling kits are a cosmetic change for the most part. My son-in-law installed one on a Nissan Titan and the front end made all kinds of noise afterwards especially when turning to full lock.

That said, if you can get one installed by the dealer and it doesn't void the warranty and you can dial in your WDH, I'd say go for it.

[Rockhead]

Go to etrailer web site n look up timbren suspension

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Fender

Hi folks. I'm curious if anyone has experience with the pros and cons of having a leveling kit installed on a truck used for towing (Ford Ranger in this example).
.....
With Ford it is a dealer installed option and does not impact the warranty.

Just curious, is this the specific kit your dealer would install?

https://accessories.ford.com/product...repl-m-18000-r

Or of not, can you post a correct link?

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Rockhead

Go to etrailer web site n look up timbren suspension

I don't find anything there by Timbren that addresses leveling the stance of an unladen Ranger (which seems to be the OP's stated interest); do you have a specific Timbren product link for achieving that?

[Fender]

Originally Posted by Centex

Just curious, is this the specific kit your dealer would install?

https://accessories.ford.com/product...repl-m-18000-r

Or of not, can you post a correct link?

No, I'd never spend that kind of money for something like this!
I'm not sure what kit they are sourcing but it's a $600 dealer installed option including wheel alignment.
I haven't really done much research. The new truck landed on the lot yesterday so I'm in the process of sorting out add-ons.
To be honest, after seeing the truck, the front end rake is for some reason much less than what I had expected. It has 18" tires but I don't think that would make a difference front to back.

[Selkirk]

Originally Posted by Fender

No, I'd never spend that kind of money for something like this!
I'm not sure what kit they are sourcing but it's a $600 dealer installed option including wheel alignment.
I haven't really done much research. The new truck landed on the lot yesterday so I'm in the process of sorting out add-ons.
To be honest, after seeing the truck, the front end rake is for some reason much less than what I had expected. It has 18" tires but I don't think that would make a difference front to back.

I'm pretty sure that the dealer will be installing something like this:

https://www.roughcountry.com/ford-le...kit-50100.html

From what I understand, it only takes a couple hours of shop labour to install . If true, that's quite a lucrative upgrade for the dealer.......