Off-Road vs. Daily Driving: What Are the Best Ford -150 Leveling Kits?

Whether you’re looking for a pickup that can handle daily errands or high-intensity off-road driving, the Ford F-150 is a great choice. As the best-selling truck in the United States, the F-150 has a storied reputation that’s well deserved. However, the stock suspension on your F-150 may not give you the kind of versatility you’re looking for. With the downward angle that most stock pickups have, you might not be able to traverse tougher terrain. Fortunately, an F-150 leveling kit can help you get the capability you need so you can tackle the trails without making your truck impractical.

Why Invest in an F-150 Leveling Kit Over a Lift Kit?

For many drivers, a leveling kit will deliver the perfect balance between appearance and performance. F-150 lift kits are a great way to get more ground clearance, but they will completely change the way your truck looks, not to mention how it handles. Leveling kits raise the front end of your truck slightly and eliminate the stock angle that most trucks come with, whereas a lift kit raises the entire pickup and can affect the way it feels behind the wheel, making it less practical for daily driving. ​ By choosing a leveling kit over a standard lift kit, you get the best of both worlds when it comes to practicality and capability. A leveling kit will give you extra clearance in the front end, which is key for off-road driving. It will also allow for larger front tires if you want to make that upgrade. However, a leveling kit is not nearly as complex as a lift kit, so it will be easier to install and won’t change the handling and feel of the pickup in the same way.

Why F-150s aren’t Level from the Factory

While it may seem like the uneven stance of the F-150 is a design flaw, it actually serves a valuable purpose. The front end of the F-150 is lower so it can remain level when towing or hauling cargo. Without the slight angle, trucks carrying a load would be uneven in the other direction, which can cause all kinds of issues. A leveling kit evens out this visual imbalance and gives the truck a more aggressive appearance. If you’re thinking about taking your truck out on the trail, a leveling kit is a great way to get the front-end clearance you need.

How to Choose Your Leveling Kit

Before you decide on a leveling kit for your truck, you need to know what your expectations are. Most leveling kits will offer a front-end lift between one and three inches. If, for example, you’re only looking for an aesthetic upgrade, one inch will usually be sufficient. However, if you want to take your truck out on tougher terrain where you may have to deal with obstacles like branches or ditches, a higher front-end lift is recommended. You should also be looking for materials that are built to last and will be as durable as possible. Aluminum or steel components are ideal and will give you many years of off-road driving without any issues.

Best F-150 Leveling Kits

Mammoth 1.50-Inch Front Leveling Kit

​ If you’re looking for a leveling kit that offers both aesthetic improvements and better ground clearance, this option from Mammoth is a great choice. It offers 1.5 inches of front-end lift and is made from CNC-machined aluminum to make sure it’s not going anywhere. Plus, it has an easy, bolt-on installation process that almost anyone can do in a few hours.

Ryze Suspension 2-Inch Front Leveling Kit

For those who want a little more lift in their pickup’s front end, this 2-inch leveling kit from Ryze Suspension is a great option. With two inches of rise, this kit is perfect for striking a balance between on-road stability and off-road capability. It also has a simple installation process that won’t require modification to the truck’s stock suspension.

MotoFab 2.50.Inch Front Leveling Kit

When you need the most lift possible for the front end of your F-150, this MotoFab 2.5-inch leveling kit is perfect. This kit offers greater ground clearance than other options and allows for more off-road versatility and stability. With aluminum components, it’s a great option for anyone who needs durability on and off the street. ​ No matter what kind of ground clearance you’re looking for, AmericanTrucks has you covered. With plenty of lift and leveling kits from the brands you trust, you can take your pickup to the next level.