2023 Lariat ER - Leveling Question

[Verbal311]

Hi all - new Lightning Lariat ER owner here and about to start modifications. A local shop has no experience leveling the 2023 Lightning and has some concerns since most of the kits either don't specifically reference compatibility with Lightning's or in Rough Country's case, the kit only references the 2022 Lightning model. They are saying that there's a possibility they'll have to modify some thing on the struts / springs and that they can't guarantee it will properly align once leveled.

Can anyone share positive or negative experiences on 2023 model leveling and what specific kits were used? Thank you!

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[Whammy Bar]

It's the same truck as the '22. Maybe find a different shop.

 

[csukoh78]

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...on-ford-lightning-using-belltech-25001.16589/

here you go. I wrote this. Love it.

 

[srspring551]

Still waiting for my truck...
Clearly, I am a newbie Newb. What is the advantage of doing this, other than looks?

 

[csukoh78]

Still waiting for my truck...
Clearly, I am a newbie Newb. What is the advantage of doing this, other than looks?

Looks much better. A lot of us hate the kicked in the ass raked look.

Handles better because the suspension is more firm and the truck is lower to the ground, less overly plush rear suspension. less float = more confident cornering.

Possibly a gain in efficiency as the overall height of the truck is reduced, there is less turbulent air under the truck which creates less drag.

 

[srspring551]

Ok, I'll bite: other than Ford not doing a lot of things they should not do, does Ford "think" being kicked in the rear makes "something" better?

 

[csukoh78]

Ok, I'll bite: other than Ford not doing a lot of things they should not do, does Ford "think" being kicked in the rear makes "something" better?
[/QUOTE

Ok, I'll bite: other than Ford not doing a lot of things they should not do, does Ford "think" being kicked in the rear makes "something" better?

Historically all trucks have some rake because they carry loads which makes the back sink. Fully loaded, a raked truck would minimize front end lift/rear sag.

however, this truck has more rake than most. Most people who drive trucks don't carry heavy loads too frequently so it's a non-issue. GM/Chevy/Toyota/Ram have all significantly reduced the rake to give them more leveled look.

 

[wautard1]

Ok, I'll bite: other than Ford not doing a lot of things they should not do, does Ford "think" being kicked in the rear makes "something" better?

Ford designs their trucks to meet specific standards. The ass up high is because when you load the bed with its max capacity the springs will compress and the truck will sit at a level height. If ford shipped with a level height to begin with and then you load the bed it will do a Carolina Squat, rear is lower than the front. Handling in this situation becomes very poor.

 

[csukoh78]

Ford designs their trucks to meet specific standards. The ass up high is because when you load the bed with its max capacity the springs will compress and the truck will sit at a level height. If ford shipped with a level height to begin with and then you load the bed it will do a Carolina Squat, rear is lower than the front. Handling in this situation becomes very poor.

It's a balancing act for sure. I don't carry a lot of heavy loads. Thankfully these are progressive rate springs and become much stiffer as weight increases, reducing actual compression. It's not linear.

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