I think when I measured the other day it was roughly a 3-3.5" difference from front to back. Not sure why they do this, I find it a little annoying, but I'm sure there's a reason.

The truck came with 18" rims and standard tires that come with the FX4 package I think, so the front wheel wells would probably look pretty weird if it were actually leveled. Is there a cheap and easy way to raise the front by at least 1-1.5" to offset this a little bit though? Anyone have experience doing this without throwing new oversized tires on the truck? As silly as it sounds, I think even 1" in the front would make a difference aesthetically.

Bilstein 5100

The Wonderer said:

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Bilstein 5100

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This, did my '12 2WD this weekend.

Thanks for the rec. Embarrassed to admit that I don't think I trust myself with something like this (I might with an older vehicle but hesitant to jack around on a new truck). Anyone know about how much professional installation would cost? I am assuming at least a few hundred bucks even thought they could prob complete in under 20-30 min?

The struts run about $100 each, then I would venture to say they would bill for at least 2-3 hours of labor.

Boo Weekley said:

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Thanks for the rec. Embarrassed to admit that I don't think I trust myself with something like this (I might with an older vehicle but hesitant to jack around on a new truck). Anyone know about how much professional installation would cost? I am assuming at least a few hundred bucks even thought they could prob complete in under 20-30 min?

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Hardest part is compressing the spring. it takes a bigger spring compressor than the one they have at most auto stores to borrow. I happen to have a set, but I am in OKC. (I owned a Raptor for a couple of years, turns out having racing shocks means you have to swap them out a lot).

It is for improved average aerodynamics. Yes, it actually has a measurable effect on mileage. It also helps you from shining your headlights upward when you tow or carry a heavy load so your truck doesn't look like it's dragging ass down the road if you don't have air bags.

Level is cool. Reverse rake is goofy. Know when to say when.

MouthBQ98 said:

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It is for improved average aerodynamics. Yes, it actually has a measurable effect on mileage. It also helps you from shining your headlights upward when you tow or carry a heavy load so your truck doesn't look like it's dragging ass down the road if you don't have air bags.

Level is cool. Reverse rake is goofy. Know when to say when.

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Ha yep, that's why I'm hoping to just offset it to the point where it is pretty much leveled with a load in the back. I haul stuff quite often, but it's generally not more than a few hundred lbs altogether. Hopefully mpg's wouldn't suffer too much if just offset by half.

I had some installed on an '11 Silverado last week. It was around $650 after tax for parts and labor. You'll also need an alignment afterwards. This was at 4 wheel parts.

The rake is so you level out when loaded.

As others have said - Bilstein 5100's

For the record - I have a 2016 F150 Lariat FX4 with the 5.0
Ordered the 5100's from Stage 3 motorsports. Got both the front struts and rear shocks. Replaced a few months ago when the truck hit 20,000 miles.

Link to Bilstein 5100's at Stage 3 Motorsports

Think I ended up paying $350 for them delivered.

I've got a local shop/mechanic who did the install and alignment for around $200.

The ride is improved over the stock shocks.

Here's the info/data I previously posted on the topic.

So the Bilsteins come with 5 settings on the front struts
Stock, +0.79", +1.26", +1.75" and +2.10"
I chose to go with +1.75". Two guys at work set their 5100's at 2.10". Their trucks were pretty level - maybe even a little "up" in the front. Both of those have the Booooost.

Highly scientific data collection... I chose the same spot on my driveway (its about as close to flat and level as I'm gonna get). Put a small grease pen mark at 12 o'clock on front/rear wheel well. Here's what I got

Front wheel well
Before : 37-1/8" After : 38-5/8"
Looks like I got + 1-1/2" of "lift" at the 12 o'clock position on the front fender using the +1.75" setting .

Rear wheel well
Before : 39-1/2" After : 39-1/2"
Didn't expect any change. Just replaced shocks

Before the "level" my truck had about 2-3/8" of rake
After : my truck has about 7/8" to 1" of rake
Looks better IMO. More room in the front for a taller tire when these wear out.

TexasRebel said:

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The rake is so you level out when loaded.

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City folk don't load trucks...they are just luxury cruisers

Never understood leveling but I also never understood buying a truck to never haul. Its raked for very good reason. But ain't my rig so....go for it.

Like I said. I haul quite frequently (mostly brush, branches and landscaping stuff). But never more than about 300-400lbs max. Rarely use a trailer, but use the hell out of my bed. Everyone in my family drives cars or SUV's and I've driven a pickup since 2004 so I am also helping out quite a bit when others need stuff moved or delivered.

I love super crew pickups. Plenty of room inside, and plenty of room outside if you just want to throw a bunch of crap in the bed. I'm also a big y'all guy and feel weird in anything but a pickup or big SUV.

I've never noticed any leveling out on my takes truck when I have the bed full of stuff so I'm hoping if I still leave a 1-1.5" rake it won't be sagging in the back.

Sorry didn't mean to write a novel

I decided to go with the reverse rake on the Raptor. Who wants it looking like a truck?



I did find out that Ford isn't kidding with the max bed payload. I maxed it out and wouldn't want to carry anymore than that.

Raptors have a notably lighter payload capacity. At least, that was the case when I was looking at them a while back.