2015–2020 Ford F-150 Leveling Kit Installation Guide: Spacer & Adjustable Shock Methods

Leveling Kit Installation Guide: 2015–2020 Ford F-150 2WD/4WD

 (3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.3L V6) — Spacer and Adjustable Shock Methods

Installing a leveling kit on a 2015–2020 Ford F-150 raises the front suspension to match the rear ride height, eliminating the factory rake. Typical leveling height is 2.0–2.5 inches using strut top spacers or ride-height-adjustable shocks. This procedure covers both 2WD and 4WD models equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L Coyote V8, 2.7L EcoBoost, or 3.3L Cyclone V6 engines.

Application

• Make/Model: Ford F-150 (13th generation, P552 platform)
• Model Years: 2015–2020
• Trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited
• Drivetrain: 2WD (4x2) and 4WD (4x4)
• Engines: 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost, 5.0L Coyote V8, 2.7L twin-turbo EcoBoost, 3.3L Cyclone V6
• Suspension Type: Independent front; coil-over-strut with aluminum lower control arm

Parts & Numbers

Leveling is typically achieved with a strut top spacer kit or with ride-height-adjustable struts. Use OEM-quality hardware and follow the kit’s supplied instructions.

Procedure — Strut Top Spacer Installation

1. Park the F-150 on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts.
2. Lift the front of the truck with a floor jack under the frame and place jack stands at the designated support points. Remove both front wheels. F-150 lug nuts are 13/16-inch (21mm) hex.
3. On 4WD models, disconnect the front stabilizer bar end links at the lower control arm using an 18mm socket and wrench. Set the links aside.
4. Loosen but do not remove the three upper strut mount nuts (13mm socket) in the engine bay. On the driver side, it may be necessary to move the battery or air intake tube for access.
5. Remove the two lower strut-to-knuckle bolts (21mm socket) and nuts. Support the knuckle so it does not over-extend the brake hose or the CV axle boot on 4WD trucks.
6. Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the upper mount. Slide the spacer onto the strut top studs. Use the longer bolts and hardware provided in the leveling kit; apply medium-strength thread locking compound (blue Loctite 242) to the new spacer bolts.
7. Raise the strut and spacer back into the upper mount. Hand-start the new upper strut stud nuts. Torque them to 35 ft-lbs (47 Nm) per Ford specification once the suspension is loaded.
8. Reattach the lower strut bolts and torque to 184 ft-lbs (250 Nm) per Ford specification. Reattach the sway bar end links, torquing the nuts to 85 ft-lbs (115 Nm) per Ford specification.
9. Remount the wheels and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to 150 ft-lbs (204 Nm). Lower the vehicle to the ground.
10. Cycle the steering lock-to-lock several times and bounce the front end to settle the suspension. Recheck all fastener torques.
11. Have a professional front-end alignment performed immediately. Request the technician set camber and caster to OE specifications; a four-wheel thrust-angle alignment is recommended even on 2WD models to verify rear axle centering.

Torque Specifications

*Spacer bolt torque varies by kit; always consult the provided documentation. The typical range given above is for common steel spacers and 10.9-grade hardware.

Notes & Common Mistakes

• 4WD trucks with independent front suspension may experience CV axle angle increase. Angles beyond 25° can shorten axle life; avoid lifts over 3 inches without a differential drop kit.
• Missing the alignment step causes tire shoulder wear and steering pull. Modern F-150s often store steering angle sensor calibration; AdvancTrac warning lights may illuminate after alignment. Recalibrate the sensor with a capable scan tool (e.g., Ford IDS or Snap-on) or drive steadily for a few miles to allow self-learn.
• Over-torquing the upper strut mount nuts can shear the studs. Use a calibrated torque wrench and do not exceed 35 ft-lbs.
• Sway bar end links must be reconnected in a neutral position (suspension at ride height) to prevent preload, or upgraded to adjustable links.
• Aftermarket wheels with less backspacing may clear the upper control arm better and allow wider tires, but a 2.0–2.5 inch level typically accommodates 33×12.50R20 or 295/60R20 without trimming.

Diagnostic Reference

A leveling kit install does not directly trigger OBD-II DTCs. However, misalignment or an uncalibrated steering angle sensor can set Chassis codes:

• C1A00:54 – Steering Angle Sensor Missing Calibration (some F-150 models)
• U0415 – Invalid Data Received from ABS Control Module (steering angle correlation fault)
• Generic DTC P0300–P0312 (misfire) or P0420 (catalyst efficiency) are unrelated; confirm against service data if the check engine light appears coincidentally.

FAQ

Will a leveling kit affect ride quality on a 2015–2020 Ford F-150? A spacer kit retains the factory coil spring and shock, so ride stiffness changes very little. Adjustable shocks like the Bilstein 5100 can slightly firm the ride but improve body control.

Do I need new shocks with a spacer leveling kit? No. Spacer kits re‑use the original struts. If your dampers are high‑mileage, replacing them with leveling struts such as the Bilstein 24-187374 or Eibach E60-35-048-01-10 is a common upgrade.

Can I install a leveling kit on a 4WD F-150 without CV axle issues? Yes, 2.0–2.5 inches of leveling keeps CV angles within acceptable limits for most on‑road and moderate off‑road use. 4WD trucks consistently operated at full droop or with larger lifts should consider a differential drop bracket.

Is an alignment absolutely necessary after the install? Yes. Even small changes to front ride height alter camber and toe, causing rapid tire wear and directional instability. Always perform a front‑end alignment after a leveling kit install.

What tire size can I fit with a 2.5-inch level kit on a 2015–2020 F-150? With stock 20‑inch wheels, a 295/60R20 (roughly 34×11.50) often fits without rubbing. Aftermarket 20×9 wheels with +18 to +20 offset and 33×12.50R20 tires clear the upper control arm and the front crash bars in most cases; minor trimming of the rear fender liner bracket may be necessary.

Last updated: 2026-09 Applicable model-year range: 2015–2020