Best 3.5 Inch Leveling Kits for Ford F-150: Improve Clearance and Ride Balance

By Mike

Certified Professional Automotive Mechanic – Owner and Editor of VehicleRuns

Last Updated: July 1, 2026

If you drive a Ford F-150 and want a noticeable stance and extra clearance without a full suspension lift, a 3.5 inch leveling kit is a common upgrade. The right kit raises the front to match the rear height, helps fit larger tires, and can reduce bumper rake while keeping your truck's daily drivability. You should expect changes to ride feel, steering geometry, and wheel alignment when you modify front height, so choosing the right design for your use case matters.This guide covers seven shortlisted 3.5 inch leveling kits selected for Ford F-150 owners. We evaluate fitment, installation complexity, and how each approach affects ride quality and handling to help you pick a practical kit for road and light off-road use.

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Top Picks at a Glance

Best Overall Leveling Kit Our top pick balancing lift height, fit, hardware, and durability	ReadyLift 3.5" SST Lift Kit for Ford F-150 (1-Piece Driveshaft)
Best Budget Leveling Kit Lowest-cost spacer kits that still raise the front by ~3 inches	KAX Front 3.5" Aluminum Leveling Lift Kit for Ford F-150 (Front, Pair)
Best Forged-Aluminum Leveling Kit Forged 6061/T6 aluminum spacers for stronger, lighter lift components	TASTONTUP 3.5" Front & 3" Rear Leveling Lift Kit for 2004–2020 Ford F-150
Best Front-Only Leveling Kit Compact front strut spacers that raise the nose without rear changes	Supreme Suspensions 3.5" Front Strut Spacer Leveling Kit — T6 Billet Aluminum
Best Full Front+Rear Kit Complete kits with front spacers plus rear blocks and hardware included	TOPTHANE 3.5" Front + 3" Rear Leveling Lift Kit for Ford F150
Best Kit with U‑Bolts & Blocks Includes extended U-bolts and rear lift blocks for bolt-on installation	Supreme Suspensions 3.5" Rear Lift Blocks for 2004-2020 Ford F-150 4WD
Best Billet/T6 Premium Leveling Kit CNC-machined billet or T6 aluminum spacers built for long life	Supreme Suspensions 3.5" Front Billet Aluminum Strut Spacers Leveling Kit

ReadyLift 3.5" SST Lift Kit for Ford F-150 (1-Piece Driveshaft)

Best Overall Leveling Kit

The ReadyLift 3.5" SST Lift Kit is a packaged front and rear lift system engineered for 2014-up Ford F-150 trucks with a one-piece driveshaft. It uses tubular DOM upper control arms with ReadyLift heavy-duty ball joints, CNC-machined offset aluminum top mount spacers to retain correct strut position, and a machined preload spacer that also acts as a droop limiter. The kit includes a tapered rear block and a 2.25" front leveling kit so you get a balanced 3.5" front / 2.5" rear stance that clears up to 35" tires. In practice the design aims to keep factory-like ride quality and alignment while providing better tire clearance and handling thanks to the 14-degree ball joint cup and one-time grease polyurethane bushings. Installation is advertised as straightforward for competent DIYers or shops familiar with truck lifts, but attention to the preload spacer and correct spacer placement is important to avoid improper ride height. Some users report long-term ball joint durability concerns, so plan to inspect suspension joints periodically if you do heavy off-road work.

Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, well-engineered 3.5-inch lift that preserves ride quality and alignment while allowing larger tires and a modest lifted stance, and who value an easier install with included spacers and control arms.

Less Ideal for: Anyone needing a heavy-duty off-road package for aggressive rock crawling or commercial duty should consider purpose-built long-travel or heavy-load systems instead.

Verdict: Choose this kit if you want a well-rounded 3.5-inch solution that balances build quality, included hardware, and straightforward installation for a reliable truck stance.

KAX Front 3.5" Aluminum Leveling Lift Kit for Ford F-150 (Front, Pair)

Best Budget Leveling Kit

This KAX front leveling kit uses CNC-machined aluminum spacers to raise the F-150 front end without changing factory struts or coils. It is intended as a simple bolt-on solution: you replace the strut top with the spacer assembly and reuse existing suspension components, so installation is fairly quick and does not require specialized tools. The aluminum construction and T6 treatment resist corrosion and should hold up for normal street use while allowing fitment of larger tires and a slightly more aggressive stance. Practical benefits include extra ground clearance for rough roads and reduced risk of rubbing when upsizing wheels. Limitations are that this is a basic spacer-style kit rather than a full suspension upgrade, so it does not change spring rates, improve damping, or address heavy-load sag. Buyers seeking a full lift with improved ride quality or long-term heavy towing durability will need a different product, but for a low-cost, factory-preserving front lift this kit delivers a straightforward option.

Best for: Buyers who want the cheapest practical way to level the front of their F-150 while keeping the factory suspension intact and minimizing installation time and cost.

Less Ideal for: Drivers who need improved ride comfort, heavy-load handling, or a full suspension lift should choose a complete lift or upgraded springs and shocks instead.

Verdict: Pick a budget kit when you need a simple, inexpensive front lift with basic spacers that preserves factory components and minimizes outlay.

TASTONTUP 3.5" Front & 3" Rear Leveling Lift Kit for 2004–2020 Ford F-150

Best Forged-Aluminum Leveling Kit

This TASTONTUP leveling kit uses forged 6061-T6 aluminum top strut spacers and Delrin bottom spacers up front combined with steel tapered lift blocks in the rear to raise a 2004–2020 Ford F-150 about 3.5 inches front and 3 inches rear. It is a bolt-on system with supplied high-strength Grade 12.9 fasteners, U-bolts, and installation hardware so a competent DIYer can install it in a few hours, then perform a recommended wheel alignment. The forged aluminum spacers are CNC-machined for consistent fit and are lighter and more corrosion resistant than stamped alternatives, which helps preserve suspension geometry and reduces added unsprung mass. Expect improved ground and tire clearance and a more balanced, aggressive stance without changing shocks. Limitations: it is a leveling kit rather than a full lift, so suspension travel and load-carrying characteristics remain largely factory; heavier off-road abuse or larger lifts may require upgraded control arms or shocks. Follow the fitment and alignment instructions closely for safe handling after installation.

Best for: Buyers who want a lightweight, durable aluminum leveling solution to raise and level a 2004–2020 F-150 while minimizing added unsprung mass and corrosion risk, and who prefer a mostly bolt-on DIY installation.

Less Ideal for: Drivers seeking a large suspension overhaul for heavy off-road use, maximum suspension travel, or who need included shock or control arm upgrades should consider full lift systems instead.

Verdict: Select a forged-aluminum kit if you prioritize lightweight, high-strength spacers that resist cracking and corrosion better than stamped or molded alternatives.

Supreme Suspensions 3.5" Front Strut Spacer Leveling Kit — T6 Billet Aluminum

Best Front-Only Leveling Kit

This front-only strut spacer kit raises the front of compatible Ford F-150 trucks to a roughly 3.5-inch lift and is intended to level the front for a more aggressive look or to clear larger wheels and tires. The kit includes two CNC-machined T6 billet aluminum spacers, anodized for corrosion resistance, and high-grade installation hardware so you reuse factory struts and retain the truck's original shocks. Installation is a bolt-on job that most experienced DIYers can complete in a few hours per side, though access to a lift or helper and basic suspension tools makes the job much easier. After installation you should get a professional alignment because the spacers change suspension geometry and camber/caster. Practical benefits are quicker, inexpensive front lift without swapping struts or springs, lightweight durable construction, and preserved ride character when aligned. Limitations are that it only lifts the front so rear ride height and load handling are unchanged and results vary by model year and trim, so final ride height may differ from spacer thickness alone.

Best for: Buyers who want a front-only solution to level the truck for appearance or tire clearance without replacing struts or altering the rear ride height and who are comfortable with a hands-on install or taking the kit to a shop.

Less Ideal for: If you want a matched front-and-rear lift, change rear ride height, or need improved heavy-load handling or suspension tuning, choose a full lift or spring upgrade instead.

Verdict: Choose a front-only kit when you only want to level the truck's front for tire clearance or appearance without altering rear ride height.

TOPTHANE 3.5" Front + 3" Rear Leveling Lift Kit for Ford F150

Best Full Front+Rear Kit

This TOPTHANE leveling kit is a full front-and-rear solution for Ford F150 owners who want a balanced, aggressive stance without a full suspension overhaul. The kit uses 3.5 inch strut spacers up front and 3 inch rear lift blocks with extended square U-bolts so the truck sits level while gaining ground clearance. Installation is designed for bolt-on fitment to vehicle-specific mounting points but can be time consuming and requires basic mechanical skills and common tools; several buyers noted no written instructions so plan to follow a walk-through video and expect to spend most of a day if doing it yourself. The alloy steel components look robust and users report the kit holds alignment angles that typically require a front-end alignment after installation. This kit is practical for drivers who want a factory-style lift height for larger tires and improved presence while keeping the rear load capacity functional, but it does not replace heavier-duty lift systems for serious off-road articulation or long-travel performance.

Best for: Buyers who want a single matched kit to lift and level a Ford F150 front-to-rear for an improved look and modest tire clearance while keeping installation largely bolt-on.

Less Ideal for: Drivers seeking a heavy-duty suspension overhaul for serious off-road travel or those who need adjustable control arms and full long-travel kits should consider more comprehensive lift systems instead.

Verdict: Go with a full front-and-rear kit when you want a matched lift across the truck—front spacers plus rear blocks and the necessary U-bolts—for balanced stance and handling.

Supreme Suspensions 3.5" Rear Lift Blocks for 2004-2020 Ford F-150 4WD

Best Kit with U‑Bolts & Blocks

These Supreme Suspensions rear lift blocks are a vehicle-specific solution to lift the rear of 2004–2020 Ford F-150 4WD by 3.5 inches. The kit supplies two heavy steel lift blocks machined from 1/4" plate, pre-welded for strength, and fitted with built-in bump stop strike plates and a tapered design to help correct pinion angle. Installation is straightforward: place the blocks between the axle and leaf pack, secure with extended U-bolts, and reattach the brake line using the included relocation bracket. In practice the built-in taper reduces driveline vibration risk that can follow a simple block lift, and the bump stop plates help preserve suspension travel and reduce bottoming out when carrying loads. Note the kit does not include the longer U-bolts required for installation, so you will need to source those before starting the job; an alignment after lifting is also recommended. This is a strong, truck-focused option if you want a durable bolt-on rear lift that maintains better geometry than flat blocks.

Best for: Buyers who want a durable, truck-specific rear lift that keeps driveline geometry and bump stop function close to factory behavior while allowing larger tires or a leveled stance.

Less Ideal for: If you want a truly complete bolt-on package without sourcing any additional hardware, this kit may not meet that expectation because U-bolts are omitted; also not aimed at owners seeking a front lift solution.

Verdict: Pick a kit that includes U‑bolts and rear blocks when you want everything needed for a bolt-on rear lift without sourcing extra hardware.

Supreme Suspensions 3.5" Front Billet Aluminum Strut Spacers Leveling Kit

Best Billet/T6 Premium Leveling Kit

This Supreme Suspensions kit uses solid T6 billet aluminum strut spacers machined to fit the front strut mounts and raise the factory rake by roughly 3.5 inches. It is a bolt-on style leveling solution designed to improve appearance, increase ground clearance, and create room for larger rims and tires while preserving factory ride quality. Installation is presented as a 1 to 2 hour job for experienced DIYers but many reviewers and the instructions note that a spring compressor, lift or professional installer makes the job simpler and faster; an alignment is recommended after installation. The anodized finish helps resist corrosion and the kit ships with high-grade hardware and instructions. Because the spacer changes control arm geometry it does not provide identical lift-to-thickness and fitting notes warn about incompatible trims and certain model exceptions. A few users reported fitment hiccups or missing/incorrect bolts so double-check hole patterns and hardware before starting the install.

Best for: Buyers who prioritize a precision-machined, long-lasting aluminum leveling solution to get a clean 3.5-inch front lift and improved stance while keeping factory-like ride characteristics.

Less Ideal for: Drivers seeking a full suspension lift, adjustable ride height, or those who want a purely DIY install without specialty tools or a professional shop to handle strut work.

Verdict: Opt for a billet/T6 premium kit if you want precision-machined components and the highest build-grade aluminum for improved fit, finish, and longevity.

Choosing the Right Ford F-150 3.5 Inch Leveling Kit: Key Factors to Consider

Types of 3.5 Inch Leveling Solutions

There are a few common mechanical approaches to raising the front of the F-150 about 3.5 inches. Strut spacers sit on top of the existing strut assembly to increase ride height while keeping the original strut and spring in place. Coil spring spacers lift the spring itself to gain height with minimal change to mounting geometry. Torsion bar keys or adjusters rotate the torsion bar to raise the arm, which is specific to vehicles that use torsion bar front suspensions.

Each method has tradeoffs in terms of ride quality and installation complexity. Strut and coil spacers tend to be straightforward and preserve handling when well-designed, while torsion bar adjustments can be a quick option but may alter spring rate and steering feel.

• Strut spacers: preserve shock orientation, usually simple to install
• Coil spring spacers: minimal changes to mounting points, often robust
• Torsion key changes: quick but can increase spring preload

Installation Tips Specific to the F-150

Before starting any installation, park on a level surface and secure the vehicle with adequate jack stands rated for the F-150's weight. Follow torque specifications for all fasteners and replace any worn or corroded hardware during the install. If the kit requires spring compression, use a proper spring compressor and avoid improvisation to reduce risk.

Document any sensor routing, clip locations, or brake line positions before disassembly so you can restore them correctly. After installing the kit and lowering the truck, check wheel clearance through full steering lock and suspension travel to ensure nothing binds or rubs.

• Always torque bolts to manufacturer-specified values
• Check ABS sensor and brake-line routing after lift
• Test steering lock to lock for any interference

When To Choose Extended Shocks or Shock Extensions

Raising the front by 3.5 inches can change shock travel range and may require extended shocks or an extension sleeve to maintain proper damping and prevent seal damage. If the original shocks are near the end of their service life or the kit design adds travel, replacing shocks with compatible lengths ensures predictable ride control.

Consider upgrades that match the intended use. Heavier duty or valved shocks improve control when towing or off-roading, while direct-fit extended shocks are often sufficient for owners prioritizing a refined daily ride.

• Inspect original shocks for leaks and wear before finalizing the kit choice
• Choose shock length rated for the new front travel
• Match valving to intended use: comfort versus load control

Impact on Towing, Payload, and Bed Level

A front lift changes rake and can subtly affect towing geometry. Although a 3.5 inch lift is moderate, owners who tow regularly should confirm that trailer tongue weight remains within safe limits and check how hitch angles change with the new stance. In some cases, a small rear block or shackle change may be needed to achieve a level bed once the truck is loaded.

Payload capacity itself is unchanged by a leveling kit, but the altered suspension geometry can shift load distribution and affect handling when heavily loaded. If you frequently haul heavy items, plan for a post-install inspection of handling characteristics and consider compatible rear suspension components if necessary.

• Verify hitch and trailer geometry after lift
• Test handling with a representative load
• Consider rear ride adjustments for a level bed when loaded

Legal and Insurance Considerations

Vehicle modification regulations vary by jurisdiction, and some areas limit the maximum allowable lift or require specific component standards. Check local vehicle codes to ensure a 3.5 inch front lift is within legal limits and confirm that modifications do not void required inspections or certifications.

Inform your insurance provider about suspension modifications if required by your policy. Documentation of a professional installation and alignment can be helpful if questions arise about safety or roadworthiness.

• Confirm local lift height regulations
• Retain installation and alignment receipts
• Ensure modifications comply with inspection standards

How We Chose the Best Ford F-150 3.5 Inch Leveling Kit

We prioritized criteria that directly affect fit, safety, and day-to-day performance on the Ford F-150. Fitment and vehicle-specific compatibility were top filters to ensure each option provided correct front lift height and proper mounting points for the model. Ride quality and handling were evaluated by looking at the kit design type, how it preserves steering geometry, and whether it requires additional alignment or component upgrades. Installation complexity and hardware completeness were included so owners can assess whether a DIY install is feasible or professional labor is advisable. Suspension durability and materials were considered to identify kits built to resist corrosion and repeated load cycles. We also checked whether the kit maintained adequate tire clearance and did not interfere with brake lines, ABS sensors, or sway bar links.We excluded any options that lacked documented fitment for the Ford F-150 or that required extensive cutting or frame modification to achieve the advertised height. Kits that relied on vague specifications or omitted key mounting hardware were also removed. The final list balances practical installability, safe geometry retention, and acceptable ride tradeoffs for owners seeking a 3.5 inch front lift.

Our full evaluation process is outlined in our review methodology.

FAQ

Final Verdict

For Ford F-150 owners seeking a noticeable front lift and improved clearance without a full suspension overhaul, a well-engineered 3.5 inch leveling kit offers a balanced solution. Prioritize kits with clear F-150 fitment, durable materials, and a design that limits adverse changes to steering geometry. Expect to perform a professional alignment after installation and consider compatible shock options if travel increases.Weigh the tradeoffs between ride firmness and clearance based on how you use the truck. With proper selection and installation, a 3.5 inch leveling kit can deliver the stance, tire clearance, and daily drivability most F-150 owners want.

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