Puck Spacers vs. Bilstein 5100s: What is the Right Way to Level Your F-150?
Share
You walk out to your driveway, look at your 2015–2020 Ford F-150, and sigh. It’s a great truck, but it looks like it’s nose-diving into the pavement.
You want to fix that factory "rake." You want to fit 33-inch tires. You want a Leveling Kit.
But a quick search reveals two very different options: a $60 Spacer Kit (Puck) and a $500 Leveling Strut (like the Bilstein 5100).
Is the expensive strut really worth 8x the price? Or is the cheap puck just as good?
The answer depends on what you do with your truck. If you just want the look, the puck is fine. But if you want to fix the F-150's notorious "boat-like" body roll and handling, the strut is the only way to go. In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of each method and explain why ride quality is subjective.
Compare Leveling Options
Just for looks, or for performance?
|
Kit Style |
Cost |
Installation |
Ride Quality |
Best For |
|
Strut Spacer (Puck) |
$ (Low) |
Medium. Requires strut disassembly (sometimes). |
Factory. Feels exactly like stock. |
Budget. You just want the look and bigger tires. |
|
Bilstein 5100 (Strut) |
$$ (Mid) |
Hard. Must compress factory springs. |
Firmer. Reduces body roll; "sportier" feel. |
Daily Driver. Best bang-for-your-buck performance. |
|
Fox 2.0 (Coilover) |
$$$ (High) |
Easy. Bolt-in replacement. |
Premium. Soaks up bumps; great off-road. |
Off-Road. You want the best ride possible. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Leveling Kits)
Will leveling my truck hurt my fuel economy?
Slightly. Raising the front end increases wind resistance (drag). You can expect to lose about 1-2 MPG from the level itself. If you add heavy 33-inch Mud Terrain tires, expect to lose another 2-3 MPG.
Does a 2.5-inch level make the truck perfectly level?
Usually. On most 2015-2020 F-150s, a 2.0" kit leaves a tiny bit of rake (good for towing), while a 2.5" kit sits "dead level." Note: If you tow heavy loads often, a 2.5" kit might make you look "squatted" (nose high) when a trailer is attached.
Why do I need an alignment after installing?
Lifting the front suspension changes the angle of your Lower Control Arms, which pulls the tires inward (altering the "Toe" and "Camber"). If you don't get an alignment immediately after installing, your tires will wear unevenly and the steering will feel wandering.
Get the stance you want.
Clear 33s and ditch the factory rake. Shop our verified collection of 2015–2020 F-150 Leveling Kits from Rough Country, Bilstein, and Fox.