Pucks vs. Coilovers: How to Level Your 2021+ F-150 the Right Way
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The 2021–2025 Ford F-150 is the most capable half-ton truck ever built. But from the factory, it suffers from a severe "rake"—the front sits about 2.5 to 3 inches lower than the rear.
This is great for fuel economy, but it limits you to small tires and makes the truck look like it's constantly braking hard.
Leveling the truck is the standard fix. But F-150 owners face a tough choice: The $100 Spacer Puck or the $1,200 Coilover System?
If you just drive on the street, the spacer is tempting. But if you have a PowerBoost Hybrid (with its heavy front end) or tackle washboard dirt roads, a simple puck might ruin your ride. In this guide, we compare the three main ways to lift your front end—Spacers, Bilstein 5100s, and Full Coilovers—to help you decide where to spend your money.
Compare Leveling Methods
Spacer Puck vs. Full Suspension Replacement?
|
Kit Type |
Ride Quality |
Cost |
Best For |
|
Spacer Puck (Rough Country) |
Factory. Retains stock shocks/springs. |
$ (Low). |
Looks. The cheapest way to fit bigger tires for pavement driving. |
|
Leveling Strut (Bilstein 5100) |
Firmer/Controlled. Reduces body roll. |
$$ (Med). |
Value. Best bang-for-buck upgrade. Uses factory springs. |
|
Coilover System (Fox 2.0) |
Plush/Performance. Soaks up bumps. |
$$$ (High). |
Off-Road. High-speed desert runs and superior trail comfort. |
|
Loaded Strut (Rough Country) |
Factory-Like. |
$$ (Med). |
Easy Install. Pre-assembled spring/strut. No spring compressor needed. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Leveling Kits)
Will a leveling kit mess up my BlueCruise?
In most cases, No. As long as you stick to a 2.0" or 2.5" level and get a professional alignment immediately, the sensors and cameras typically remain within tolerance. However, lifting beyond 3 inches usually requires recalibrating the ADAS (safety systems) at a dealership.
Does this affect my MPG?
The leveling kit itself has a negligible effect. However, the larger tires you install after leveling will hurt your mileage. Expect to lose 1-2 MPG when switching from stock street tires to heavy 33-inch All-Terrains due to weight and rolling resistance.
Can I level a Tremor?
The F-150 Tremor comes lifted ~1 inch from the factory. While you can add a small spacer on top, we generally recommend against it as it can stress the CV axle angles. The best way to lift a Tremor further is with a full suspension system designed for that trim.
Get the look. Keep the ride.
Eliminate factory rake and clear 33s or 34s. Shop our verified collection of [2021–2025 F-150 Leveling Kits] from Fox, Bilstein, and ReadyLIFT.