The Ford F-150 is the best-selling truck in Canada for a reason — it’s capable, versatile, and responds well to suspension upgrades. Whether you want to level out the factory stance, clear bigger tires, or improve your off-road capability, here’s what you need to know.
Why the F-150 Sits Nose-Down from the Factory
Ford rakes the F-150 from the factory — the rear sits higher than the front — to account for payload. When the truck is empty, this creates an awkward look and reduced clearance under the front bumper. A leveling kit corrects this by raising the front 1.5"–2.5" to match the rear.
Leveling Kits: The Easiest Entry Point
A leveling kit is the most popular first mod for F-150 owners. It typically consists of a spacer that installs above the front strut. Benefits include:
- Better stance — removes the factory rake
- Clearance for up to 33"–35" tires (depending on year and trim)
- Improved approach angle and front-end clearance
- Easy DIY installation in 2–4 hours
Quality matters here. Cheap spacers can wear CV axles and create vibration. BDS Suspension’s leveling kits are engineered specifically for each F-150 generation and maintain proper suspension geometry.
Full Lift Kits: When You Need More
If you’re running 35" or larger tires, or want serious off-road capability, a full lift kit is the way to go. For the F-150, this typically includes:
- Front coil springs or struts — raises the front 3"–6"
- Rear blocks or add-a-leaf — matches the front lift
- Upper control arms — corrects caster angle lost from front lift
- Shocks — FOX or Bilstein for proper damping at the new ride height
BDS Suspension and Cognito Motorsports both offer complete bolt-on lift kits for the F-150 that include everything needed for a proper install.
Shock Upgrades: More Than Just Lift Height
Even if you’re keeping the stock height, upgrading from factory shocks dramatically improves ride quality and handling. FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks are a popular direct replacement for all F-150 generations — they use the same mounting points as factory but offer significantly better damping.
For lifted trucks or those used off-road, the FOX 2.5 Performance Elite with remote reservoir is the premium choice — better heat management, adjustable damping, and built to last.
Tire Sizing Guide for F-150
| Lift | Max Tire Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | Up to 33" | May require minor trimming |
| 2" Leveling | 33"–35" | Most popular combo |
| 4" Lift | 35"–37" | Requires UCAs |
| 6" Lift | 37"–40" | Consider re-gear |
Shop F-150 Suspension at Dirty Garage
We carry complete F-150 suspension kits and individual components from BDS, FOX, Bilstein, Cognito, and more — all priced in CAD with Canadian shipping. Need help picking the right kit for your year and trim? Contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.