Leveling Kits Article
Your Playing Field – Installing Pro Comp's New Level
story and photos by Matt Emery
In little more than 3-hours, this 2007 Ford F-150 has been transferred from a drooping stocker into a one that has the right attitude, and thanks to the Pro Comp wheel and tire combo, it has the looks to deserve it.
All thanks to the addition of a Pro
Comp Level Lift.
As with many things in life, we understand the reasons why people do things. But it doesn't mean that we have to like them. Such is the case with many pickup manufacturers that engineer a slight nose-down attitude into their trucks. We're sure that they figure when the truck bed is fully loaded, this weight will level the truck, thus ensuring better handling characteristics. But for the 98% of the time the truck is unloaded, this snout droop is not only unattractive, it may even adversely affect handling and could cause an over-steer condition.
That is where Pro
Comp's new Level Lift Kit comes in. Though it comes in various forms to fit various vehicles (spacer or torsion keys), the Level Lift unit for this 2007 F-150 is the spacer type. Made from high grade steel and featuring a black powder-coated finish, the leveling kit spacer sits atop the strut and adds 2-inches of clearance to the front end of the truck. This additional clearance gives an improved look while retaining the stock OEM steering geometry and ride quality. This leveling
kit also allows for larger diameter wheels and tires to be used. Pro Comp says that depending on the application, 32 to 37-inch tires can be installed. In the case of this Ford, a set of 33-inch Pro Comp Xtreme M/T tires fits nicely.
While the Level Lift can be installed onto the stock strut, Pro Comp does offer their ES series nitrogen charged shock that is a direct replacement for the stock unit, and since it is nitrogen charged it will last longer under arduous conditions and still give precise valving and feel. Pro Comp also offers their ES9000 shocks to replace the stock rear shocks. Both shocks are a direct replacement for the stock units. Note: the Pro Comp ES struts and shocks can be used with leveling kits or as stock replacement upgrades.
With the addition of the larger than stock wheels and tires (or a gearing change, for that matter), the speedometer will not accurately display the correct miles per hour. In the old days, the drive gear in the tranny had to be replaced. Now that trucks are computer controlled, fixing this problem is only a click away. Pro Comp's new Accu
Pro Calibration Tool plugs directly into the vehicle's diagnostic port and allows the computer to be modified to read the diameter of the new tires so that the speedo is accurate. The unit can also read and clear vehicle DTC's (diagnostic trouble codes).
We were on hand as the crew at the Chula Vista, California 4 Wheel Parts Performance Center installed the Pro Comp Level Lift Kit onto this 2007 Ford F150. Due to the need of a sturdy, wall mounted spring compressor, this is a job that should be done by professionals. The result is that the Ford looks great and is much more off-road friendly.
So if you are thinking that your truck needs something, but don't want to go for a full suspension lift, the Level
Lift could be just what you are looking for.
Sources:
Pro Comp Suspension
www.ProCompUSA.com
Pro Comp Tire and Wheels
www.ProCompTires.com
4 Wheel Parts Performance Center
1247 Broadway Ave.
Chula Vista, CA
619-425-4337
http://www.4wheelparts.com