Ford F-150 Lift Kits and Leveling Kits: What Fits Your Truck
Raising a Ford F-150 usually means a front leveling kit, a complete lift kit, or a coilover and upper control arm setup. Which one fits depends on your generation and trim first, then on the tire size you want. This guide sorts F-150 leveling kits and lift kits by generation (2009–2014, 2015–2020 and 2021+), covers the Raptor separately, and lists what to check before you order.
Short answer: An F-150 leveling kit raises the front about 1.5–2.5 inches to remove factory rake, and is usually enough for slightly larger tires. A lift kit raises both ends, typically 3.5 to 6 inches, for 35 inch tires and up. Kits are generation-specific, and many exclude Tremor, Raptor and factory pre-lifted trucks, so match your year, drivetrain and trim exactly.
Leveling kit, lift kit or coilovers: what changes
The F-150 leaves the factory with the nose lower than the tail so it can carry weight without squatting. A leveling kit removes most of that rake, a lift kit raises the whole truck, and a coilover system replaces the front struts so you can set ride height and change how it rides. Our leveling kit vs lift kit guide covers the general tradeoffs; here is how it plays out on the F-150.
| Type | Typical F-150 height | What it changes | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front leveling kit (strut spacer) | 2–2.25 in. front | Spacer on top of the factory strut; factory shocks and springs stay | Removing rake, slightly larger tires, keeping a stock ride |
| Rear block or add-a-leaf | 1.5–5.5 in. rear | Raises the rear axle on the leaf springs | Restoring rake for towing, or matching a front lift |
| Mid-height lift kit (SST) | 3.5 in. front, 1.5–2.5 in. rear | Front spacers plus upper control arms and rear blocks | 35 inch tires on a daily driver |
| Coilover system (ICON stages) | 0–4.5 in. front, adjustable | Replaces front struts and rear shocks; some add upper control arms | Ride quality and off-road damping, with adjustable height |
| 6 inch big lift | 6 in. | New knuckles, crossmembers, differential drop, rear blocks | 35s on the base size and 37s with trimming, per ReadyLIFT |
ICON coilover kits list a lift range, such as 0–2.75 inches. That is the adjustable span, not a fixed amount, so the same kit can level the truck or lift it.
What to check before you order
- Year and generation. 2014 trucks have their own ICON kits, separate from 2009–2013. ReadyLIFT builds separate leveling kits for 2015–2020 and 2021+ trucks, while a few simple spacer kits (ICON Alloys, Fishbone Offroad) are listed across wider year ranges, so match the exact years on the listing.
- 2WD or 4WD. Many kits are drivetrain-specific. ReadyLIFT's 6 inch systems are 4WD only, and its 3.5 inch SST kit for 2021–2026 comes in separate 2WD and 4WD versions.
- Trim and packages. Tremor, Raptor, FX4, factory pre-lifted or leveled trucks, and trucks with the off-road package are excluded from several kits. Read the fitment notes on each product page.
- Electronics. Check for CCD (Continuously Controlled Damping) adaptive shocks and BlueCruise. ReadyLIFT makes a separate 6 inch kit for CCD trucks, its MAX3.3 kits do not fit CCD trucks, and several ReadyLIFT kits are not compatible with BlueCruise.
- Factory ride height. ReadyLIFT asks you to measure from the wheel hub center straight up to the fender lip. Its 2.0 inch 2021–2026 kit should not go on trucks over 22.5 inches; for its 2.25 inch 2015–2020 kit, more than 22 inches means you need a different kit.
- Wheels and tires. Tire fit listings assume a specific wheel width and offset. Read our wheel offset and backspacing guide before you pick tires.
F-150 lift and leveling options by generation
2009–2014 F-150
For this generation, most of what we carry is ICON coilover systems, built in Stages 1 through 5. ICON splits 2009–2013 and 2014 into separate kits, and 2WD and 4WD into separate kits, so match all three. The 4WD kits are listed at 0–2.63 inches for Stages 1–3 and 1.75–2.63 inches for Stages 4–5, and many come in billet or tubular upper control arm versions. The ICON Stage 3 system for 2009–2013 F-150 4WD pairs 2.5 inch internal reservoir coilovers with billet upper control arms and 2.5 inch piggyback rear shocks; the 2014 4WD equivalent is ICON Stage 3 with billet UCAs for the 2014 F-150 4WD.
For a simple front level, the ICON Alloys 2 inch steel leveling spacer kit is listed for 2004–2025 F-150 2WD and 4WD and bolts on top of the factory strut, and the Fishbone Offroad 2 inch leveling kit is listed for 2004–2021 2WD and 4WD trucks. For the rear, ReadyLIFT's 1.5 inch rear add-a-leaf kit slips into the factory spring pack; ReadyLIFT's description lists 2004–2014 trucks, so confirm on the product page.
2015–2020 F-150
ReadyLIFT's 2.25 inch leveling kit for 2015–2020 uses billet aluminum offset strut spacers and is for trucks at base factory height only, not pre-lifted, leveled or off-road package trucks. ReadyLIFT lists up to a 35 inch tire diameter with trimming. The next step is the ReadyLIFT 3.5 inch SST lift kit: 3.5 inches up front, 2 inches in back, tubular upper control arms and cast rear blocks, and it clears 35x11.50 tires according to ReadyLIFT. 4WD owners who want 6 inches can look at the ReadyLIFT 6 inch MAX3.3 system, which does not fit CCD-equipped, 2WD or Raptor trucks.
On the coilover side, ICON's Stage 3 system for 2015–2020 4WD (0–2.63 inch) adds billet upper control arms with ICON's Delta Joint. 2WD trucks get their own ICON kits, listed at 0–3 inches for Stages 1–3 and 1.75–3 inches for Stages 4–5.
2021–2026 F-150
This generation has the widest choice. The ReadyLIFT 2.0 inch leveling kit fits 2WD and 4WD trucks in most trims, now including Lightning, but not Tremor. It includes cam plates and cam nuts, and ReadyLIFT lists a 295/60-20 on a 20x9 +18 wheel with no trimming. For more height, the ReadyLIFT 3.5 inch SST comes in a 4WD version (excludes Tremor, FX4 and pre-lifted trucks; 2.5 inch rear blocks) and a 2WD version (excludes Tremor; ReadyLIFT lists 3.5 inches front and 1.5 inches rear).
At 6 inches, ReadyLIFT makes two 4WD paths: the MAX3.3 system with Falcon Fast Adjust dampers for trucks without CCD, and the 6 inch Big Lift for CCD trucks, which keeps the factory adaptive system in play but does not include shocks and excludes BlueCruise, Tremor, Raptor and diesel trucks.
ICON's 2021–2026 4WD coilover kits come in three height bands: 0–2.75 inches, 2.75–3.5 inches (adds upper control arms, billet or tubular), and 3.5–4.5 inches, which adds ductile iron steering knuckles that ICON says replicate Tremor geometry. In the 0–2.75 inch line, the stages step up like this: Stage 1 uses internal reservoir coilovers with 2.0 rear shocks, Stage 2 moves to 2.5 piggyback rear shocks, Stage 3 adds remote reservoir coilovers (ICON Stage 3, 0–2.75 inch), Stage 4 adds 10-position CDCV compression adjustment, and Stage 5 uses CDEV electronic valves with ICON Intelligent Control.
Tremor owners have dedicated parts: ReadyLIFT's 3 inch front lift for 2021–2024 Tremor, its 2.5 inch kit for 2025–2026 Tremor (ReadyLIFT notes 2021–2024 Tremors keep more rake and recommends its rear block kit with it), and ICON's Stage 3 Tremor system, 2.5–3 inch. Both ReadyLIFT Tremor kits are listed as not compatible with BlueCruise.
F-150 Raptor: keep it separate
The Raptor has its own front suspension and factory long-travel shocks, so standard F-150 kits do not fit it. Raptor leveling kits work with the factory coilovers instead.
| Raptor generation | Leveling | Lift or full system |
|---|---|---|
| 2010–2014 (Gen 1, SVT) | None in this lineup | ICON Stages 1–4 and an RXT rear system; ICON Stage 1 pairs 3.0 front coilovers with 3.0 rear bypass shocks |
| 2017–2020 (Gen 2) | ReadyLIFT 2.5 inch or 1.5 inch; ICON Alloys adjustment collar, 0.5–2.25 inch | ReadyLIFT 2.5 inch SST with 4 inch rear blocks; ICON 1–3 inch 3.0 systems, Stages 1–4 |
| 2021–2026 (Gen 3) | ReadyLIFT 1.5 inch; ICON Alloys adjustment collar, 0.5–2.5 inch (2021–2025) | ICON Stage 1, 2.25 inch (2 inch on Raptor R) keeps the OE shocks; ICON 1–3 inch Stage 4 (2021–2025) with 3.0 coilovers and bypass rears |
- Gen 2 ReadyLIFT kits bolt onto the factory Fox internal bypass coilovers and include control arm bump stops to limit over-droop. ReadyLIFT lists 37x12.5 tires with minor trimming. The SST kit has not been tested on Shelby Raptors.
- Gen 3 ReadyLIFT 1.5 inch is not for Raptors with the factory 37 inch package or aftermarket coilovers, and ReadyLIFT lists 35x12.50 on a 20x9 +18 wheel.
- ICON's adjustment collar uses a collar and shim instead of preload alone; ICON says this keeps the OE shock in its ride zone and needs no shock disassembly.
- ICON's Gen 3 Stage 1 uses linear-rate front springs and triple-rate rear coils that add 1 inch in back, and keeps full electronic shock function. The same front lift is sold alone as the ICON front 2.25 inch coil spring kit.
Upper control arms, rear blocks and alignment parts
Lifting the front changes the upper ball joint angle. Past a couple of inches, many builds add aftermarket upper control arms to bring alignment back in range and reduce binding at full droop.
- 2009–2020. ICON billet upper control arms with Delta Joint, with on-vehicle camber and caster adjustment.
- 2021–2026. ICON billet upper control arms with Delta Joint PRO, or ReadyLIFT Mid Level upper control arms for 2 to 3.5 inch lifts (not for 6 inch kits). If your truck has dynamic bending headlamps and you run ICON billet arms, ICON sells a headlamp sensor bracket kit to keep that system working.
- Rear blocks. The ReadyLIFT 2.5 inch rear block kit fits 2021–2026 2WD and 4WD and is a single block, so no stacking. ReadyLIFT also makes 1.5 to 5.5 inch block kits; check each listing for years and drivetrain.
- Alignment. The ReadyLIFT cam alignment bracket kit (2004–2026) adds four cams and four plates for extra adjustment range after a lift or level.
Common mistakes and what a lift changes
- Skipping the alignment. Any change in front height moves camber, caster and toe. Get a professional alignment right after install, and have the headlights re-aimed.
- Stacking spacers or blocks. Use one kit at its listed height. Stacking leveling spacers or rear blocks is not how these kits are designed, and ReadyLIFT specifically designs its blocks to avoid stacking.
- Ignoring CV angles on 4WD trucks. Lifting the front increases front axle (CV) angle. Higher lifts handle this with knuckles or a differential drop, and more lift generally means more wear on front-end parts.
- Forgetting payload and towing. Leveling removes the rake that hides squat under load. If you tow heavy, a rear block kit restores some rake; stay within Ford's ratings.
- Not checking local rules. Some states limit bumper height, headlight height or lift amount. Rules vary by state, so check yours.
If you are building the truck for travel, our F-150 overland build guide covers armor, racks and recovery gear that pair with a lift, and the F-150 lighting upgrade guide covers headlight aim and ditch lights.
What NVMOS carries
We carry F-150 and Raptor suspension from ICON Vehicle Dynamics, ReadyLIFT, ICON Alloys and Fishbone Offroad. A few to start with:
Leveling kits
- ReadyLIFT 2.0 inch Leveling Kit, 2021–2026 F-150
- ReadyLIFT 2.25 inch Leveling Kit, 2015–2020 F-150
- ICON Alloys 2 inch Front Leveling Spacer Kit, 2004–2025 F-150
- Fishbone Offroad 2 inch Leveling Kit, 2004–2021 F-150
Lift kits and coilover systems
- ReadyLIFT 3.5 inch SST Lift Kit, 2021–2026 F-150 4WD
- ReadyLIFT 3.5 inch SST Lift Kit, 2015–2020 F-150
- ReadyLIFT 6 inch MAX3.3 Suspension System, 2021–2026 F-150 4WD
- ICON Stage 3 Suspension System, 0–2.75 inch, 2021–2026 F-150 4WD
- ICON Stage 3 Suspension System, Billet UCA, 2015–2020 F-150 4WD
- ReadyLIFT 3 inch Front Lift Kit, 2021–2024 F-150 Tremor
Raptor
- ReadyLIFT 1.5 inch Leveling Kit, 2021–2026 Raptor
- ICON Stage 1 Suspension System, 2021–2026 Raptor
- ReadyLIFT 2.5 inch SST Lift Kit, 2017–2020 Raptor
Supporting parts
- ICON Billet Upper Control Arms with Delta Joint PRO, 2021–2026 F-150
- ReadyLIFT Cam Alignment Bracket Kit, 2004–2026 F-150
Browse by category: Ford F-150, Ford F-150 Raptor, leveling kits, lift kits, coilover kits, control arms and coil spacers. You can also shop by vehicle, check current lead times, or read our vendor warranty policies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best leveling kit for a 2021 F-150?
It depends on trim. For most 2021–2026 2WD and 4WD trucks, the ReadyLIFT 2.0 inch leveling kit is built for this generation and includes cam plates and cam nuts for alignment. It does not fit Tremor, so Tremor owners should look at ReadyLIFT's Tremor-specific front kits instead.
How much lift does an F-150 leveling kit give?
The F-150 front leveling kits we carry give about 2 to 2.25 inches on standard trucks, and from 0.5 to 2.5 inches for Raptors depending on the kit and setting. The goal is to remove factory rake, not to make the truck dramatically taller.
Can I put 35s on an F-150 with a leveling kit?
Sometimes, with trimming and the right wheel. ReadyLIFT lists up to a 35 inch tire with trimming for its 2.25 inch 2015–2020 kit, while its 2.0 inch 2021–2026 kit lists a 295/60-20 on a 20x9 +18 wheel with no trimming. Wheel offset matters as much as lift height.
Do I need an alignment after leveling my F-150?
Yes. Any change to front ride height changes camber, caster and toe, so plan on a professional alignment right after install, and have the headlight aim checked too. ReadyLIFT recommends both after installing its rear block kit.
What is the difference between an F-150 and a Raptor lift kit?
Raptors use different front suspension, with factory bypass coilovers and wider track, so standard F-150 kits do not fit them, and most standard F-150 lifts specifically exclude the Raptor. Raptor kits work with or replace the factory long-travel shocks.
Will a lift kit void my F-150 warranty?
A lift does not automatically void the whole warranty, but a dealer can deny claims on parts they believe the lift affected, such as CV joints, ball joints or wheel bearings. Policies vary, so ask your dealer before you install, and read the vendor's own warranty terms on our vendor warranty policies page.
Does a leveling kit fit an F-150 Tremor?
Not the standard ones. The ReadyLIFT 2.0 inch 2021–2026 kit and the 3.5 inch SST kits exclude Tremor. Tremor trucks have their own options: ReadyLIFT's 3 inch front kit for 2021–2024 Tremor and 2.5 inch kit for 2025–2026 Tremor, plus ICON's Tremor-specific coilover systems.
Not sure which lift or leveling kit fits your F-150? Call a real person at (920) 249-7744 or send us a message, and we will help you sort it out.
