Talk to a Ram 1500 Sales Tech
1-888-706-1096
M-F 8:30A-11P, Sat-Sun 8:30A-9P

Add Ground Clearance to Your Ford F-150

Adding ground clearance to your Ford F-150 is a popular and beneficial modification for many drivers, especially those who use their truck for off-roading or live in areas where higher ground clearance can significantly improve vehicle performance such as in regions with frequent heavy snowfall. This process typically involves modifying or replacing key components such as suspension systems, wheels, and tires.

The Role of Suspension Systems

The suspension system in a vehicle is what connects the vehicle body to its wheels. Upgrading your F-150's suspension with a lift kit is one of the most effective ways to add ground clearance. Lift kits can range from simple “leveling kits” that raise the front of the truck to match the height of the back, to more comprehensive systems that give all-around lift and allow for larger tires. Lift kits may include coil springs, leaf springs, shocks, struts, control arms, and other components depending on the design. Each kit is designed to provide a specific amount of lift which could range from 1 inch to over 6 inches.

Choosing the Right Wheels and Tires

Complementing the lift kit, you may need to upgrade your F-150's wheels and tires. Larger tires can improve ground clearance and terrain handling. Tire selection depends on the desired application, some may opt for mud-terrain tires for hardcore off-roading while others prefer all-terrain tires for a balanced city and off-road use. Make sure your wheels are compatible with your tire selection, and remember that larger tires may affect your vehicle's speedometer calibration, so an aftermarket speedometer calibrator might be required.

Consideration for Additional Accessories

Additionally, you might need to consider aftermarket accessories such as skid plates which protect the undercarriage, including driveline components and oil pan, from potential damage while off-roading. For extreme lift heights, aftermarket custom-length driveshafts, heavy-duty control arms, and longer brake lines may also be needed for optimal clearance and improved handling. After increasing the ground clearance of your F-150, it's essential to note that this modification can change the vehicle’s center of gravity and aerodynamics which can affect handling, fuel economy, and safety to some extent. Upgraded brakes and steering components might be required to compensate for the change in vehicle dynamics.

The Importance of Professional Installation

Experienced professionals should perform these modifications to ensure they're done safely and accurately, but DIY enthusiasts with mechanic skills can accomplish this task if properly guided. Aftermarket components should be chosen with care, with strong consideration to the quality, the vehicle’s intended usage and the driver’s expertise and typical driving conditions. Adding ground clearance to an F-150 is a popular modification with many off-roading enthusiasts. However, it's important to understand that such upgrades require a significant investment in parts and labor, as well as potential ongoing maintenance. However, with high-quality parts and professional installation, you can greatly enhance your F-150's off-road capability.

How to Add Ground Clearance to Your F-150

How to Add Ground Clearance to Your F-150

Increasing the ride height of your F-150 is a great way to add functionality and can be relatively simple to do with the right mods. This guide will go over how to increase the clearance of your F-150 through a handful of modifications.

Shop F-150 Lifts

A lift kit will allow you to run larger tires, clear more obstacles, and overall improve your truck's style. Leveling kits are useful to even out your truck's ride, especially if you add extra weight. Either way you go, you can expect to turn your truck into a more versatile machine.

Shop Lift Kits

Stock Ford F-150 Ride Height

Depending on the model of your F-150, Ford states your truck came with a ground clearance of either 8.8” or 9.4”. For many truck owners that just isn’t enough height. Ground clearance is important for tackling obstacles on or off-road without binding up your drivetrain or sustaining damage to the underbody, making your truck more capable as a fun off-roader or as a reliable work vehicle. Along with increased performance off-road, increasing ground clearance give your truck a beefier, meaner look.

Zone Offroad 2in Suspension Lift 2009-2017 4wd F150 2
4WD F-150 with a 2in. Suspension Lift

How to Increase Your F-150's Clearance 

There are a variety of ways that one can increase their ground clearance. It depends on how much you want to increase it by, and how much you’re willing to spend. When it comes to lifting your F-150 you can choose from a leveling kit, body lift, suspension lifts, and bigger tires. Keep in mind that with bigger tires you will affect your speedometer, and you need the space in your wheel wells to accommodate them.

Ford F150 Lift Kits | Which Type Is Right For Your Truck?

F-150 Leveling Kits

A leveling kit will simply raise the front of your F-150 two to three inches to make the front even with the rear or the rear even with the front. This is important for a variety of reasons. For starters they create a smoother ride since your vehicle sits more level. Secondly, they are excellent for adjusting your truck's ride after adding weight to the front end of your truck. F-150 leveling kits are very similar to body lifts, just with a different purpose. Leveling kits are offered to fix lift issues and make the vehicle level whereas body lifts increase lift all around.

Leveling kits are usually used when truck owners add bumpers, winches, lights, etc and increase weight on the front of the vehicle. This added weight takes a toll on your truck's suspension, and adding a leveling kit can distribute the weight easier, removing stress on the lift/suspension.

F150 Raptor 2010-2014 2in Leveling Kit
2" Leveling Kit for 2010-2014 Raptors

Why Isn't My F-150 Level from the Factory?

In short, because of towing. The front end of your F-150 sits lower than the bed, so when you add the weight of a trailer and cargo the truck sits level. If you're planning on using your truck to tow, you'll want to consider a lift kit instead of a leveling kit to make sure you don't hamper your towing ability. A dedicated show truck can make excellent use of a leveling kit for a more stream lined appearance. A leveling kit is also useful for owners who don't want extra height, but instead want a better ride down the highway.

The 3 Best F150 Leveling Kits For 2015 - 2018 Ford F150

F-150 Body Lifts

An F-150 body lift will raise the nose and cab up from the frame, but this won’t do a whole lot for your ground clearance (if that’s your main goal). Body lifts will lift your body off the frame allowing you to run larger tires. Ford F-150 body lifts will not increase ground clearance unless you also increase tire size. Essentially, a body lift is a first step to increasing clearance. A body lift plus bigger tires will get you slightly further off the ground, but remember your suspension hasn't been altered. You'll look taller without actually being taller.

Readylift 7in Off Road Lift 2009-2014 2wd 2012-2014 4wd F150
7in. Lift on an F-150

Purpose: F-150 Suspension Lift Kits

If your main goal is to increase ground clearance under the axle than an F-150 suspension lift along with increasing your tire size is the only way to do it. A F-150 lift kit will give you the most ground clearance while also allowing you more room for bigger wheels. The bigger wheel will add even more clearance to your F-150. It’s important to keep in mind when going through with a suspension lift that when it isn’t done properly, it can do some serious damage to your front end suspension components.

A combination of a lift kit and increasing your F-150’s wheel size will give you the most ground clearance. Keep in mind some states only allow a maximum clearance increase of 4” (2” on tires and 2” on suspension or lifts). The reasoning is these alterations shift the truck’s center of gravity which makes the vehicle more likely to roll over. Also in the event of a collision, your face a greater risk of rolling over the other car rather than the bumper colliding with the other vehicle.

F150 2015-2018 4wd 6in Lift Kit Zone Offroad
Massive 6in Lift Kit for 2015-2016 4WD F-150s

Overall, if you’re looking for a small lift go for a leveling kit which will give you a nice amount of lift without so much hassle. For you truck junkies out there who want all they can get, go for the full lift kit with a larger wheel size to maximize your F-150’s height.

1997-2003 F-150 Lift Kit & Wheel/Tire Fitment Chart

Tires Wheels
1.5" Leveling Kit (2WD)
31x10.5 Tires Max Stock size
2" Leveling Kit (4WD)
31x10.5 Tires Max Stock size
2.5" Leveling Kit (4WD)
33x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
33x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
275/60-18 18x7 to 18x8.5
LT325/60-18 18x9 to 18x12
31x10.5 Stock size
1", 1.5", 2" Rear Blocks
Angled to Correct Pinion Angle Stock size
2" Lift Kits
33x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
33x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
275/60-18 18x7 to 18x8.5
LT325/60-18 18x9 to 18x12
2.5" Lift Kits
33x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
33x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
275/60-18 18x7 to 18x8.5
LT325/60-18 18x9 to 18x12
3" & 3.5" Lift Kits (2WD)
31x10.50 Stock sizes
4" & 4.5" Lift Kits (4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
35x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10
5" Lift Kits (4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
35x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10
6" Lift Kits (4WD)
34" tire max (w/ some trimming required)  
275/60-20 20x7.5 to 20x9.5
305/50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
LT325/65-18 18x9 to 18x12
LT295/70-19 18x7.5 to 18x10
LT295/60-20 20x8 to 20x10

2004-2008 F-150 Lift Kits & Wheel/Tire Fitment Chart

Tires Wheels
1" to 1.5" Leveling Kits (2WD/4WD)
31x10.5 max Stock sizes
2" to 2.75" Lift Kits (2WD/4WD)
33x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
33x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
275/60-18 18x7 to 18x8.5
LT325/60-18 18x9 to 18x12
2.5" Lift Kits (4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
35x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10
3" Lift Kits (2WD/4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
35x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10
4"-5" Lift Kits (4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
35x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10
6" Lift Kits (4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
35x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10

2009-2014 F-150 Lift Kits & Wheel/Tire Fitment Chart

Tires Wheels
1" to 1.5" Leveling Kits (2WD/4WD)
31x10.5 Tires max Stock sizes
2" to 2.75" Lift Kits (2WD/4WD)
33x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
33x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
275/60-18 18x7 to 18x8.5
LT325/60-18 18x9 to 18x12
2.5" Lift Kits (4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
35x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10
3" Lift Kits (2WD/4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
35x12.50-18 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10
4"-5" Lift Kits (4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x8.5 tp 18x11
35x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10
6" Lift Kits (4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x.5 to 18x11
35x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10

2015-2018 F-150 Lift Kits & Wheel/Tire Fitment Chart

Tires Wheels
1.5" - 2.5" Leveling Kits (4WD)
34" Tire max (w/ some trimming required) Stock sizes
275/60-20 20x7.5 to 20x9.5
305/55-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
LT325/65-18 18x9 to 18x12
LT295/70-19 18x7.5 to 18x10
295/65-18 18x9 w/ trimming
285/70-19 19x9 w/ trimming
305/55-20 20x9 w/ trimming
305/45-22 22x9 w/ trimming
2" - 2.5" Lift Kits (2WD/4WD)
33x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
33x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
275/60-18 18x7 to 18.5
LT325/60-18 18x9 to 18x12
4" - 4.5" Lift Kits (4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
35x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10
5" Lift Kits (4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
35x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.8 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10
6" Lift Kits (4WD)
35x12.50-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
35x12.50-20 20x8.5 to 20x11
308/70-18 18x8.5 to 18x11
LT295/65-20 20x8 to 20x10
7" Lift Kits (4WD)
37" Tire Max  
Fitment includes: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, XL, XLT, Lariat, Lightning, KingRanch, HarleyDavidson, STX, FX2, FX4, Limited, SVTRaptor, Platinum, FXTremor