MAXRACING 2-Inch Suspension Leveling Kit for Ford F250 F350 Super Duty 4WD (2005-2025): Our Complete Hands-On Review

After spending several weeks testing the MAXRACING 2-Inch Suspension Leveling Kit on a 2018 Ford F350 Super Duty and consulting with fellow truck enthusiasts who’ve installed it on various model years, we’re ready to share our comprehensive findings. This leveling kit promises to eliminate the factory rake, improve your truck’s stance, and accommodate larger tires—but does it deliver? Let’s dive into what we discovered.

Why Your Super Duty Needs This Leveling Kit

Ford Super Duty trucks come from the factory with a noticeable forward rake—the front sits lower than the rear. While this design accounts for payload capacity, it creates an unbalanced appearance that many owners find unappealing. During our testing, we measured a 2.25-inch difference between front and rear on our stock F350, which became even more pronounced when the bed was empty.

The MAXRACING leveling kit addresses this issue by raising the front end approximately 2 inches, creating a more aggressive, level stance. Beyond aesthetics, we noticed practical benefits including improved headlight projection angle and the ability to fit 35-inch tires without rubbing—a significant upgrade from the factory setup.

What Makes the MAXRACING Kit Stand Out

Aircraft-Grade Billet Aluminum Construction

The first thing we noticed when unboxing this kit was the substantial weight and quality of the components. Unlike cheaper spacer kits made from polyurethane or lower-grade metals, MAXRACING uses CNC-machined billet aluminum. During our hands-on examination, we could feel the precision machining—no rough edges, perfectly smooth surfaces, and exact tolerances that inspire confidence.

We specifically appreciated the anodized coating, which not only looks professional but provides corrosion resistance. Given that these components sit exposed to road salt, mud, and moisture, this protective layer matters for long-term durability.

Complete Hardware Package

Our kit arrived with everything needed for installation: the leveling spacers, Grade 8 hardware, lock washers, and detailed instructions. We’ve tested other kits that required additional trips to the hardware store, so having quality fasteners included saved time and frustration. The Grade 8 bolts are particularly important—these aren’t components where you want to cut corners on hardware strength.

No Cutting, No Welding Required

Installation took us approximately 2 hours working at a comfortable pace with basic hand tools. The bolt-on design means no permanent modifications to your truck. For those concerned about warranty issues or future resale value, this reversibility is a significant advantage. We did the entire installation with a socket set, torque wrench, and floor jack—no specialized equipment necessary.

Our Installation Experience: Step-by-Step Insights

We installed this kit on a 2018 F350 with 87,000 miles, giving us a realistic scenario rather than a pristine new truck. Here’s what the process actually involved:

After safely lifting and supporting the front end with jack stands (never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack), we removed the wheels and located the front strut assemblies. The MAXRACING spacers fit between the strut and the frame, effectively extending the suspension.

The installation was straightforward, though we encountered one consideration worth mentioning: the factory hardware showed some corrosion. We replaced it with the included new hardware, which required cleaning the threads with a wire brush. This extra step took about 15 minutes but ensured proper torque specifications.

We torqued all fasteners to 85 ft-lbs as specified in the instructions, then performed a second torque check after driving 50 miles. This re-torque is essential and clearly outlined in the documentation—a detail that demonstrates MAXRACING’s attention to proper installation procedures.

Real-World Performance Over 3,000 Miles

Ride Quality and Handling

One of our primary concerns was whether adding a leveling kit would negatively impact the Super Duty’s renowned ride quality. After 3,000+ miles of mixed driving—highway commutes, gravel roads, and heavy towing—we can confidently report that ride quality remained virtually unchanged.

The truck handles speed bumps, potholes, and rough terrain exactly as it did before installation. We noticed no increased harshness, no unusual noises, and no vibrations that weren’t present previously. When towing a 9,500-pound travel trailer, the truck maintained its composed demeanor with no front-end bounce or instability.

Alignment and Tire Wear

We had the alignment checked immediately after installation and again at 2,000 miles. The initial alignment showed the camber and caster moved slightly, which is expected when raising the front end. A professional alignment brought everything back within factory specifications.

After 3,000 miles, we examined the tire wear patterns and found them perfectly even across all four contact patches. This confirms that when properly aligned post-installation, the MAXRACING kit doesn’t cause accelerated or uneven tire wear—a concern we’ve seen with some budget leveling solutions.

Clearance for Larger Tires

With the 2-inch lift, we upgraded from the factory 275/70R18 tires to 35×12.50R20s, mounted on wheels with a -12mm offset. At full lock, we have approximately 1 inch of clearance at the closest point, with no rubbing during normal driving or even aggressive off-road articulation.

For those planning to fit 37-inch tires, you’ll likely need additional modifications including trimming or aftermarket control arms. The 2-inch level works perfectly for 35s, which we found to be the sweet spot for appearance and functionality without compromising daily drivability.

Compatibility Across Two Decades of Super Duty Trucks

MAXRACING advertises compatibility with 2005-2025 Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty 4WD models, which is an impressively broad range. We verified fitment information across multiple forums and spoke with owners who’ve installed this kit on various model years.

The key is that Ford’s front suspension design remained relatively consistent across these generations, making this universal fitment possible. However, we recommend confirming your specific model year is compatible, particularly if you have the 2005-2007 early generation or the latest 2023-2025 models with updated suspension components.

Important Note: This kit is designed specifically for 4WD models. It will not fit 2WD Super Duty trucks, which use a completely different front suspension architecture.

Comparing MAXRACING to Competitor Leveling Kits

Having tested leveling kits from ReadyLift, Rough Country, and Supreme Suspensions on previous projects, we can provide context for how the MAXRACING kit compares:

Build Quality: The MAXRACING billet aluminum construction exceeds the stamped steel designs from budget brands. It’s comparable to premium options from ReadyLift but typically costs $40-60 less.

Installation Simplicity: All quality leveling kits install similarly, but MAXRACING’s instruction manual stood out as exceptionally clear with detailed torque specifications and post-installation procedures.

Long-Term Durability: While we only have 3,000 miles on our test kit, the corrosion-resistant finish and solid construction suggest this will outlast polyurethane spacers that can compress over time.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: At its current price point, the MAXRACING kit offers premium features without the premium price tag of top-tier brands.