Lowering Kit Guide for 2013 Ford F150 Trucks
Lowering Your 2013 Ford F150 for Improved Handling and Appearance
If you own a 2013 Ford F150 pickup truck, you may be interested in modifying the suspension to lower the ride height. Lowering kits are a popular way to enhance the look and performance of trucks like the F150. With a good quality lowering kit installed, your truck will have improved handling dynamics, a more aggressive stance, and potentially even increased fuel economy.
Benefits of Lowering Your 2013 Ford F150
There are many advantages to installing a lowering kit on a 2013 F150:
- Lower center of gravity - Lowers the truck's center of gravity for better handling through corners and emergency maneuvers.
- Improved aerodynamics - Reducing ride height decreases aerodynamic drag, boosting mileage.
- Enhanced appearance - Dropping your truck gives it a more muscular, planted profile.
- Increased wheel clearance - Allows fitting larger diameter wheels and tires.
- Better transmission efficiency - Keeps driveshafts and U-joints operating at more optimal angles.
Types of Lowering Kits Available
There are three main types of lowering kits for the 2013 F150:
- Coil springs - Replaces stock coil springs with shorter, stiffer units.
- Lowering blocks - Installed between leaf spring and axle to subtly drop the rear.
- Air suspension - Uses air bags and electronic controls to adjust ride height on demand.
Coil spring kits deliver the most significant drop while retaining a comfortable ride. Lowering blocks provide a more modest reduction in stance for a subtle change. Air suspension kits are the most adjustable but also the most complex and expensive option.
Important Considerations for Lowering Your Truck
Dropping an F150 more than a couple of inches can create some drawbacks to bear in mind:
- Decreased ground clearance - Could hamper off-roading and cause issues on uneven roads.
- Altered suspension geometry - Can introduce bump steer if not properly realigned.
- Voided warranty - Most manufacturers won't honor warranties after certain mods.
- Reduced suspension travel - Impacts ride comfort and suspension component life.
- Non-adjustable drop - Makes returning to stock ride height difficult or impossible.
The 2013 F150 has a factory ground clearance up to 9.4 inches. Most owners lower trucks between 1.5 and 3 inches to avoid seriously affecting capability or component life. Keeping the drop modest also helps maintain a more factory-like ride.
Our Top Pick Lowering Kit for 2013 Ford F150
Based on performance, adjustability and value, our top recommended lowering kit for the 2013 F150 is:
- Belltech 5986 Lowering Kit with 2/3 Rear Blocks
Belltech is one of the premier names in truck and SUV suspension components. This kit offers front coil springs that lower the F150 2 inches up front. It includes rear lowering blocks with urethane bump stops that provide a 1.25 inch rear drop. This delivers a subtle yet highly functional stance improvement.
The Belltech kit retains good ground clearance to maintain off-road accessibility and prevent issues with steep driveways or parking lot entrances. The front and rear drop amounts are matched closely to retain factory suspension geometry. So realignment is generally not needed unless paired with larger wheels. We found ride quality remains comfortable yet more controlled around corners.
The Belltech 5986 kit costs around $430 and can typically be installed at home with hand tools in 4-6 hours. It carries a limited lifetime warranty and is made in the USA.
Professional Truck Lowering Kit Installation
While mechanically inclined DIYers can install most lowering kits at home, having the job done by a professional shop has some advantages:
- Skill with alignment changes and modifications
- Proper tools to compress springs and handle heavy parts
- Access to vehicle lifts for ease of installation
- Additional safety precautions against injury
- Testing and adjustment of headlights after change in attitude
The cost of professional installation for a basic coil spring lowering kit averages $450-700. This includes the alignment service needed after the job. Air suspension kits require specialized knowledge and typically must be installed by professionals familiar with the unique components and programming involved.
Enjoy the Look and Performance Your Lowered 2013 Ford F150 Provides
With the right Belltech lowering kit installed, you can give your 2013 F150 a more eye-catching profile that handles better in curves and corners. Just keep an eye on reduced ground clearance and remember that lowered trucks may require more careful driving in certain conditions. But overall, dropping your F150 subtly enhances both aesthetics and performance.