2004 Ford F-150

The rake we are talking about refers to the vehicle you have in your garage: the one that has the nose-down forward slant. Most SUVs and pickups come from the factory with this downward rake. They're usually about 2 inches lower in the front. This is fine for aerodynamics, but it doesn't have the ready-for-action, level stance that most of us want. Skyjacker Suspensions has a quick and easy fix to get your nose back up in the air.

Skyjacker's 2-inch kit will separate you from the masses of stockers. It's also an effective, inexpensive, and safe way to gain tire and ground clearance. Skyjacker offers a diverse line of applications by offering leveling kits for many two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive vehicles: Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, and FJ Cruiser; Chevy/GMC 1500 pickups; and Ford F-150s. The company's newest product line includes aluminum spacers for the top of the OE coilover shocks/struts.

We're going to hit the highlights on an '04 Ford F-150 2WD. It's not a full-blown desert prerunner, but all our 2WD brethren are still truck owners and still part of the cool crowd. This system is simple and straightforward. All you need is the Skyjacker Leveling Kit, a floor jack, two good jackstands, and a few basic handtools.