If you're inquiring will a leveling kit void ford warranty defense, you aren't by yourself; it's basically the very first thing every F-150 or Ranger owner considers before these people start messing along with their suspension. You want that leveled-out, aggressive look, however you definitely don't want to be stuck with a five-figure repair bill since the dealership made a decision your two-inch spacer "broke" the whole truck.
The short solution is: No, a leveling kit will not automatically void your own entire Ford warranty. Nevertheless, it can certainly cause a specific warranty claim to be denied in the event that that kit is found to be the reason some thing broke. It's a bit of a gray area, plus understanding how Ford (and the law) looks at modifications will save you a massive headache down the road.
The Difference Between Voiding and Denying
One of the biggest myths in the truck world is that adding a part "voids the warranty. " People talk about it such as the dealership flips a switch and suddenly your bumper-to-bumper coverage vanishes into nothing. That's just not how this works.
Even if a person install a leveling kit, your warranty stays active for everything else within the truck. If your infotainment screen goes black, your power windows stop working, or your transmission starts acting upward, Ford still provides to cover these under the stock warranty. A leveling kit has definitely nothing to do with your radio or your sunroof.
Exactly what can take place is a denied claim . If you show up at the particular service department with a blown-out CURRICULUM VITAE boot or a snapped ball combined, and the technician sees a massive spacer sitting on top of your strut, they might say, "Hey, this part failed because the leveling kit place it at a good extreme angle. " In that situation, they'll deny that will specific repair, plus you'll be paying out out of wallet.
Understanding the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Take action
You've possibly heard people mention this law in forums, and it's your best friend when it arrives to modifications. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Take action is a federal government law that fundamentally says a producer cannot deny a warranty claim simply because you used an aftermarket part.
To reject your claim, the duty of proof is usually on Ford. They have to prove that the particular leveling kit—or the way it had been installed—actually caused the failure . They can't just point at the kit and say "no" because they feel like it.
That being said, don't enter the particular dealership with a chip on the shoulder acting like a lawyer. As the law is in your favor, showing them wrong in a legal battle is expensive plus time-consuming. It's much better to realize what parts are at risk so you can imod your truck intelligently.
Which Components Are Most Likely to Lose Coverage?
When you level a truck, you're altering the geometry from the front suspension. Because of that, there are specific components that will the dealership will look at with a magnifying cup if they fail.
Suspension Elements
This is usually the obvious one. If you put a spacer kit on and your factory struts wear out prematurely, Ford is likely going to blame the kit. The same goes for your upper and lower handle arms. Leveling sets often push these types of parts to their particular physical limits, therefore it's not specifically a stretch with regard to a mechanic in order to say the mod caused the wear.
CV Axle assemblies and Boots
For 4WD vehicles, this is the particular big one. When you raise the front-end, the angle of the CV axles becomes steeper. If that angle is usually too aggressive, the rubber boots may tear, or the bones themselves can begin clicking and binding. In case you've got a level as well as your RESUME axle snaps, don't expect Ford to pick up the tab.
Steering Racks and Link Rods
Transforming the height and angle of the suspension puts even more stress within the steerage system. In case your digital power steering stand fails, a rigid dealership might try out to link it back to the increased stress from the leveling kit or the larger tires you probably place on just after.
The "Ford Performance" Loophole
If you're really concerned about the will a leveling kit void ford warranty question, there is a "safe" route. Ford actually sells their own leveling kits through the particular Ford Performance directory. These are usually high-quality coilovers produced by brands like Monk or Bilstein, however they come with a Ford part amount.
When you have a Ford dealer set up a Ford Performance leveling kit, you're in a much stronger position. Most of the time, these parts carry their own warranty, and because they are "officially" approved, it's much more difficult for a service department in order to argue that these people damaged the vehicle. It costs even more than a $50 spacer kit from eBay, but the serenity of mind is worth the additional money for a lot of owners.
The Role from the Dealership
Here is a little key: not all dealerships are identical. Some sellers are "mod-friendly" and actually sell brand-new trucks on the great deal that curently have leveling kits and 35-inch tires. These dealers are usually easier to work with mainly because they understand the tradition.
On the other hand, some dealerships are extremely strict. If they notice anything that isn't factory-original, they begin looking for reasons in order to blame it with regard to every squeak and rattle. Before you get your own level installed, it's worth having a casual conversation along with your service advisor. Ask them straight up: "How perform you guys experience leveling kits? " Their reaction will tell you everything you need to learn.
DIY versus. Professional Installation
If you're perfect with a wrench, you might desire to install the particular kit yourself within your driveway. While that's fine, keep in mind that a bad installation will be the easiest way with regard to Ford to reject a claim. If you forget to torque a bolt or even you accidentally nick a brake range during the set up, that's on you.
Having a reputable shop do the work offers you a paper path. If something will go wrong, you may show that the particular work was carried out by professionals. In addition, a good shop will perform a good alignment immediately after the install. If you don't get an positioning, you'll ruin your own tires in a few thousand mls, and Ford certainly won't be buying a person a new place of Michelins.
Does the Height of the Degree Matter?
Generally speaking, an one. 5-inch to 2-inch level is recognized as "safe" for most modern Fords. It amounts the truck without having putting the suspension at crazy, breakable angles. Once a person begin looking at 2. 5-inch or 3-inch leveling kits, you're requesting trouble.
At several inches, your top control arms may actually hit the particular coil springs when the suspension drops, and your CV angles will look like a mountain range. The higher you go, the more likely you are to break something—and the more most likely the dealer will be to deny your warranty claim.
Tips for Protecting Your Warranty
If you've made a decision to pull the trigger on a level, here are a few ways in order to keep yourself protected: * Keep your statements. Maintain the receipt intended for the kit as well as the installation. * Get an alignment. Always keep the printout from the alignment shop in order to prove you do things right. * Don't go way too high. Stay with a 2-inch level or less if you want to keep things reliable. * Check your work. If a person hear a clunk following the install, obtain it examined immediately. Don't let a small problem convert into a huge failure that Ford can blame on your own mod. * Be cool with your consultant. In case you're a jerk to the service author, they'll be a much more likely to "find" a reason why your mod caused a problem.
Final Thoughts
At the finish of the time, will a leveling kit void ford warranty ? Not in its entirety. You are still protected by law, and your truck's engine, transmission, plus electronics should become perfectly safe. You just have to be realistic regarding the fact that you're changing how the suspension works.
If you use a quality kit, keep the height reasonable, and have this installed correctly, you'll likely never possess an issue. Most Ford trucks handle a small level simply fine, and hundreds of owners get it done every year without having losing their warranty coverage. Just do your homework, pick a good seller, and enjoy the new look associated with your truck.