Next Level Performance
September 20, 2026 • 10 min read
Picking the right lift or leveling kit for a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 is the single biggest thing you can do to make the truck actually usable in winter: more front-end height for the plow-piled driveway, and enough fender room to bolt on a taller, more aggressive snow tire. This guide compares five kits we sell and install for the 13th-generation F-150 (2015-2020), from a $179 budget leveling kit up to a $4,949 remote-reservoir Elite system, with front-lift height, maximum tire size, and shock type laid out side by side so you can match a kit to how hard you push through the snow.
Our Verdict
The Cognito 2.5in Elite Leveling Kit with Elka 2.5 reservoir shocks is the best all-around winter setup for the 2015-2020 F-150.
It levels the nose 2.5 inches, clears a 35x12.50 winter tire, adds uniball upper control arms, and — most important for cold-weather comfort — runs dual-speed-compression Elka 2.5 remote-reservoir coilovers that soak up frozen washboard and rutted snow far better than a spacer kit. If your budget is tighter, the MaxTrac complete leveling kit gets the nose up for about $179.
Shop Our Top Pick →Why Does a Lift or Leveling Kit Matter for Winter Driving?
A lift or leveling kit improves winter capability in two concrete ways: it raises the truck's front ride height so deep snow and plow berms clear the bumper, and it opens up the wheel wells so you can fit a taller, more aggressive winter or all-terrain tire. On a 2015-2020 F-150, the factory nose sits noticeably lower than the rear (the "rake"), which limits you to roughly a 32-inch tire before rubbing. Level the front 2 to 2.5 inches and you free up room for a 33 to 35-inch tire — and tire size, not horsepower, is what actually gets a truck through snow.
A taller sidewall also lets you air down for traction on ice and packed snow without risking the wheel, and the added ground clearance keeps the differentials and running boards out of the slush. The trade-off is honesty: a simple leveling kit adds height and tire room but only modest all-around clearance, while a full 6-inch lift genuinely raises the whole truck for deep-snow, off-grid, and heavy-plow duty. We break down which one you actually need further down.
A full lift kit raises the whole truck for deep-snow and heavy-plow duty.
What Should You Look For in an F-150 Winter Lift Kit?
Focus on three things that matter most in cold weather: front-lift height (which sets your tire clearance), the shock or coilover quality (which determines ride comfort on frozen, broken pavement), and whether the kit includes upper control arms to keep front-end geometry and alignment correct after the lift. Here is how we weigh each one at our Tampa, FL shop.
Front lift and tire clearance
Most F-150 owners want 2 to 2.5 inches of front lift, which levels the rake and clears a 33 to 35-inch tire — the sweet spot for a winter daily driver. Going to a 6-inch lift clears up to a 37-inch tire and adds serious ground clearance, but it's overkill for pavement-and-driveway winter use and needs more supporting parts.
Shock type: why it matters in the cold
Cheap gas shocks get harsh when temperatures drop and their oil thickens. A monotube or remote-reservoir shock (like the Elka 2.5 units in our top pick) holds more oil, sheds heat, and keeps damping consistent whether it's 20 degrees or 90 degrees — so the truck stays composed over frozen ruts and washboard instead of skittering.
Upper control arms and alignment
Once you lift the front more than about an inch, the factory upper control arms run out of caster and camber adjustment. Kits that include billet or tubular uniball upper control arms — like both Cognito kits here — restore correct geometry, prevent premature ball-joint wear, and let the shop dial in a proper winter alignment.
Quality shocks keep damping consistent when the temperature drops.
2015-2020 F-150 Lift & Leveling Kits Compared
The table below compares all five kits by the specs that decide a winter build: front-lift height, the largest tire each kit clears, the shock or coilover it ships with, and price. The Cognito Elite is our top pick for the best blend of tire room and cold-weather ride quality; the MaxTrac is the value leader.
| Kit | Front Lift | Max Tire | Shock Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognito 2.5in Elite Leveling KitTop Pick | 2.5 in | 35 in | Elka 2.5 remote reservoir | $4,948.95 |
| Belltech 6in-7in Lift Kit | 6–7 in | 37 in | Trail Performance struts & shocks | $2,280.00 |
| Cognito 2.5in Standard Leveling Kit | 2.5 in | 35 in | Factory struts (UCA included) | $1,149.95 |
| Eibach Pro-Truck Stage 1 | Up to 2.75 in | 33 in | Pro-Truck Sport front shocks | $899.00 |
| MaxTrac 2.5in/1in Complete Leveling Kit | 2.5 in front / 1 in rear | 33 in | Spacer kit, factory shocks | $179.13 |
The 5 Best Lift & Leveling Kits for the 2015-2020 F-150
1. Cognito 2.5in Elite Leveling Kit with Elka 2.5 Reservoir Shocks — Best Overall
The Cognito Elite kit (P/N 220-P1182) is the winter setup we recommend for owners who want factory-plus ride quality with real off-pavement capability. It delivers 2.5 inches of front lift, includes Cognito's Uniball SM Series upper control arms, and clears a 35x12.50 tire on a 9-inch wheel with 5.75 inches of backspacing. The headline feature is the Elka 2.5 remote-reservoir coilovers and rear shocks, which offer dual-speed compression adjustment for tuning the ride between smooth highway commuting and firmer control in snow ruts. Everything is engineered and assembled in the USA, and plan on roughly a 5-hour install.
What We Like
- + Elka 2.5 remote-reservoir shocks with dual-speed compression adjustment
- + Includes uniball upper control arms for correct alignment
- + Clears a 35 in winter tire; engineered and built in the USA
Things to Consider
- – The most expensive kit here by a wide margin
- – Coilover setup is more involved than a spacer level
Key Specifications — Cognito Elite
2. Belltech 6in-7in Lift Kit with Trail Performance Struts & Shocks — Best for Big Snow Tires
If your winters mean deep, unplowed snow and you want to run a 37-inch tire, the Belltech 6-7 inch lift kit is the pick. It raises the whole truck — not just the nose — for genuine ground clearance, and ships with Belltech's Trail Performance struts and shocks tuned for a controlled on-road ride at that height. This is a bigger commitment than a leveling kit (larger tires, possible driveline and speedometer recalibration), but nothing else here matches its snow-clearing stance. It currently carries an extra 5% off at NLP Performance.
What We Like
- + Full 6-7 in lift for maximum snow clearance
- + Clears up to a 37 in winter tire
- + Complete kit with matched struts and shocks
Things to Consider
- – Big tires can raise fuel use and need a speedo recalibration
- – Most involved install of the group
Belltech ships matched Trail Performance struts and shocks with the kit.
3. Cognito 2.5in Standard Leveling Kit — Best Cognito Value
The Standard Leveling Kit is the smart middle ground: you still get Cognito's uniball upper control arms and 2.5 inches of front lift to clear a 35-inch winter tire, but it works with your factory-style struts to keep the price near $1,150. You give up the adjustable Elka reservoir shocks of the Elite kit, so the ride is closer to stock than plush — but the geometry and tire clearance are the same. It's our pick for owners who want Cognito's control-arm quality and correct alignment without the coilover budget.
4. Eibach Pro-Truck Lift System (Stage 1) — Best Ride Quality on a Budget
Eibach's Pro-Truck Stage 1 system is built around adjustable front shocks that let you set up to 2.75 inches of front lift while prioritizing on-road ride quality — a strong choice for a 2.7L EcoBoost F-150 that spends most of winter on plowed roads and highways. It clears a 33-inch tire, carries Eibach's engineering pedigree, and is priced at $899 (down from $998.89) with an extra 5% off right now at NLP Performance. If you want a name-brand shock upgrade plus a level stance without stepping up to full coilovers, this is it.
5. MaxTrac 2.5in/1in Complete Leveling Kit — Best Budget Pick
At about $179 (down from $207.42), the MaxTrac complete leveling kit is the cheapest way to level a 2015-2018 F-150 and open up room for a 33-inch winter tire. It provides 2.5 inches of front lift and 1 inch in the rear using strut spacers and works with your factory shocks, so it's a spacer-based level rather than a ride-quality upgrade. For a plow-driveway daily that just needs a taller snow tire and a level stance on a tight budget, it's hard to beat the value.
What We Like
- + Lowest price to level the truck and fit a 33 in tire
- + Complete front and rear kit, straightforward bolt-on
- + Works with 2WD and 4WD trucks
Things to Consider
- – Spacer level, so ride quality stays near stock
- – Fits 2015-2018 only; no upper control arms included
Lift vs Leveling Kit for Snow: Which Is Right for You?
Choose a leveling kit for a winter daily driver and a full lift kit for deep-snow and heavy-plow duty. A 2 to 2.5-inch leveling kit clears the rake, fits a 33 to 35-inch snow or all-terrain tire, and keeps the truck easy to load, tow with, and live with day to day — which covers the vast majority of winter drivers. A 6-inch lift like the Belltech kit raises the entire truck for 37-inch tires and maximum ground clearance, ideal if you break trail through unplowed snow or run a plow, but it adds cost, complexity, and a small fuel-economy penalty.
Remember that tire choice does most of the winter work: a dedicated winter or a three-peak-mountain-snowflake-rated all-terrain tire on a leveled F-150 will out-grip a lifted truck still wearing worn highway tires. Get the height you need to fit the right tire, then spend on the tire.
Match your lift height to the tire you actually plan to run.
Installation and Winter Fitment Notes
Plan on a professional alignment after any of these kits — it's the single most important step for even tire wear and predictable handling on snow and ice. A spacer leveling kit like the MaxTrac can be a driveway job in a couple of hours; a coilover system like the Cognito Elite runs closer to 5 hours and benefits from a lift and impact tools. At our Tampa, FL shop we always recommend checking these items after installation:
Alignment and geometry: anything over about an inch of front lift needs the caster/camber correction that upper control arms provide. Tire and wheel fitment: confirm backspacing (the Cognito kits target a 9-inch wheel with 5.75 inches of backspacing for 35s) so the tire clears the fender and control arms at full lock. Speedometer recalibration: larger tires make the speedometer read low — important for safe winter speeds. Sensor provisions: Platinum-trim trucks with headlight leveling need control arms that retain the sensor bracket, which the Cognito arms provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a leveling kit help an F-150 in the snow?
Yes — a leveling kit helps in snow mainly by creating room for a taller, more aggressive winter tire and by raising the front bumper over plow berms. A 2 to 2.5-inch front level on a 2015-2020 F-150 clears a 33 to 35-inch tire, and that larger tire is what actually improves traction and flotation in snow. The height gain itself is modest, so pair the level with a proper winter or 3-peak all-terrain tire for the biggest gain.
What size tire fits a 2015-2020 F-150 with a 2.5-inch leveling kit?
A 2.5-inch front leveling kit lets a 2015-2020 F-150 clear up to a 35x12.50 tire, typically on a 9-inch-wide wheel with about 5.75 inches of backspacing. Many owners run a 33-inch tire for the best balance of clearance, ride, and fuel economy. Stepping up to a 6-inch lift like the Belltech kit opens room for a 37-inch tire.
Lift kit vs leveling kit for winter: which is better?
A leveling kit is better for most winter daily drivers, while a full lift kit is better for deep snow and plowing. Leveling kits (2 to 2.5 inches) fit 33 to 35-inch tires, keep the ride car-like, and cost less. Full lift kits (6+ inches) raise the whole truck for 37-inch tires and maximum ground clearance but add cost and complexity. Choose based on whether you drive plowed roads or break trail through unplowed snow.
Do I need upper control arms with an F-150 lift?
You need aftermarket upper control arms once front lift exceeds roughly one inch, because the factory arms run out of alignment adjustment and can bind at full droop. Both Cognito kits in this guide include uniball upper control arms that restore correct caster and camber, prevent premature ball-joint wear, and allow a proper winter alignment. Spacer-only kits under about 2 inches can sometimes reuse the factory arms.
How long does it take to install a leveling or lift kit?
Install time ranges from about 2 hours for a spacer leveling kit to roughly 5 hours for a coilover system like the Cognito Elite. Full 6-inch lift kits take longer and are best left to a shop with a lift. Every kit should be followed by a professional alignment, which is especially important for even tire wear and stable handling on snow and ice.
Will a lift kit hurt my F-150's ride quality in winter?
It depends on the shocks. A spacer leveling kit keeps ride quality near stock, while a quality coilover kit such as the Cognito Elite with Elka 2.5 remote-reservoir shocks can actually improve cold-weather comfort thanks to dual-speed compression tuning and consistent damping in low temperatures. Budget gas shocks tend to get harsh in the cold, so shock quality matters more than lift height for winter comfort.
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