Ford Escape 1-Hour Leveling Kit Install

We're installing a Ford Escape Leveling Kit in today's episode, and we're going to do it in an hour! Join Uncle Jake, Dr. Torque and special guest Jeff as they install a simple leveling kit into Jeff's 2008 Ford Focus. Leveling kits are great because they level out the forward rake that most trucks and SUV's have from the factory without compromising ride quality. This wouldn't be a Motors and Mischief episode if we didn't have a problem to overcome during the project and this episode is no different! So join us as Uncle Jake, Dr Torque and Jeff overcome some issues and install a leveling kit in this Ford Escape in about an hour!
#FordEscape #LevelingKit #MotorsandMischief
Here's a link to the parts on ebay: ebay.us/ZTyUT6
Motors and Mischief makes a small commission when you use that link so click it and support the channel!
For those of you curious, the truck is now sitting on 245/75-16 tires.
🖥️✅ Follow Motors and Mischief by Subscribing to the Channel today!
→ / @motorsandmischief
🔔 TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS🔔
→ Project f-250 playlist: bit.ly/2PFGVqq
→ Dodge dart 1970: bit.ly/3uaIJGV
→ Cars and trucks reviews:bit.ly/3djPMWZ
→Rental cars reviews: bit.ly/3unIMiT
→Follow us on Instagram @mischief4all for sneak peeks and behind the scenes
-Motors and Mischief

[@MotorsandMischief]

Something always happens and this video is no different! Does anyone complete projects without something happening? Cause we don't think we ever have lol

[@enavarro3816]

This the 2in or 1.5

[@MajorStaticX]

Pro Tip lol, you tighten the top strut bolts after the car is down and you bounce it a few times or drive it slowly up and down the driveway or street quick and let it settle then tighten

[@kristopherlamb6385]

Did this myself after ordering the 1.5” kit. Worked great and made my Escape perfectly level. Definitely a 2 person job when putting the strut back in. Put some larger tires on as well. (245/75r16) Alignment on Friday. Barely pulls to the left now. Thanks for the lesson and positive vibes guys!!

[@MotorsandMischief]

That's awesome! Nice job we bet it looks great with the oversized tires. Thanks for commenting!

[@rustyridescolorado]

A positive one is Fast On Race Day. Informative video, thanks.

[@j.ber.5852]

Thank you for the content. I'm actually going to get this done on my Escape. Looks good by the way!!

[@9ballalex]

This is 100% what I needed to watch! I tried to have those 2" spacers put on my Escape but ended up getting a real professional to do it cause I bumped into the same issues you had, like that coupling rod that was off by almost 2 inches. I couldn't get it to fit! Must have been fun to do all that around friends!

[@ronkemp9528]

Just got mine on love it. Its like a different truck.

[@seth_867]

Just finished the install with the 1.5 in lift. Pretty easy process, a couple hiccups along the way but it turned out great. Perfectly level and no weird noises. Looks 100% better

[@MotorsandMischief]

Nice!! Good job, and thanks for following up with the results like you said you would, that's awesome! For anyone wondering what we're talking about, there's a comment thread on the 6 month follow up video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6nVc4uZqKl2e68 ) where we talked with Seth about a weird noise after install. From what he deduced, it seems like the 2" can potentially cause this, but not the 1.5". We ordered the 2" but Seth thinks we got sent the 1.5", since ours measured 1.5". We tend to agree with him because his 2" measured an actual 2", and his 1.5" measured an actual 1.5". There's more detail in those other comments, but that's the gist. Thanks again Seth!

[@CheeseyHead123]

Thanks for the video guys. I have a 2012 XLT 2.5 that I’ve done some cosmetic work on and I’ve been considering a lift but a leveling kit seems to make more sense since you can level it out and just put some larger tires on it to “lift” the clearance up evenly. Really appreciate the video since there isn’t a lot of information on lifts for the escape, keep it up.

[@MotorsandMischief]

Hey thanks for taking the time to comment! We're working on some more Escape content so we really appreciate the feedback.

[@kengartner6659]

I tried those same spacers on a 2010 Escape V6 AWD And I didn't like the CV angles slight binding at full drop. The reason you get more than 1.5" lift is because strut is not mounted over the ball joint but farther in board near center of control arms. I'm going to try 20mm spacers or H&R 51602 1" lift springs . Have 245 70R 16 tires on it they have about 1/2" clearance when turning with No lift and No fender mods

[@ezequielreyes1075]

I'm finally doing the same thing to my escape!!!! Thanks for this video it's going to help me out!

[@MotorsandMischief]

That's awesome! We've got a video coming out that's a 3 month follow up to doing this mod so you can see how it's been holding up and what we learned. Stay tuned!

[@jamstarx]

Very helpful and easy to follow!

[@MotorsandMischief]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting!

[@Isuzu_Paul]

Pretty awesome. I bought my wife a 2011 V6 4w/awd. We planned on lifting it roughly 2.5" In the front and an inch or so in the rear to go up a tire size. We like cruising around old forestry roads and the extra ground clearance would be awesome.

[@MotorsandMischief]

It made a big difference, you should let us know how it goes, we would love to know!

[@bryanpoulter3158]

Thanks for the installation procedure video. I'm looking to do this on my 2012. I need the added ground clearance for the daily travelled country roads where I live. I appreciate the reply elsewhere on the ride quality also. I'm considering going later to the Old Man Emu suspension upgrade but as cheap, quick and easy as this is, it warrants trying first. Thanks again!

[@MotorsandMischief]

Thanks for commenting! Yeah the leveling kit is a great temporary fix until you have time for a full suspension lift. We have a project SuburbaTank coming on our 2002 Chevy Suburban that is *finally* getting lifted after years with a leveling kit. But the leveling kit worked awesome!

[@romainberger]

You guys are something! Quite funny to watch 😁

[@MotorsandMischief]

Hey thanks! We really appreciate that, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Davisoneready]

You made me decide. Gonna lift my Escape 2012 🔥

[@MotorsandMischief]

Sweet! Its gonna look great, thanks for commenting!

[@bryandedeurwaerder5434]

I tried a 2" spacer lift on my 09 Escape but the two lower bolt holes on the strut assembly would also align without spring compressors so I decided not to go through with it. I recently installed brand new OEM struts after riding on cheap aftermarket ones for a year. OEM struts added another 1.5" compared to the aftermarket ones. So I'm happy with the ride height now. You guys made this look easy though!.. Minus the upper bolts not aligning which happened to me as well. To make the upper bolts align with the frame I ended up using a socket and a breaker bar to give the bolts a slight bend in the right direction.

[@MotorsandMischief]

We bet your Escape would look cool with the lift! But totally understand not wanting to mess with the springs, they can be a little unnerving. You should always do an alignment after any suspension work and in our case Jeff was planning on one regardless because of the terrible wear from the previous owner. That said, we did do a leveling kit on our Suburban (which will be the subject of a future series called SuburbaTank! so stay tuned for that!) and we did not align it afterwards and its been about 10,000 miles now with no noticeable wear on the BFG tires. Thanks for commenting!

[@damnimcooltom1]

The reason the upper bolt holes had to be filed some is that the studs on the spacer were actually larger diameter than the studs on the top of the strut. We thought it was an alignment issue at first, but we realized as we were working on the second one it was actually a larger stud. As far as alignment goes, it's always a good idea to do one after suspension work, especially when ride height is modified, as it will change the camber.

[@bryandedeurwaerder5434]

@@damnimcooltom1On mine I could interchange the nut on the strut bolt and the spacer bolt so they were the same diameter for me. Regardless it's strange that studs on the spacer are not manufactured to fit the holes exactly. Has me thinking they might be surplus inventory for a different model SUV 🤔

[@slandberg1665]

Look at Jeff go. Did he just that you’re fastest project so far 👍🏻

[@MotorsandMischief]

He really did. We're not sure if we want Jeff on every project now or if we don't want him to come back cause he's making the rest of us look bad!

[@Moondoggy1941]

I used to own a 69 Dodge Dart with slant 6. My first car.

[@MotorsandMischief]

That's one sweet first car! Uncle Jakes' first car was a 65 Impalla SS. Most kids today are missing out on muscle cars, and that wonderful experience. Did you keep your car?

[@Moondoggy1941]

@@MotorsandMischief No it got passed down to the younger brothers and they sold it off.

[@robertcourtney6913]

I totally want to see the Raptor and the Escape tug o war. Please make this video!

[@damnimcooltom1]

Jake can't afford another Craptor breakdown.

[@arroyorealty]

Is that a folding rear window on the escape? What’s that notch?

[@edgrigsby8610]

FORD = First On Race Day. 😊. Nice Escape. I love mine. 234k, still going strong. Needs struts, so guess what lm going to do? Thanks for the great video!

[@MotorsandMischief]

Nice! Let us know how you like it and if you end up going with the 2" or the 1.5"

[@cuko3232]

Ford- find on road dead

[@19thdesigns]

Just added theses to my 2012 ford escape and noticed a slight angle to the tire stance will this settle out or does something need readjusted

[@MotorsandMischief]

If you've just dropped it back on its wheels after doing the install, yes, it sits high. It needs to be driven to get the suspension to settle back down. That said, its always recommended to get an alignment after suspension work to be 100% sure everything is within spec.

[@truenexus1usa]

Good work men! Quality video production. If possible please give us 5k miles/6 month follow-up review. I have the '10 XLS 2.5L and wondering if this improves towing anyway?

[@MotorsandMischief]

Thanks for the comment! Yeah, you bet we will, thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately it won't improve towing any but as long as the load isn't really tongue-heavy it won't diminish it at all. Regular loads should be about the same as towing without the leveling kit.

[@sheiladoherty919]

That seemed quicker & easier than usual. Especially for a Ford.

[@joeldoherty7100]

So much hate for Fords lol

[@sheiladoherty919]

@@joeldoherty7100 Low-hanging fruit 😂

[@damnimcooltom1]

It was easier than usual to keep Jake on task with two of us there to remind him. Jeff wasn't messing around. He knew he was being timed.

[@bobobrazil1973]

Fords are easy to work on

[@ccisnerosm1]

Pardon my ignorance, but will this mean that the ground clearance will also increase by about 1 1/2 inch ?...

[@MotorsandMischief]

That's a great question, no worries! So with this type of lift, the front suspension (control arms, axles, etc) will stay at their stock height and the front of the vehicle will be lifted 1.5 inches higher away from the front suspension. So at the lower control arms, for example, the vehicle will be at the same height but at the front bumper, it will be 1.5 inches higher. Larger tires, if they will fit, would then raise the ground clearance of the entire vehicle by half of the increased tire size (so if the tire was 1 inch larger in diameter, you obviously would get .5 inch of additional ground clearance). Thanks so much for commenting!

[@madstan8948]

I’m new to this so forgive my ignorance but why did you only put these on the front? Does this not have a tilt to it now I understand wanting the front clearance for off-roading but don’t you want the back lifted up as well?

[@MotorsandMischief]

Trucks and SUVs that are designed to carry loads come with a nose-down rake from the factory, so that when you put a load in the bed, the nose won't be pointing at the sky. Not exactly sure why Ford did that with this Escape, as no one is hauling heavy loads with an Escape, but the vehicle sits nose down from the factory. This kit levels it out so that it sits the same amount off the ground in the front as in the back. Thanks for the question!

[@daviddennis558]

Great video. How is the Escape driving with the lift and how is the alignment? Just ordered the kit and am installing 255/70 16 Cooper Adventurer AT or Toyo Open Country AT.

[@MotorsandMischief]

It's been great! Really like it. It was badly in need of an alignment (before the lift) so that did get done and its been doing great since. The kit didn't affect the ride and it drives well. We're trying to get our hands on a bull bar type bumper for it so watch for that video coming soon. Thanks for commenting!

[@tyronesmith3812]

What are the benefits of a leveling kit on a Ford Escape? And the cons?

[@MotorsandMischief]

Its only looks!!! We keep telling Uncle Jake its not necessary but he doesn't care! He hates the truck sitting nose down. If you hate it sitting nose down, a leveling kit is for you. If you're a normal person and don't mind that a truck or an SUV sits a little tail high in anticipation of carrying cargo, and levels out when its loaded, you don't need a leveling kit.

[@MrRichiepr]

Hello, and to raise the rear suspension you have a video, so that it matches the front suspension

[@MotorsandMischief]

Negative, this is a leveling kit, to bring the front end up to match the rear as the vehicle comes from the factory with a slight forward rake. What you're referring to is a lift kit, and we didn't install one on this project. Thanks for the question!

[@MrRichiepr]

@@MotorsandMischief thanks for the information

[@babalujones6434]

Can you guys do a video on you lifted the rear ?

[@MotorsandMischief]

This was just a leveling kit, so we didn't lift the rear, but we've gotten a full lift request like yours a couple times now, so we're working on exactly this for you! We'll post it soon. Thanks for commenting, go Buffs!

[@damnitsmatt]

Ford Escape Hybrid just has to last long enough in the tug-of-war for the Raptor to run out of gas! I like its chances! :)

[@MotorsandMischief]

Hahahaahaha you might be on to something, that’s awesome. Thanks for the comment!

[@damnimcooltom1]

This guy has a cool name...

[@tomlalond1825]

FORD - First On Race Day

[@robertcourtney6913]

FORD! First On Race DAY!!!

[@wildbrosNW]

Thats totally a good one. What other good ones are there I cant think of them lol?

[@MotorsandMischief]

They are mostly deroggatory to Ford lol but I remember as a young man telling my Dad, who is a Ford guy, that "I'd rather push a Chevy than drive a Ford" and his response was "You'll have to." 😂

[@damianramos2278]

Where you buy this parts can you tell thanks

[@MotorsandMischief]

Link in description, thanks for asking!

[@francorocha8014]

What size tires will fit after?

[@MotorsandMischief]

245/75-16s are what we have on this one. Thanks for the question!

[@RolandoLee-fv9yb]

Where did you buy the part

[@MotorsandMischief]

There's a link in the description to the parts we got. Thanks for asking!

[@vitomanchisi1828]

Can you post a link to the kit you used please

[@MotorsandMischief]

It's in the description but to make it easier, here you go! Here's a link to the parts on ebay: ebay.us/ZTyUT6

[@gmieses]

And for the rear?

[@MotorsandMischief]

Hey G Mieses! This particular install is just a leveling kit. As the Escape (and most other SUVs and trucks) sits slightly nose down from the factory, this kit is just designed to level it out so it sits the same height in the front as in the back. The Escape is a pretty popular vehicle so we're considering doing a video on a full lift kit, which would be front and rear. We'll let you know if we make that video. Thanks for commenting!

[@adambrown6595]

Where can i get that bracket from?

[@MotorsandMischief]

Here's a link to the parts on ebay: ebay.us/ZTyUT6 Let us know if you need anything else!

[@adambrown6595]

@@MotorsandMischief thank you😀

[@WATSONLF]

Where did you order the level kit

[@MotorsandMischief]

We got it on eBay from PE Motorwerks. If you go to eBay and search item# 333926778944 it pops right up. They run about $40 and fit 01-12 Escapes

[@broderickarmbrister7674]

@@MotorsandMischief Do they actually fit them naturally or do you have to file the holes like in the video?

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Where and what are the lift jack and jack stand points for the front and rear? It's really weird, but there is hardly any info out there on this simple issue.

[@MotorsandMischief]

The vehicle is unibody of course, but if you look behind the front suspension, there's two frame rails that are safe to jack it from. Failing that, the points where the suspension bolts into the sub-frame are safe as this is where the vehicle carries all of its weight normally so its safe to jack from there.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@MotorsandMischief I need to swap out rear shocks, so need something sturdy for the vehicle to rest on to free up both wheels.

[@MotorsandMischief]

Same kinda setup in the back. You'll see what looks like frame channels come out of the unibody at the back and also the rear suspension where it bolts to the subframe is always a safe place because again, that's the part that usually holds the vehicles weight. If you need good jack stands Harbor Freight has just come out with their new ones and boy howdy did they over-engineer them to be safe. They work great and sell at a good price. Hope that helps!

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@MotorsandMischief I bet it's gonna be two hours trying to lift the thing and 15 minutes to change the part.

[@MotorsandMischief]

Haha you're probably exactly right. We all need QuickJacks!

[@mecuzo]

did it my self both side took me one hour and 40 min ..just so you know

[@MotorsandMischief]

Nice! that's pretty good time all on your own, we had two workers and a camera guy and only managed an hour. Thanks for commenting the info!

[@packrcch]

i want to lower the rear a couple of inches to get rid of the sting bug look.

[@MotorsandMischief]

Lol, thats a good description of a raised rear vehicle. Like a wasp looking to sting you, haha.

[@edwinmundo8108]

Where did he get the level kit and how much did it cost?

[@MotorsandMischief]

Check out PE Motorworks (Precision European) on eBay, the kit is item number : 333926778944 and it's like $40.

[@edwinmundo8108]

Would it fit a 2010 Ford Escape limited

[@MotorsandMischief]

Their listing says 01-12 Escape, Mariner and Tribute so yet you're good!

[@edwinmundo8108]

Damn thanks man I really appreciate your insight/knowledge or else I would of probably never considered doing this. Also thanks for actually getting back to me.

[@MotorsandMischief]

Its our pleasure! We really appreciate you commenting!

[@vernonfindlay1314]

What did it do for ground clearance. I just bought 260,000 km 2009 escape. New front struts and rear shocks. Brought up the front,winter rig and a camp road driver this autumn. My 2002 explorer, transmission acting up waiting til spring. Going to use 245/75r16 tire of my explorer for the camp rides. I one time had a red and yellow 2003 escape, it was great runner,400,000kms. Great video, great job see,maybe next spring, if the world is still spinning. God bless from 🇨🇦

[@MotorsandMischief]

It moved the lower cross member up about an inch, so a little help. God bless our Canadian viewers!!

[@scotmetzger7478]

Where do I get the leveling kit

[@MotorsandMischief]

So check out PE Motorworks (Precision European) on eBay, the kit is item number : 333926778944 and it's like $40.

[@scotmetzger7478]

@@MotorsandMischief thank you

[@jasonmanning6983]

You should do a two inch lift in the back

[@MotorsandMischief]

Yeah but then we'd have to put a 3.5" lift on the front to level it out lol

[@gdubb420gw]

What brand of leveling kit did you guys use?

[@MotorsandMischief]

Great question, we should have posted that. So check out PE Motorworks (Precision European) on eBay, the kit is item number : 333926778944 and it's like $40.

[@wildbrosNW]

Edit that one out lol

[@DoctorTorque]

You questioning whether I did it right or not?

[@blazehall8086]

Looks like what the modern explorer should like look. Remove the badges and no one would know the difference

[@peterzimmerman8555]

Why do you have gloves on?

[@MotorsandMischief]

To keep from getting greasy/oily. They help keep dirt out from under your fingernails too. So if you're like us and you work on greasy dirty cars a lot, the gloves make it so your wife is much happier with you. Thanks for the question!