Vortex

truck needs shocks/ball joints/upper control arms anyways...can those be upgraded over stock?

waste of money?

what are the price points of each improvement?

Want: more "fun" driving exit ramps, weaving around freeways, etc. I've enjoyed driving stock height 2wd '01 F150 vs. the 7.5" lifted F-150 I had before...but it is a truck. And it's an '01.

So maybe "stock is best"...but it's an '01 Ford, so stock can suck

BlackBullXLT

Yes they can be upgraded and many here have done so. One route is to go with MOOG and if you do so, go with their Problem Solver Series when available (CK in the part designation).

Vortex

thanks! Will look into those

seems like Fox is also well reviewed:

https://www.f150forum.com/f6/does-an...shocks-354423/

https://www.f150forum.com/f6/shocks-364563/

amazon has the matching shock for $129

just trying to figure out how much it's worth it over monroe/kyb for a 95% street truck that hauls dirt bikes into the desert

BlackBullXLT

They are well reviewed and it's what I put on my truck just yesterday. I can't honestly give you a fair assessment yet of the Fox versus the Bilstein, but the build quality as @ jbrew mentioned in that first thread, seems accurate.

Vortex

I should just PM him directly - what would jbrew do? LOL

he has good knowledge...I look for his posts

I'm thinking Fox shocks...new control arms...new ball joints...and $2,300 out the door for a 15 year old truck LOL

2001f150hd

I plan to level my 2wd and run 31 inch tires on factory 16 inch rims

Jbrew

Yea you'll like the Fox Shocks over the Bilstiens, they're a better shock in every aspect. You'll like the controlled lean on those windy on ramps. I'm also comparing to stock height Bilstien 4600's which are their lower end shocks.
For the control arms check your lowers, but they should be good, just the upper arms and ball joints as you said. Yea, BlackBullXLT posts what to go with there.

white89gt

The thing I like about the Moog Problem Solver series uppers is the fact I can replace JUST the ball joint, and also that it is greasable. I lucked out, as the PO of my truck had already switched mine over. It was also all (4 ball joints and alignment) done by a Ford dealer... so go figure. The dealer using Moog.

Meangreen331

I found a kit online that came with both new upper control arms w/ upper ball joints already in them and both lower ball joints for like $57.95. They are greasable and work great.
As far as suspension, I just installed a 5" Doelsch Tech lift on my 2wd 03' F-150 and absolutely love it. Cost $640 + shipping. Came with spindles, Springs, blocks, and all new shocks. They also have offerings in 6", 4", 3", & 2" leveling kits!

Strong4life

what was the kit you found for $57.95? Have you been happy with it?