are they changing the suspension on the 2021 f150? will the lift kits and shocks fit the new models the same as the old.

 

I would sure hope so as that was the worst problem with the old model. Junk suspension on the otherwise greatest truck on the road

 

Makes me wonder about the spy photos of the raptor running around with rear coils. I was expecting to see that on the 2021 f150 but maybe just the next gen Raptor. Who knows.

 

Seems like the only difference is the monotube option, which should make a noticeable difference.

 

Rear leaf springs are different. Monotubes on some models. There are some difference with the sway bar as well.

James

 

According to the 2021 order guide, there is a Heavy Duty payload package, but is it only available on lower trims? Is it standard on higher trims?

 

It's really mainly a shock problem, and I guess some leaf spring noise issues, correct? Probably won't really know if those are addressed until somebody drives it. It seems kind of doubtful to me that they'd update the shocks, they could have done that at anytime. But maybe.

 

The whole suspension issue started with the light aluminum rear end and old leaf spring design. If you are a contractor and add some weight via tool boxes etc, you would have little issue and appreciate the greater capacity the design affords. If your just driving a crew cab as a SUV or hunting truck with little added items in the bed and not much added weight, its terrible and bounces all over the place. The crappy existing shocks are certainly part of the problem and can be fixed with Bilsteins but the light rear end design is still an issue. Like noted--- no problem for the vast majority utilizing an F150 in a work truck scenario. And no its not just as easy as adding weights as that has some ramifications too --- If they are permanently fixed then they are in the way when you need your entire use of the bed--- and if they are lay ins and you have a quick stop they may be flying through your rear window--- learned that the hard way lol

So, thats what makes the Ram suspension of interest for the basic SUV use people.

Hopefully Ford has addressed this as there have been an endless list of complaints and really surprising they have not addressed it properly. Sometimes the engineers just get too caught up in the "spec" wars---- in this case on load capacity.

 

I believe the Ram 1500 still uses a live axle in the rear, but uses coil springs instead of leaf springs.

 

What helps with the light rear end bounce when the bed is empty or lightly loaded is a Hellwig Big Wig sway bar at the rear axle. The sway bar distributes the impact from one wheel to the one on the opposite side and it makes a great deal of difference. Put a heavy load in the bed and the sway bar will not make a difference.

Shocks are more correctly referred to as "dampeners" by the British as they only dampen the movement of the springs. If the springs are not configured properly then shocks are only a band-aid and not a very effective one at that.