Brian Glendenning

Hi -

I am looking for a level kit with softer suspension.

I have a 2017 F150 XLT FX4 with max tow package which I occasionally take on mild offroad trips (e.g., White Rim Trail, with the local jeep club, etc). This involves driving over sections of rocky trail (bowling ball sized), but no real rock crawling. My wife has a bad back and often complains about the shock transmitted to the cab when we get to rocky sections. (OTOH we find the stock suspension is great on washboard at the right speed). I am not a fast or aggressive driver, so there is no issue with fade or needing an extra reservoir etc. When offroad I usually air down my BFG KO2s from 40 to 25 PSI. Most of our actual miles are on pavement.

I recently got a winch and brush guard (should have gotten a bumper since I've lost some ground clearance, but that's a story for another day), and the shop owner suggests that I put a level up front since I've now got an additional ~250 pounds up front, and of course I wouldn't mind getting some ground clearance back. (I wasn't clever enough to measure the before and after installation height of the front, so I don't know how much additional rake I have after the winch etc. installation).

Any suggestions about what I should buy and install to simultaneously level the truck and soften the ride. (We have towed heavy in the past but have no plans to do so again in the foreseeable future, but it would probably be good for any change to be reversible).

Thanks!

techrep

iTrader: (1)

2AF150GA

Bilstein 5100s set at 2.1" lift should do the job. Do yourself a favor and buy a whole set, front and rear. Makes a huge improvement over stock.

burt.trans

iTrader: (1)

Do you have experience with the Bilstein 5100? My local 4x4 shop told me just to level that stock shocks are pretty good. $400 for level installed and alignment and close to $700 for the Bilstein installed. I know on this forum a lot of guys on this forum really like the Bilsteins.

2AF150GA

I just installed them on my truck and it's a big improvement over stock. Just pull up the info on them on YouTube. I'm very happy with the 5100s over the stock shocks.

lutter5-0

While I agree 5100's are great shocks. I wouldn't recommend them to someone with a bad back? They're more firm, in my opinion. In a good way for most, but not a cushy Cadillac shock your wife might need.....

2AF150GA

Brad-150

I just got back from my first time in Canyonlands on the White Rim Trail and it was awesome!!!!

Anyway, I have had Icon coilovers and rear shocks (no reservoir) for the last 9 months and love them. They did great in Utah on the trail, 50 mph washboards, highway, and everything else. Off roading and pavement has been much more comfortable since installing them.

I installed them at the factory height, which is close to level, but leaving a little bit of rake for when I am hauling or packing heavy. It's super easy to adjust the height up or down if you don't like the setting.

I also have KO2's on a XLT, so a pretty similar comparison to yours.

SD_F1504x4

Adjustable shocks might help. I did have the yellow factory replacement Bilsteins on my '00 F150 and they did ride quite nice. You could also air down a lil bit. Just 10-15 psi would give you a much softer feel, though you might lose mpg. Maybe just air down for the rocky trails. Like 30 psi instead of 45. Don't run it too low on the highway cause the air gets hot and the tires can blow out easier. But you can safely run like 10 psi lower for a softer ride. A taller tire profile (sidewall height) helps too. Like get 17s, instead of 18s or 20s, and run tires that are the same height (Ex. 275/65-18s would ride softer than 275/55-20 though both were factory options). That would soften your ride too. Another plus is smaller wheels (not tires) are better for offroading, since a 17 inch wheel with a tire aired down to 15 psi will have way more contact patch than a 20 inch wheel with a tire of the same circumference and width aired down to 15 psi.

Running the widest tire you can fit on the wheel without rubbing would help too. Different tire brands and designs could also make a difference. Honestly, it's crazy how much wheels and tires can affect your ride comfort, but it really plays a big role.



Which one of these do you think would ride softer based off of wheels and tires?

baxzilla

iTrader: (2)

OP Bilstein 5100s are popular because they are a great bang for buck upgrade, but they are not "plush" I have them and am happy I did them, but I am looking for a softer shock that will still level as well. Problem is it's almost impossible. Coilovers level a truck by compressing the spring to lift it, a soft coilover will just have to compress the spring that much more to get you that same amount of level. Proper way to get a softer ride and more height is a lift.