Purchased new shocks and coils since it's time to replace worn
bilstein 5100
moog 81120
sachs 802928

looking for advice on setup. I've set the retaining clip for the bilstein at the middle groove. There are only 3 options, where the lower (1) is stock, the middle (2) provides an additional 1.5" clearance, and top (3) provides 1.75 - 2".
Now moving on to the moog 81120 (HD) I believe they provide roughly 2" additional clearance, these coils shouldn't settle much.
So with this setup I would believe the total max clearance I would have is 2" and not 2.5 or 3.5 considering the bilstein retainer placement. I am not interested in messing with the geometry of the truck much.

 

I don't believe that no one has a similar configuration or experience with the bilstein / moog 81120's

 

Ive never heard of 2" lift springs for these trucks. Most people do that with the leveling spacers, or with the Bilstein/rancho/whomever strut with adjustment slots for the lower perch.

 

1.5 + 2= 3.5 which is too much front lift, it will stress the hell out of the upper ball joints and there is no way of getting it in alignment.

If the Moog springs are taller than the OE springs you are going to be lucky if you can get them compressed enough to get
everything assembled.

 

Exactly. That was my concern. Additionally the CV axle and actuator.
I managed to get them compressed with a wall-mount and they kept within Bilstein ring set at 1.5 inches.
I don't know why I was thinking the coils(springs) would add an additional 2" or so since they're dependent on the strut and strut hat.
The Moog 81120 is 15.5" tall uncompressed... they're beefy.

 

How did this combo/set-up end up working out for you? I actually have the Bilstein 5100's, the Moog 81120's & Monroe 904970. I was concerned about the MOOG 81118 vs 81120 so looked it up on Moog's website https://www.moogparts.com/find-my-part.html
prior to purchase & it clearly states it's correct for my 2004 F-150 RWD. I'm going with the middle setting on the Bilstein's for the 1.5" lift, went w/the 81120's as my F150 has the factory tow package. Everything I've read about them said no change in height, MOOG springs were thicker & had more coils then OE, only noticeable difference was slightly stiffer ride which I be just fine with. Installing in about 5 weeks once weather finally breaks in western NY.

FYI MOOG spring specs:
#81118 free-standing height 17.14" - Installed height 9.53" - Spring rate 552 per inch
#81120 free-standing height 15.92" - Installed height 9.57" - Spring rate 811 per inch

 

Worked out great. Ride quality is substantially better than factory, especially with the HD Moog coils. I had to have a shop install the coils since they require a mounted hydraulic compressor.

 

Thanks for the response, really glad to hear ride quality is greatly improved. I had already factored in taking old strut assemblies to my regular garage to have them swap the HD springs over. Seeing many pics of factory springs flexing while compressed with the $30 MacPherson strut side-clamp style spring compressors, no way I'd even consider it with the HD 81120 Moog springs. Last fall he quoted $35/strut so hopefully that still holds. Also putting new Ford UCA's, stabilizer links & bar bushings on @ same time as struts, so front suspension should be nice for awhile. Setting the 5100 Bilstein's on middle ring 1.5" lift, couple that with fresh springs should have front end almost level. Had lower ball joints installed last spring, put new tie rod ends on before alignment. Can't wait for weather to break so can get the rest of the front suspension completed with the struts, etc... At 122k miles hoping these updates last me a few years.

 

Yeah, those 81120's are quite beefy. How did it work out for you?

 

About 2 weeks out, life happens... can't wait to be rid of the floating SS Minnow feeling traveling on freeway. Last visit to my local shop confirmed $50/strut & will turn them around same day if received early afternoon. Have all parts & even sprung for new Ford big lower strut nuts w/nylon insert, sealed bag price on eBay too good to pass on. Anyway before & after pics to follow, nothing drives me more nuts on all these forums than reading about project this or that, dude gets tips/tricks from various members & vanishes!!