Dear forum,

I recently traded my 09 F250 with 5.4L, 20" Wheels, and plow package and FX4, for a 2011 F350 with the 6.7L diesel, 20's, and plow package and FX4. I notice right away that the front is at least an inch maybe two lower to the ground than my 09 F250 was. I don't really care for that. It's not that the rear is higher, that's okay - but the front is definitely lower to the ground, with less room in the wheel opening. Appears I have the 6000LB stock front coil springs.

After researching some options, I'm left with confusion...track bars, camber, stiffness, shims, blah blah.

I don't mind the rear a bit higher - but I want the front higher for sure. My F250 was nice and level. Again, doesn't NEED to be level, but I want a mild front lift. I don't plan installing bigger tires, etc.

I am wondering if I might get some opinions regarding the options I am trying to decide upon.

1. Leave it alone.

2. Replace stock coil springs with the 7000LB AAB springs and get an alignment. Stiff ride, 3/4 lift, stock track bar and shocks.

3. Add a ReadyLift 1.5" spacer (marketed for the F250 but confirmed will work with F350 as well). Get an alignment, stock track bar and shocks.

4. Both 2 and 3 but add adjustable track bar and longer shocks (might be more than need).

I'm also considering the Bilstien 5100 as an upgrade to the ranchos I have - not sure if that's a waste of cash with only 700 miles on the ranchos.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

Jeff,
No matter what you choose for a lift or not you should replace the stock Rancho shocks. I pulled mine off at 5000miles and they seemed completely worn out. I fully compressed one of the fronts and it just sat there......never extended at all. The Rancho RS9000XLs I put on have made a great difference. I kept mine at stock height.

 

Seems like solid advice from what I have been reading. I'll factor in an upgrade on the shocks as part of the deal. You'd think Ford would use a better shock at least when you pay for the FX4 off-road package. 62K sticker price and I am already changing stuff!

Thanks for the reply.

Jeff

 

What made you pick the Rancho over the Bilstein?

 

I wanted to give the Rancho "MyRide" system a try. Now I just have to find a good place to mount the compressor and controller.........there is NO room in the engine compartment!

 

This is interesting. My 2011 F250 CC, SB with the snow plow prep, the front is HIGHER than the back unloaded.

I have no plans to put a plow on it either.