Hello all, sorry in advance for the lengthy post...

I have a 2011 F-150 Supercrew 4WD Ecoboost 3.5L. I love the truck! Just put fiberglass fenders on it, 315/70/17 BFG A/Ts, Robby Gordon black wheels, and Bilstein 5100's all around.

I had the Bilsteins set to the third level (one down from the max) at least that's what I told the guy installing them at 4 wheel parts. They are way too stiff for my liking. They've been on for about 3 months now. I did not upgrade the control arms yet, the stock ones are still on there.

Im trying to figure out a way to improve the ride and make it softer. I haven't tried off road yet, but I mostly drive on the highway vs offroad so I would like to have a softer ride. I understand that because I have the shocks set on a higher setting (one down from the max) that its going to stiffen the ride. Here are my questions:

1. would upgrading the stock arms to uniball control arms make the ride softer or have any affect on the firmness or softness of the ride?

2. would dropping the shocks down to the next level make the ride noticeably softer?

3. by dropping the shocks down obviously the front end would go lower, and I like how it looks level now. Can I install a 2" leveling kit along with the Bilstein 5100's in the front so it will still be level (or even sit higher which would be fine) then I can set the shocks to the lowest setting? Will this make the ride softer?

4. what about changing the stock spring? Will that make it softer if I get a spring with a different spring rate?

Thanks in advance for the help<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

 

I'm not familiar with the Bilstien 5100, but from a quick look at their web site it looks like a fairly conventional adjustable shock. Unless I missed something, changing the shock setting won't affect ride height at all. Shocks don't typically support any significant weight, that's all done by the springs. So I'm pretty sure changing the shock valving won't affect ride height, but it will directly affect ride quality. So go ahead and drop the setting, as much as you need to to get the ride you want.

 

ok sounds good thanks

 

Just an FYI, the nature of a monotube shock is that they are firm. Good luck!