So, I picked up a 2013 Limited a few months ago. At this time I'm wanting to start figuring out the suspension/wheel upgrades since the tires will need replaced before winter. It's on completely stock suspension and wheels right now with the 22" wheels. I rarely go off road but would like a more aggressive look for the truck. My last truck was a 2006 F-250 with a 4.5" lift and 35's and it was too tall for everyday use with the wife and 2 kids plus using the bed on it was a PITA. I loved the off road look but the first time I took it off road into the mud I realized 30 dollars and a few hours in the power washer really wasn't worth it. I didn't mind the Goodyear Duratracs but the Toyo M/T's that were on it at first were way too loud for every day use.


At this point I'm debating on just going with a leveling kit and some 33" tires on the 22" wheels. Every time I see an 09-14 F-150 with 20" wheels they just seem small. The 22" wheels with some bigger tires seems more appealing. I don't need anything too aggressive and for the most part this is a "street" truck. The truck rides beautifully right now but I'm willing to give up some ride quality for a little more height and a little more aggressive tire and wheel combo. Also, I've debated putting on a set of air bags in the bag for when I'm pulling the scrap trailer and eventually I'd like to get a camper as well. The air bags would mean no rear sag. I'm also thinking it would be a good idea to put some new shocks on.


Is there anything else that should be upgraded or replaced while I'm looking at the entire suspension and wheel/tire setup?

 

Leveling kit is the easiest way to go. Rancho quick lift struts or Bilstein 5100s would be the next step up. The Bilsteins would require disassembly of your current struts to reuse the springs and top hat of the OE strut.

I did a 2" spacer lift this weekend and plan on getting an aggressive A/T tire in the near future.

 

You bought a Limited, so spend the money and treat it to a proper increase in ride quality. I'd look into coilovers from Fox, F150lifts.com, Icon, King, etc. Increase in spring rate and valving to make the ride firm but not jarring. Reduction in body roll and brake dive too. I went the F150lifts.com route and I'm very happy with the ride. Fox is on par price wise with F150lifts.com, and the Icon and King are a bit more expensive.

Fox will net you up to 2" in front ride height increase.
F150lifts.com's BOSS can allow you to crank them up to 3". I have my set about 1.75" and the ride is stellar.

2" will allow you to run a 285/50/22 or 285/55/22 with ease. 305/45/22 would also work. Check out Nitto and Toyo for tire options.

 

For the OP's main use as mostly a street truck a full on adjustable coil over is way over kill. Dropping a grand on front coilovers without really using them to their full potential isn't money well spent in my book when there a capable alternatives. Yes, spacers are the bottom of the barrel way to lift a vehicle but a upgraded adjustable height strut like the 5100 is an acceptable substitute without sacrificing ride quality.

 

Short of spent a lot of money on a professional suspension system, I would leave the Limited setup with the factory suspension and just buy some nice off-road tires. As you may know, aftermarket suspension typically will not improve the handling capabilities over and above the factory setup.

 

Ahh the beauty of our country...freedom of choice.

I had spacers on the previous truck, 1.5" in fact, ontop of KYB replacement struts. It rode ok, but was still squishy, rolled in turns, etc. The coilovers, while a costly upgrade, are a completely worthwhile upgrade even for a street queen....which my truck pretty much is (aside from the deer lease). The ability to dial in ride height is pretty awesome too...as I started at 2.25" and dropped it a bit in the Spring to set a touch more rake back into the truck.

To each their own...

 

I don't disagree. I just believe the middle of the road upgrade will satisfy the majority of owners looking for a level front.

 

I've been debating on coilovers, I don't want much lift MAYBE 1" but i would like to retain the stock ride. My 305/45 22's fit just fine stock and i don't plan on going any bigger. You truck looks great with the coilovers.

 

Ahhh see that's the beauty of the threaded body on the coilovers.
Want a stock ride height but a firmer ride...crank 'em down.
Want 2" of height increase...crank 'em up!
I really like the option to dial in exactly what I wanted, granted I had to get another alignment, but it was nice to drop them about 0.5" basically on the fly. Only had to remove the tire and spin the collar down. Adjusting them up is a bit more challenging on the truck as the spring is working against you.

I like my BOSS coils as they have a 700lb spring rating. Stock is just shy of 500lbs. So the reduction in body roll and nose dive is noticeable and the ride is crisp but far from uncomfortable.
I'll likely go with FOX in a couple years when these BOSS need replacement. The FOX 2.0 runs a 650lb spring. I scored a deal on the BOSS from F150lifts.com, so I couldn't really pass up that opportunity.

 

Bumping this up for more opinions!

 

My opinion is, leave it stock and add some beefier tires.

 

Ditch the 22's. Too much rim, not enough tire.

 

Agreed, I'm a more sidewall kinda guy.

 

The more and more I think about this the more I'm just thinking of going with a level instead of a lift. This becomes more and more apparent watching the little ones climb in and out of the truck plus my girlfriend is on the short side as well. Also, when I had the F-250 with the 4" lift and 35" tires my parents would complain about getting in and out of it. If I did a leveling kit and 33" tires that would give me about 3" of lift in the front and 2" in the rear if I change out the blocks. I just feel 35" tires are too much for the F-150 and going to slow it down drastically. Also, I am considering going to 20" wheels as well. Also, a 4" lift is going to run 1000+ and if I were to sell the truck it's not easily reversible. It's been nice not having to jump in and out of a truck for the last 3 months. Haha

 

I agree................