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Some would opine that the "need" to correct the angle of the RA in order to optimize and return suspension kinematics to the stock design happens well before 4.5" of lift. In dissecting the language that Lewis Built used in their add, they are simply saying that an appropriate/OEM caster angle can be achieved with lifts up to 4.5" because their upper link is adjustable. Without dropping RA mount, the angle of the RA is steepened, brake anti-dive is increased, and suspension compliance is decreased. How much will it really affect performance? Are we splitting hairs? Carli seems to think that dropping the mounts is more important than replacing the RAs, as they are an option in 4.5" kits.
I kind of look at it like this: Ford probably was very specific in designing the stock front suspension. The further we deviate from those angles can only serve to compromise ride, handling, and braking.
yea i agree mostly with that. Ford also has to settle on a cheaper/easy to produce setup. The "bean counters" win pretty much every fight with the engineers...which is why we get stuck with "rancho" shocks instead of any decent monotube shock lol. I think the factory geometry is fine but i bet lewis built/carli/pmf know better alignment settings to make the truck handle better. I think dropping the mounts is just a more cost efficient way to handle the lift then to install a fabricated radius arm. The arms have better joints that allow it to actually articulate. Injection molded rubber bushings like to bind. But yea, we are splitting hairs lol.
IMO: if you are running Carli, stay with Carli. I believe they do way more R&D and put more engineering into their products.
I have the 2.5 and have been thinking about the 4.5. I would do the whole shebang. I wouldn't mix and match radius arms.
That's true but damn 1800 dollars to run Carli RA. Cause the RA is around 1350 and then apparently to run them you need their drop arm brackets as well which is another 475. And with PMF adjustable 3 arm link that's all I need for 900 dollars. Now I'm leaning more towards PMF and I've heard nothing but good results out of their RA.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
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