Leveling Kit and Shock Recommendations
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 30
Likes: 14
Leveling Kit and Shock Recommendations
Hi all! Brand new to the forum, and to Ford Super Duty ownership. Test drove 6 different trucks across the big three and Ford won out. Most sensible software setup. Great convenience features. Most power, best payload, and one of the better overall riding and driving feels. And of course, the most comfortable seats by far!
My truck is a 2024 F350 Lariat Ultimate. Looking to possibly level out the front (2-2.5 inches) and replace the stock shocks. My questions would be:
1. What are the best shocks for daily driving use with occasional moderate to heavy towing (6-10 times a year)? I've looked at Bilstein 4600/5100, Rancho RS9000XL, Eibach Pro Truck Sport, and Fox 2.0. It seems the Bilstein 5100 are probably too stiff for what I'm looking for, and the Fox shocks too soft to tow heavy. 4600's and RS9000XL's might not improve things much from stock. Eibach is looking like they might be a happy medium and good all-rounder, but I HAVE to get at least a 2-inch leveling kit to use them. Thoughts?
2. If I do get a leveling kit, am I going to cause undue wear on other components (even though it's just a 2-2.5 inch level and not a true lift)? Is there anything else I should replace along with the shocks, and does that depend on whether I'm leveling or not (like the front springs or sway bar)?
Thanks so much in advance!
My truck is a 2024 F350 Lariat Ultimate. Looking to possibly level out the front (2-2.5 inches) and replace the stock shocks. My questions would be:
1. What are the best shocks for daily driving use with occasional moderate to heavy towing (6-10 times a year)? I've looked at Bilstein 4600/5100, Rancho RS9000XL, Eibach Pro Truck Sport, and Fox 2.0. It seems the Bilstein 5100 are probably too stiff for what I'm looking for, and the Fox shocks too soft to tow heavy. 4600's and RS9000XL's might not improve things much from stock. Eibach is looking like they might be a happy medium and good all-rounder, but I HAVE to get at least a 2-inch leveling kit to use them. Thoughts?
2. If I do get a leveling kit, am I going to cause undue wear on other components (even though it's just a 2-2.5 inch level and not a true lift)? Is there anything else I should replace along with the shocks, and does that depend on whether I'm leveling or not (like the front springs or sway bar)?
Thanks so much in advance!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 1,172
From: East TN
It seems like I remember several folks saying that 2.5" is too much for the 2022-2024 trucks if you want it level. My 2019 has a 2" level and it sits with just the smallest amount of rake. I went with the trackbar relocation bracket at first. I ended up putting the OEM bracket back on and buying a PMF adjustable trackbar.
If you are installing the Timbren / Sumos in the rear that leveling kit should not affect their use at all.
If you are installing the Timbren / Sumos in the rear that leveling kit should not affect their use at all.
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 30
Likes: 14
It seems like I remember several folks saying that 2.5" is too much for the 2022-2024 trucks if you want it level. My 2019 has a 2" level and it sits with just the smallest amount of rake. I went with the trackbar relocation bracket at first. I ended up putting the OEM bracket back on and buying a PMF adjustable trackbar.
If you are installing the Timbren / Sumos in the rear that leveling kit should not affect their use at all.
If you are installing the Timbren / Sumos in the rear that leveling kit should not affect their use at all.
I definitely took notice of the fact that the rake is relatively small (and I have a long bed so it's even less noticeable). That's part of what I was thinking of just upgrading the shocks without a level.
I was planning to get the caster bushing kit (and possibly a Bilstein steering damper) regardless to preempt any potential for death wobble. So I may end up with the Rancho in the end. Them being adjustable seems helpful for someone that's not going to tow all that often.
And as far as the Sumos, I thought about trying out the front kit as well. It's my understanding that they are basically just replacing the stock bump stops and shouldn't be affected by any lifts or levels either (though they're more likely to actually come into play at stock height).
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 554
the drop bracket on its own was just fine for me. i swapped to a carli track bar to try to eliminate a clunk. didnt change a thing. Rough country sells a 1.5" lift coil spring, that might be the ticket for the newer trucks. and at that point you probably dont need to mess with the trackar/bracket anyways.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,889
Likes: 779
From: SoCal/Wyoming
I went with Fox for the 350 and Bilstein for the 150. I find the Bilstein shocks are a bit softer than the Fox so the weight of my 350 is better with Fox. Careful with Sumo. Depending on what you order and where you place them, you may end up cutting a large portion of the product away in order for it to fit without riding on the axle full time. I sent mine back when it became apparent that 50-60 percent had to be removed in order to make them work properly. Not up to speed on lift/levels/tires/wheel type of stuff as I finally outgrew that phase and just leave it mostly stock. Carli seems to pop up a lot and as they are about 30 minutes from my house, I'm sure they are expensive like everything else out here.
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,187
Likes: 1,381
From: Chaz
I would suggest looking at 2.5” under coil spacers if you have the base front springs, amazon trackbar drop bracket, 2 degree caster shim drivers side and 2.3 passenger, and 1 inch taller rear blocks.
Bilstein 5100 or Rancho RS7MT for the occasional tower (they ride pretty smooth).
You should be able to fit 37s on stock rims with that.
Also on the RC 1.5” coils you need an adjustable track bar to dial it in. That’s what I run and they are pretty nice. You will need to research how those would work on a 23. If you do that leave the rear stock and run “35s” or one of the metric True 35” sizes on an aftermarket wheel with more negative offset.
Bilstein 5100 or Rancho RS7MT for the occasional tower (they ride pretty smooth).
You should be able to fit 37s on stock rims with that.
Also on the RC 1.5” coils you need an adjustable track bar to dial it in. That’s what I run and they are pretty nice. You will need to research how those would work on a 23. If you do that leave the rear stock and run “35s” or one of the metric True 35” sizes on an aftermarket wheel with more negative offset.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 123
Likes: 21
From: Or
BDS has a new kit that includes everything you’ll need.
https://bds-suspension.com/products/...-22-4wd-diesel
https://bds-suspension.com/products/...-22-4wd-diesel
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,414
Likes: 1,018
From: Central KY
I spent $25 on the Motofab leveling spacers and $199 on the Rough Country adjustable forged HD track bar. No reason to spend three or four times the money on other brands that accomplish the exact same thing. I love my setup.
As far as shocks, I'm still debating which I want to go with but I'm leaning toward the Bilsteins that are designed for 2" lifts and have the stainless outer finish on them.
As far as shocks, I'm still debating which I want to go with but I'm leaning toward the Bilsteins that are designed for 2" lifts and have the stainless outer finish on them.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 3,538
From: Uh oh, CA
It seems like I remember several folks saying that 2.5" is too much for the 2022-2024 trucks if you want it level. My 2019 has a 2" level and it sits with just the smallest amount of rake. I went with the trackbar relocation bracket at first. I ended up putting the OEM bracket back on and buying a PMF adjustable trackbar.
If you are installing the Timbren / Sumos in the rear that leveling kit should not affect their use at all.
If you are installing the Timbren / Sumos in the rear that leveling kit should not affect their use at all.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,772
Likes: 404
From: Logan, Utah
You can lift the rear with a bigger block. Your stock block is about a 3". You can go with a 4 or 5 in the rear. I went with a 5 to keep a factory rake and so truck is leavel when I load it.
Timbrens are pretty rough. They work, just saying they are rough. I keep mine in my toolbox. Too tough for me. Sumo's were too soft to do any good.
Get a Carli track bar. The rest have crappy adj fittings.
Bilstein all day long. My Fox socks are way too soft.
Timbrens are pretty rough. They work, just saying they are rough. I keep mine in my toolbox. Too tough for me. Sumo's were too soft to do any good.
Get a Carli track bar. The rest have crappy adj fittings.
Bilstein all day long. My Fox socks are way too soft.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,187
Likes: 1,381
From: Chaz
BDS has a new kit that includes everything you’ll need.
https://bds-suspension.com/products/...-22-4wd-diesel
https://bds-suspension.com/products/...-22-4wd-diesel
That would be a good set up.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 554
I would suggest looking at 2.5” under coil spacers if you have the base front springs, amazon trackbar drop bracket, 2 degree caster shim drivers side and 2.3 passenger, and 1 inch taller rear blocks.
Bilstein 5100 or Rancho RS7MT for the occasional tower (they ride pretty smooth).
You should be able to fit 37s on stock rims with that.
Also on the RC 1.5” coils you need an adjustable track bar to dial it in. That’s what I run and they are pretty nice. You will need to research how those would work on a 23. If you do that leave the rear stock and run “35s” or one of the metric True 35” sizes on an aftermarket wheel with more negative offset.
Bilstein 5100 or Rancho RS7MT for the occasional tower (they ride pretty smooth).
You should be able to fit 37s on stock rims with that.
Also on the RC 1.5” coils you need an adjustable track bar to dial it in. That’s what I run and they are pretty nice. You will need to research how those would work on a 23. If you do that leave the rear stock and run “35s” or one of the metric True 35” sizes on an aftermarket wheel with more negative offset.