Wanting to lower and level my 2x4 2001 Supercrew and have been researching lowering kits, I'm thinking maybe a 2"/4" drop. Everything is stock except the 20" aftermarket wheels. I've looked at the Ford Racing M-3000-T1 kit which claims to do a 2"/4" drop and is retailing for around $400 - $450. I also found the M-3000-L kit that is meant for Lightning/Harley-Davidson models that lowers those trucks 1.181", which I found for $150. I'm aware that these models came with a slightly lowered stock suspension compared to a regular stock F150 model. Will the Ford Racing M-3000-L kit fit my Supercrew and give me a close drop to a 2"/4" drop? The difference I see between the kits is the lack of shocks and hangers on the M-3000-L.

 

Your better off going with a spindle up front. The ride quality will be much smoother than a lowering spring. Belltech has their Kit#915 for 539.20. I can get you a discount on this since your a forum member. I have a similar kit in our brand for $480. You will also want drop shocks to accommodate the new stance of the truck.

 

sent pm

 

In using a drop spindle up front, will it still require the use of drop shocks in the front or just the rear? Also, will the ride quality be that much noticeable between a drop spindle vs lowering springs with only a 2" drop?

 

When using drop spindles you can use the factory shocks. I highly recommend still using a drop shock because of the rebound/valving. It is a better ride with drop shocks over factory shocks.

There is a noticeable difference between coils and spindles. The Spindles do not change your spring rate when lowering springs do. This is why the ride quality is different and noticeable.

 

Drop springs tighten up the truck, less bounce and rebound.

Cheapest cost would be doing coils up front and hangers and shackles in the rear for 2/4 drop

Whatever drop you decide on, don't skimp out and buy cheap shocks, you will regret it, and still end up buying the better shocks

 

I'm going with spindles up front as well. It'll save me from buying another pair of front shocks cuz I just installed a set of Bilstein HD's on my truck. Also, since coils will change the spring rate up front the same cannot be said for the rear where shackles merely change the location point of the rear. You'll end up w/ a vehicle where the front is stiffer than the rear. In performance/handling terms this situation this produces a tendency to understeer even more than stock. If you go with coils, then consider adding a rear sway bar to neutralize the understeer effect

 

Just keep in mind you won't be able to use any rim smaller than a 18" in the front if you go with spindles. And that is only after the lower part of the spindle is ground down about 1/8". Spare tire won't fit.

 

I've got a set of 18" Lightning rims so they should be ok fitment wise

 

OEM or Aftermarket doesn't matter. Just as long as the diameter is 18"

 

Why would shorter coils stiffen the ride? I dealt with a company that custom wound me a set of coils for a Harley Sportster and they were able to wind the new ones to a shorter ride height and actually soften the ride for my wifes lighter weight. This let the bike sit lower and ride smoother. Now I wonder why they can't offer shorter F150 springs in the same load rating as stock?

 

Lowering springs typically have a different spring rate than factory springs. Spring rate is where you find the ride quality/softness/stiffness.