I want to lower my 06 F150 XLT SC. Right now, I have the stock 18inch chrome wheels that came with it. I plan on going to 22 inch wheels soon. But,even with the stock wheels, I want to lower the truck. I will be towing too. How low can I go.. I was thinking about 2 inches in front, and 4 inches in the rear. I read that somewhere on this board!

Also, are the stock shocks always soft on the F150? I come from riding sportcars, and sportbikes, that is all I have ever owned. I understand the F150 is not a sportcar/sportbike, but when I go through a corner with the F150, and if the road is bumpy, the rear changes directions. In other words, when the rear wheels bounce up from a bump, they don't come right back down. When they do come back down, they are off line, and I can feel the truck change directions. Not so with my RX7, with has a tuned suspension.

When the wheel bounces up from bumpy ground in a curve, the shocks put the wheel right back on the ground as fast as possible, result, the car doesn't change line. I know you all know what I am talking about, just trying to explain what I am talking about. I got a funny way of saying something.

I am going to have to get use to this truck driving.

 

Well, I lowered my rear 5 inches and without a load it already bottoms out like crazy. I am working on figuring that out though...

but for you there is the option of getting airbags in the rear for towing so you can raise the rear. I think the Firestone bags will do the job and they are just a few hundred bucks.

 

You can go as low as you want if you notch the frame and have bags.

 

Have you owned a pick-up before? This wheel hop you are describing is something I've noticed, to a varying degree, in all the pick-up's I've owned. If you think the new F-150 is bad, you should go for a ride in my little '97 Ranger -- especially when it still had the old factory shocks that were getting a little past their prime. Hang on!

You have to remember that you typically have very little weight over the rear wheels, and combined with relatively stiff springs, can cause the effect you are describing in pick-ups -- especially when going around "washboard" type curves.

 

Belltech 2/3, they use firmer leaf springs to prevent sagging under payload. I am going this route in combo with a 2" shackle. I will let you know how this turns out because I also need to tow.

 

Hey crand002 -- nice rims! They have a nice subtle look against that Arizona Beige truck!

 

Thanks man, I like big rims without being too in your face.

 

Sounds good. I take it you mean 2" front and rear too.