Hello all, sorry in advance for the lengthy post...

I have a 2011 F-150 Supercrew 4WD Ecoboost 3.5L. I love the truck! Just put fiberglass fenders on it, 315/70/17 BFG A/Ts, Robby Gordon black wheels, and Bilstein 5100's all around.

I had the Bilsteins set to the third level (one down from the max) at least that's what I told the guy installing them at 4 wheel parts. They are way too stiff for my liking. They've been on for about 3 months now. I did not upgrade the control arms yet, the stock ones are still on there.

Im trying to figure out a way to improve the ride and make it softer. I haven't tried off road yet, but I mostly drive on the highway vs offroad so I would like to have a softer ride. I understand that because I have the shocks set on a higher setting (one down from the max) that its going to stiffen the ride. Here are my questions:

1. would upgrading the stock arms to uniball control arms make the ride softer or have any affect on the firmness or softness of the ride?

2. would dropping the shocks down to the next level make the ride noticeably softer?

3. by dropping the shocks down obviously the front end would go lower, and I like how it looks level now. Can I install a 2" leveling kit along with the Bilstein 5100's in the front so it will still be level (or even sit higher which would be fine) then I can set the shocks to the lowest setting? Will this make the ride softer?

4. what about changing the stock spring? Will that make it softer if I get a spring with a different spring rate?

Thanks in advance for the help

 

Changing to a weaker spring may help, but the Bilstein is just naturally firm/stiff. I didn't like that in my 2004, so I went with Rancho Quiklift and rs9000xl shocks in rear on my current 2007, much more comfortable.

 

^^^ This. As usual, EE Darren gives solid advice.

Same reason I went with Ranchos ( well, that, and the screamin' Shocktober dealio goin' on 'til the end o' the month )

Bilstein's are purdy, but ride like four rod's o' steel. Insufficient R&D on the trucks, IMHO - too focused on sportscar applications. How many y'all slalom yer pickmeups?

Changin' the springrates will upset the accuracy of the specific shock valving calibration, such as it is and what there is of it. In fact, by altering the mass (as unsprung weight) of the rolling stock at all four corners as you have, you've already affected it regardless.