I'm gonna go ahead and lower the truck soon but am not sure what to go with. I know the ride quality will deteriorate regardless and I don't want to scrape the frame on the ground. I just want to close the gap in the wheelwell and make the truck look cool. I was gonna go with a complete kit (shocks, shackles and springs). Any suggestions?

 

Ive had both on prev. trucks ones about as good as the other. If i had to pick Id go with the bell tech... the nitro shocks are a little better than what comes with most kits.. stay away from toxic shocks...


Dale

 

I've had both as well, and can honestly say I think the bell tech is a MUCH better choice.

The ground force springs are much softer. too soft IMO.

ground force actual lowering for me was 7/8" front, 1 1/8" rear
belltech actual lowering for me was 1 3/4" front, 2" rear

My truck is an 02

 

Bell tech makes the best quality suspension parts available.

 

Not really. You can get lower with equal "ride quality" (i.e., a soft ride) to what you have now.

If you lower the rear with shackles, there is no real change in ride quality -- same spring rate.

If you use lowered coils that are softer than stock (the same spring rate as stock in a shorter coil would in fact roughen up the ride some), you can go lower and have the same ride quality.

You could also install some lowered a-arms and use the stock springs.

But stiffening up the suspension a little can also add some benefits. By reducing sway and front end dive, those aspects of "ride quality" are increased.

The Ground Force kit is the official Ford Racing Performance Parts lowering kit for the L. That would probably be my bet if I were concerned with ride comfort.