Shocks, we all have them on our vehicles... mine, just happen to suck.

I have the 6" ProComp Stage 1 lift kit on my 2006 F150 4x4. I can say that the height of the truck is fine (albeit a bit low in the rear), but it lacks that done-right feeling that I get from my racecar and motorcycles. I didn't choose the lift-kit that is on the truck, it came with it... though I am looking to make some changes to it now.

First and foremost, is it possible to remove the ginormous coil spacers that came in the ProComp lift kit and replace them with the MX-6 coil-overs from the stage 2 kit? If so, are the coil-overs available seperately, or would I essentially have to purchase the entire lift kit? I want to do all that I can to beef up the front of the truck, and create a very nice and usable suspension system. That being said, what other components are out there for the front end that will 'play nicely' (I.e. not interfere) with my current suspension system?

Second, I would like to raise the rear of the truck more. As I mentioned above, it seems that the rear squats a little (measuring confirms that it is exactly level, but I am partial to a higher rear end) and I would like to address this. The current setup is the factory 2" block, stacked with the 2.5" lift blocks and I believe 1/2" worth of shims (2 shims). This makes for a 6" front lift and a 3" rear lift. I intend to replace the stacked blocks with a single block, and then add a leaf to the spring-pack hoping to achieve roughly 4.5-5" over stock height. The rear shocks will need to be replaced along with the front shocks, and I was thinking of the MX-6 remote res. rear shocks to compliment the front coil-overs. The question is: will the MX-6 rear work with 4.5-5" over stock rear lift? The shocks is listed as fitting the 3" over stock rear lift, but does not state whether they can accomodate more.

Now some more brain picking... let's say I scrap the idea of ProComp shocks/coil-overs all together. Is there a way to run Fox, or King shocks front and rear (front will be a coil-over) while utilizing the other components of my suspension? It seems like they should work, but I am fairly new to these trucks. If it is possible, what is a decent spring rate to run, and what will the I.D or O.D. of the spring be as well as its free length? What length of shocks (extended length) should I be looking at for the front and rear? After all is said and done, I hope to have a nearly bullet proof suspension sytem, with coil-overs up front and latter bars (traction bars) in the rear. I would like to retain some ride quality, but not at the expense of towing capacity or payload.

Okay, please discuss and get me heading in the right direction.

 

I'm not sure of the specs you need (spring rate or length), but yes, you can just replace the Pro COmp spacer/oem coilover combo with the MX6 or Fox coilovers. Pro Comp should be able to tell you the length and spring rate used on the MX6 upgrade.

 

Thank-you for the information. I will probably try to ride in some after-market coil-over equiped F150s to get an idea what the ride is like, and start the process from there.

 

why don't you look at the fabtech coil-overs?? They make a very very good shock, it is constructed very well and will last you a long time. I would recommend it!!

 

I wasn't sure if there would be compatibility issues between the two brands... if there isn't, then Fabtech might be considered. They are the right color (I <3 blue).

 

Any thoughts on Bilstein shocks and coil-overs?

I am looking at fixing the rear lift now (might replace the spring packs with new ones) and will be right about 5" over stock rear height. I am thinking of pulling the trigger on either Fox 2.0 remote resevoir shocks, or Bilstein 7100 remote resevoir shocks and building the front coil-over setup from there.

 

I LOVE my fox 2.0's with remote res.
there is a heads up though.
The fox 2.0 use 1/2" diameter bolts and the factory bolts are 7/16"
The shock mounts on the truck are simple drill out with no effort

Mine are tuned at 30 on compression and 90 on rebound

I did not like the remote reservoir clamps that came with them ( rubber pads and hose clamps ) so i bought some killer billet knuckle clamps from http://billetclamp.com/products.html

 

Thanks man, those billet clamps certainly do look good.

May I ask what year, and rear lift you have on yur truck? What shock length did you go with?

 

i have a 07
I'm running RCD 5" leaf springs and the factory 2" block

My shocks are the Extended Length =31.1, Collapsible Length =19.1 and the Travel =12

I was having a problem with the rear being to stiff but after calling BCD this evening, it turned out that my leaf springs where not properly stressed during the assembly, So they are sending me a new set at no charge, all i have to do after swapping them is send the others back with there prepaid shipping label. Everything they sale has a Lifetime no questions asked warranty, which is pretty cool.

 

Hmm, 5" lift springs sounds perect. How are the RCD springs? As for the shocks, it seems that we are on the same page... I really, really want to get this project going.

Did you shim for pinion angle? If not, how bad is it?

 

The leaf springs are designed to keep the factory pinion angle, no shims required

 

Awesome stuff. I think I am going to be making a call on Monday to RCD.

Time to order some shocks, and billet clamps... and I think I just about have the front coil-over setup figured out. Maybe a few more calls and emails on that end of it.

 

Actually Guys, i had a Brain Fart, it must be because of the snow we got here ( Georgia ) we don't see it very often.

I don't know where i got RCD from, it is actually BDS Suspension at http://www.bds-suspension.com/

The part no. for the leaf springs ( you will need 2 ) 04 - 07 is :003509
And the part no. for the rear box kit ( you will need 1, MUST HAVE FOR THESE SPRINGS ) is: 013508

The box kit drops the e-brake cables, brake lines, vent tube and the axle sensor down to the proper height to keep them from being over extended.

 

Thank-you for the clarification. I will be contacting BDS on Monday morning to order the springs. After that, I am going to be choosing between my King, Bilstein or Fox coil-overs and getting them on order as well.

 

hey slow, about how much do these springs cost ? ? If ya don't mind me askin.