It most likely made the steering feel lighter because it needs an alignment. I highly suggest getting an alignment after you take apart any suspension components!!
Nice truck! I put bilstien shocks on my 2014 Ram 2500 on the front and it made a big difference. I just traded it for 2015 F150 Lariat fx4. That looks like Sisters/Bend/ Redmond area.
Consider Moog springs for front on 2004-2008 if you do the 5100's. With Moog front coil springs I set my 5100's in the middle on a 2004 FX4 and it's amazing compared to stock.
Great vid! Did the rear shocks solve the issue over washboard roads with the rear end easily breaking loose? I notice the same thing on my F150. Thanks!
Great vid, you answered the biggest question I have had since checking this kit out. "Will stock UCA's work with this kit?" Do you tow anything? Any sag after this kit was put on? Any other issues with angles since you put this kit on ?
Good Informative Video. I am going to do this to my 2017 FX4 soon. Like another viewer asked below does it settle a bit after the install because it looked quite high in the front at the end of the video? I was not sure if the +2.10" setting would settle down after a little while or if I should just set it at the +1.75" setting for a slight amount of rake. Do you have a follow up video after the truck settles? Thanks for sharing
+Jon Frauen thanks! It has settled and is perfectly level now. Part of that is the canopy squats down the rear end about half an inch. It did look quite high right after I did it, but all good now. Based on everything I've read you need 2.5 inches to make it completely level. This is without a canopy. So 2.1 inches with a canopy is perfect IMO.
Man! I wish I would have seen this video before I ordered my Rough Country struts and shocks, also don't forget about the rear blocks. This is so much easier and cheaper. How is the ride been since you installed this lift kit?
So has the truck settled any since install? The front end looks a little higher in the front than the back after install. I'm doing this to my truck on Monday and was thinking about one setting down from the top-most setting. Thoughts?
+Kevin Wiggins its settled and is level now. The general consensus is that it takes 2.25 inches to totally level out the truck. This raises the front by 2.1". Just got back from 4 days in the Oregon outback and the suspension is fantastic. Controlled, firm but not stiff. Well worth the money in IMO.
Did you ever install these at 1.75? I’m thinking of getting the 6112s But like you I am nervous about that full height and negative rake. I wanna see what one setting below full height looks like.
I have a rough country level on my 15 but I don't like the way it sits I want to lower it down .5 to 1 inch but I have a larger wheel/tire and concerned about the tire rubbing the fender liner
+Mr. Riding 26's if they are larger in both diameter and width then might be an issue if you want it Lowe down. Mild spacers from bora might be a solution.
I need the rake i haul 1500+lbs or more regularly with my f150 and about 700lbs that never comes out (tools and stuff).. currently it has a 2.5 front level with an add a leaf and airbag kit in the back..your truck looks good though
To nmo moe getting ready to drop the money still on the fence about air bags, doing the add a leaf, dont know either air bags or blistein 5160 With reservoir, always haveload of tools roof rack and pull trailer 2 to 3 times a month , if you carry a trailer do you hitch with air bags down then adjust after hook up? Hows the ride? Thanks for you help
Loui - any update on how much the front settled? Do you have the 5.0 motor? I cant decide on the 1.75 or 2.1 setting. Dont have a cap and dont USUALLY haul too much weight other than in the winter months. UGH. Want to install next week and then do wheels in spring.
@@peterm3159 yep did 5100s all around and then found good deal on 20" wheels with 305/55s, had to trim from crash bars as they rubbed a bit in reverse but doing the front crash bars is really simple. Have pics but no way right now to upload.
@@EYECOMEINPEACE what offset rims you running? I got some 20x9 rims coming next week, 0 offset and getting some 33-12.50x20 duratracs on it. Which is why I bought the lift. Altho custom offsets shows I could run those rims with stock height and no trimming. I don't want it to look crammed. Plus I'm in Canada and enjoy the great outdoors so extra ground clearance is always nice.
+Manuel Atallah giant one from my father-in-law. Used to have a shop so it was a professional type one. Didn't look at the brand, but it was almost identical to the one they use on the DIY videos from CJ off-road I mention in the description.
Might do 18’s with more rubber. Same outside diameter. May also go up one size if I get a chip to increase HP and torque. Don’t want it to feel/be slower.
+Anthony Rocci the settle I think is mostly from the rubber in the spring perch and the fact that they were uncompressed for a period of time along with the settling of the control arms etc. After 20 miles (or less) everything was normal, but you’re right though definitely not going to settle like new springs would.
I'm doing this to a stock 2014 F150 Platinum next week. Now that you have had these on for awhile have you developed any odd things in the suspension? Does it still feel tight and firm or have they softened? Anything you'd do differently? Has your ride remained smooth? I've been waiting 3 years to do any mods, that time has come. Did I hear you say you also have a body lift with the Bilsteins? Why? I thought your truck looked awesome!!
+Mach1club thanks! Much improved over OEM FX4 package. More controlled with same smooth ride. The kit raised the front of the truck by 2inches. Just replaced the rear shocks so no height change there. No body lift. Would do it over again but sooner! Nothing weird suspension or drivability wise. Steering feels normal after alignment. All good. Best money I've spent in a long time.
I did end up putting a 1" block in the back and it sits perfectly level now. If you don't have a canopy I think you'd be okay. Canopy is about 250 lbs (max)
Hi.. I just got same shocks/struts on my 2018 f150 2wd xlt.. Do you hear shock bounce sound from front end? My front end make sound like bad or leaked shock sound after installation.
No. Check the tightness of the nut that is in the center of the shock mount in the engine bay. Sometimes they need to be re-torqued after the springs settle back in.
+Bryan about 20. Less than 1/2 inch. Good thing too. Because if the springs hadn’t it would be too tall in the front. That Leer on the back gives me about 3/4 inch of sag.
+Bryan yeah felt the same way. I was like whoa, shoulda gone one notch lower when I first put em on. Pretty level now. Maybe a tad bit ‘front up’ bias in certain situations. Especially if I’m carrying something in the back, but I could throw in a 1/2” block and fit some bigger wheels and tires with ease. 😁
Yes, A level is a level. Even with expensive bilsteins, this truck looks exactly the same as it would with spacers. Don't let anyone guilt you into switching, do what you wish because spacers are just as awesome.
@@tyk5719 Ride quality in this scenario is caused by the Bilsteins. They allow for less body roll, so they feel stiffer, but the vehicle stays flatter while cornering. Plus, using a new shock or coilover instead of a spacer allows for full up and down travel of the control arms and steering knuckle. A spacer limits your up travel and allows for over-extension (if you hit a big bump or off-road is really the only time you'll see it happen, a daily driver on the road likely won't see it happen) on the down travel. In either situation, a 2" level isn't enough to warrant new UCAs unless you want to spend the money.
+James Howard no canopy should be just about right on. With canopy might be a tad too high. Mine is sitting pretty much level but tends towards little higher up front.
Thefulllouie how is your truck doing after you installed the bilstein 5100s months ago . Do I need to set mine one setting lower than max so my front won’t Be higher than the back
If you don’t have a canopy highest setting should be level. With canopy, may want to go down one from highest setting. I like just a tab bit of front bias personally . So with the canopy it’s perfect. If not hard hard to see in most situations
this is another vid where the people have no clue..... no this kit is not gonna settle.factory springs or new there is no settling the only way it settles is if you were to recieve a bad steel rolled coil. he said his driveway had a raise to it and yet the front is higher than rear and yes it will stay that way, it will not settle or level out. lets see... i want to raise my truck 2 inches so i will buy a 4 inch lift and it will settle to a 2 inch lift.... NOT. it will stay at 4 inch!!!!!
The settlement happens not with the springs but where the spring makes contact with the perch. The truck was higher when the kit was initially installed. Your right though, not going to settle more than a 1/4 inch or so at best.
It most likely made the steering feel lighter because it needs an alignment. I highly suggest getting an alignment after you take apart any suspension components!!
Man, nice but I would've cleaned the springs and upper arm before putting back together !
Nice truck! I put bilstien shocks on my 2014 Ram 2500 on the front and it made a big difference. I just traded it for 2015 F150 Lariat fx4. That looks like Sisters/Bend/ Redmond area.
Consider Moog springs for front on 2004-2008 if you do the 5100's. With Moog front coil springs I set my 5100's in the middle on a 2004 FX4 and it's amazing compared to stock.
Awesome video!! Ive been considering these as well for my 2015 XLT!! This helps a lot!
Glad I could help!
Shame you didn't show the installation?
Great vid! Did the rear shocks solve the issue over washboard roads with the rear end easily breaking loose? I notice the same thing on my F150. Thanks!
+HeidiDan T sure did!
Did you get an alignment after this?
Nice truck I must admit I don't get the whole "leveling" thing I like the raked.
+greg raymer thanks! Everybody is different but that's not a bad thing.
Most people it's just looks but some of us need the extra ground clearance
Great vid, you answered the biggest question I have had since checking this kit out. "Will stock UCA's work with this kit?" Do you tow anything? Any sag after this kit was put on? Any other issues with angles since you put this kit on ?
Excuse me if this question was already asked, but did the Truck ever “level out” ? Or would u go down one purch?
I would be surprised if there was any settling as this kit reuses the factory springs. Really nothing to settle.
Nice, I'm looking to get these for a 2012 f150 i hope they can handle the weight of 20" rims with 33" tires.
that's exactly what I run. 20s w/33's. no issues after 30K + miles
For some reason..that looks like a OREGON truck! That's a good thing!
+E. Simons it is indeed!
Hey how's the ride? Rougher, smoother?
Magic! Installed
Good Informative Video. I am going to do this to my 2017 FX4 soon. Like another viewer asked below does it settle a bit after the install because it looked quite high in the front at the end of the video? I was not sure if the +2.10" setting would settle down after a little while or if I should just set it at the +1.75" setting for a slight amount of rake. Do you have a follow up video after the truck settles? Thanks for sharing
+Jon Frauen thanks! It has settled and is perfectly level now. Part of that is the canopy squats down the rear end about half an inch. It did look quite high right after I did it, but all good now. Based on everything I've read you need 2.5 inches to make it completely level. This is without a canopy. So 2.1 inches with a canopy is perfect IMO.
I assume your truck is 2WD, correct? No rear blocks?
How are your CV angles? And how have your front hub bearings been holding up? Thanks for vid
I like the ass end just alittle higher than the front, do they sell the back shocks to do this?
Kyle Woodward I would either only set the fronts at 1.5 inches or put a 1” block in the back
Man! I wish I would have seen this video before I ordered my Rough Country struts and shocks, also don't forget about the rear blocks. This is so much easier and cheaper. How is the ride been since you installed this lift kit?
So has the truck settled any since install? The front end looks a little higher in the front than the back after install. I'm doing this to my truck on Monday and was thinking about one setting down from the top-most setting. Thoughts?
+Kevin Wiggins its settled and is level now. The general consensus is that it takes 2.25 inches to totally level out the truck. This raises the front by 2.1". Just got back from 4 days in the Oregon outback and the suspension is fantastic. Controlled, firm but not stiff. Well worth the money in IMO.
+Kevin Wiggins uploaded new thumbnail on vid for better comparison. Or you can look here: hayesnelson.com/2017/06/12/before-and-level-kit-2015-f150/
looks good. I got mine done today. I went all the way to the top and it's damn near perfectly level. but from a distance it looks perfect.
+Kevin Wiggins right on!!!
, how is your ride now? I'm thinking getting this instead of fox 2.0..
do the front struts come with new spring perches or are you sing the stock perches?
This makes me nervous to go up to 2.1. I think I’ll do 1.75.
If you have a canopy, I think that's a smart move.
Did you ever install these at 1.75? I’m thinking of getting the 6112s But like you I am nervous about that full height and negative rake. I wanna see what one setting below full height looks like.
@@BigFreakinRed99 Yep. I went with 1.75. Very happy with the look.
I have a rough country level on my 15 but I don't like the way it sits I want to lower it down .5 to 1 inch but I have a larger wheel/tire and concerned about the tire rubbing the fender liner
+Mr. Riding 26's if they are larger in both diameter and width then might be an issue if you want it Lowe down. Mild spacers from bora might be a solution.
Very nice! Thanks for the share!
+Russell Wood you're welcome. Thanks for watching
I need the rake i haul 1500+lbs or more regularly with my f150 and about 700lbs that never comes out (tools and stuff).. currently it has a 2.5 front level with an add a leaf and airbag kit in the back..your truck looks good though
Send a pic of your truck
To nmo moe getting ready to drop the money still on the fence about air bags, doing the add a leaf, dont know either air bags or blistein 5160 With reservoir, always haveload of tools roof rack and pull trailer 2 to 3 times a month , if you carry a trailer do you hitch with air bags down then adjust after hook up? Hows the ride? Thanks for you help
Loui - any update on how much the front settled? Do you have the 5.0 motor? I cant decide on the 1.75 or 2.1 setting. Dont have a cap and dont USUALLY haul too much weight other than in the winter months. UGH. Want to install next week and then do wheels in spring.
What did you end up choosing? I'm trying to decide between those two setting as well. I don't want reverse rake.
@@peterm3159 I did 2.1 sooo glad I did. It's perfect.
@@EYECOMEINPEACE thanks for getting back, any pics of your truck with the 5100s? Did you do the rear 5100s as well?
@@peterm3159 yep did 5100s all around and then found good deal on 20" wheels with 305/55s, had to trim from crash bars as they rubbed a bit in reverse but doing the front crash bars is really simple. Have pics but no way right now to upload.
@@EYECOMEINPEACE what offset rims you running? I got some 20x9 rims coming next week, 0 offset and getting some 33-12.50x20 duratracs on it. Which is why I bought the lift. Altho custom offsets shows I could run those rims with stock height and no trimming. I don't want it to look crammed. Plus I'm in Canada and enjoy the great outdoors so extra ground clearance is always nice.
What type of spring compressor did you use?
+Manuel Atallah giant one from my father-in-law. Used to have a shop so it was a professional type one. Didn't look at the brand, but it was almost identical to the one they use on the DIY videos from CJ off-road I mention in the description.
Settled??
@TheFullLouie looks great....are you gonna add bigger tires? I’m getting my 2010 f150 done next week
Might do 18’s with more rubber. Same outside diameter. May also go up one size if I get a chip to increase HP and torque. Don’t want it to feel/be slower.
TheFullLouie I’m going with Nitto trail grapplers on stock 20” wheels
Yes adding bigger wheels and tires soon
Do you have the torque specs for the suspension?
do you need a tire alignment on the front when you lift it 2 "
Correct!
would an alignment not be necessary for less than that? I plan on going with these but not going to the highest setting.
Always smart to do alignment after any suspension work where you’re removing and/or loosening major components. Cost it worth the peace of mind IMO.
Those mounts are on upside down which is why you can see the notches on your shock still and it jacked it up way above level. Uninstall and reinstall
Also I'm positive it's wrong because a shop installed mine wrong as well, looked exactly like this and I sent pictures to bilstein and they confirmed.
I don't think it would settle considering they are the factory springs?
+Anthony Rocci the settle I think is mostly from the rubber in the spring perch and the fact that they were uncompressed for a period of time along with the settling of the control arms etc. After 20 miles (or less) everything was normal, but you’re right though definitely not going to settle like new springs would.
I'm doing this to a stock 2014 F150 Platinum next week. Now that you have had these on for awhile have you developed any odd things in the suspension? Does it still feel tight and firm or have they softened? Anything you'd do differently? Has your ride remained smooth? I've been waiting 3 years to do any mods, that time has come.
Did I hear you say you also have a body lift with the Bilsteins? Why?
I thought your truck looked awesome!!
+Mach1club thanks! Much improved over OEM FX4 package. More controlled with same smooth ride. The kit raised the front of the truck by 2inches. Just replaced the rear shocks so no height change there. No body lift. Would do it over again but sooner! Nothing weird suspension or drivability wise. Steering feels normal after alignment. All good. Best money I've spent in a long time.
TheFullLouie h
Set them in the middle. Don't settle on waiting to settle :0
I did end up putting a 1" block in the back and it sits perfectly level now. If you don't have a canopy I think you'd be okay. Canopy is about 250 lbs (max)
@@TheFullLouie Cool. That's a good choice! I wouldn't want to redo the fronts either.
Hi.. I just got same shocks/struts on my 2018 f150 2wd xlt.. Do you hear shock bounce sound from front end? My front end make sound like bad or leaked shock sound after installation.
No. Check the tightness of the nut that is in the center of the shock mount in the engine bay. Sometimes they need to be re-torqued after the springs settle back in.
Hello sir, did you do alignment after install?
Yessir!
I have a f150 2015. Did you have to take the hub off to get the shock out. I'm doing mine tomorrow.
+Outdoors Drifter nope. I did loosen up the control arm a bit to get a bit more flex out of it then muscled it in there
Hey Bud! What is your vertical clearance height after lift? Thanks!
I haven't measured it. I'll post it back up here when I get remember to get to it.
So it has the 2.1" bilstein and then 1.25" level right? Total in the front is 3.35" right? and the back is 2"?
No. Front is 2.1 up over factory
How would you say the Bilstein shocks ride compared to stock??
+BIG_DOGG 1102 more controlled but just as smooth going down the road. Very very happy with the ride. Great upgrade for the price IMO.
How’s the ride quality? Smooth or firm?
Bit more firm than before. Not harsh, but more controlled if that makes sense.
How long/ how many miles did it take for the front shocks to settle and how many inches did the front shocks settle by?
+Bryan about 20. Less than 1/2 inch. Good thing too. Because if the springs hadn’t it would be too tall in the front. That Leer on the back gives me about 3/4 inch of sag.
TheFullLouie oh okay so after 20 miles? I just had mine installed on Friday and it's Definitely lifted over 2 inches!
+Bryan yeah felt the same way. I was like whoa, shoulda gone one notch lower when I first put em on. Pretty level now. Maybe a tad bit ‘front up’ bias in certain situations. Especially if I’m carrying something in the back, but I could throw in a 1/2” block and fit some bigger wheels and tires with ease. 😁
TheFullLouie I'm actually going to install a 2.75" Raptor tapered rear block from F150lifts/ halolifts tomorrow. :D
+Bryan 😎
If I go this route will it still but stress on my ball joints like front spacers do?
Yes, A level is a level. Even with expensive bilsteins, this truck looks exactly the same as it would with spacers. Don't let anyone guilt you into switching, do what you wish because spacers are just as awesome.
@Pedro Escarfullery Yes they do, if there was no stress then why does ride quality become a bit stiffer?(Not a bad thing)
@@tyk5719 Ride quality in this scenario is caused by the Bilsteins. They allow for less body roll, so they feel stiffer, but the vehicle stays flatter while cornering. Plus, using a new shock or coilover instead of a spacer allows for full up and down travel of the control arms and steering knuckle. A spacer limits your up travel and allows for over-extension (if you hit a big bump or off-road is really the only time you'll see it happen, a daily driver on the road likely won't see it happen) on the down travel.
In either situation, a 2" level isn't enough to warrant new UCAs unless you want to spend the money.
Any issues with angles on ball joints
Nope. All is well after 20k+
TheFullLouie I have a 2017 FX4 crewcab will the 2.1 setting be to high or about right ?
+James Howard no canopy should be just about right on. With canopy might be a tad too high. Mine is sitting pretty much level but tends towards little higher up front.
Thefulllouie how is your truck doing after you installed the bilstein 5100s months ago . Do I need to set mine one setting lower than max so my front won’t
Be higher than the back
If you don’t have a canopy highest setting should be level. With canopy, may want to go down one from highest setting. I like just a tab bit of front bias personally . So with the canopy it’s perfect. If not hard hard to see in most situations
So you also have spacers and the 2.1 leveling struts ?
+James Howard yup. 1.25 Bora spacers and the bilsteins
James Howard he has Bora wheel spacer and blistering leveling struts.
Correct
What year your truck?
2015
this is another vid where the people have no clue..... no this kit is not gonna settle.factory springs or new there is no settling the only way it settles is if you were to recieve a bad steel rolled coil. he said his driveway had a raise to it and yet the front is higher than rear and yes it will stay that way, it will not settle or level out. lets see... i want to raise my truck 2 inches so i will buy a 4 inch lift and it will settle to a 2 inch lift.... NOT. it will stay at 4 inch!!!!!
The settlement happens not with the springs but where the spring makes contact with the perch. The truck was higher when the kit was initially installed. Your right though, not going to settle more than a 1/4 inch or so at best.
craig strom , good thing you're around to correct everyone that has no clue. What would the world do without you? Try being nicer.
Your still working with original springs. They already sagged as much as they ever will before this lift.
How is the ride quality? Stiffer than stock?
More control than stock. Definitely not stiffer.
Do you think It'll still lift my truck even though I have a spindle lift and leveling kit already installed?
Sounds like a lot going on. It sure I’d be comfortable piecing all those things together. Just get a lift kit.
Julio Casarez y
How did the level affect gas mileage?
+Reginald Jackson great question. Can’t say I’ve done a real test, but nothing noticeable to where I’m like WTF!?
Pay 45-50k for a truck that after a year or so the front end sags!!!
the front end comes lowered from the factory so when you are hauling it is level and not sagging in the rear.
Lol... you don't know anything about hauling do you.
@@brandonrippeonphoto Negative, its lower because of pedestrian safety requirements.