2021-2023 F-150 Ford Performance Leveling Kit (by Bilstein) is released

[FixOrRepairDaily]

I am wondering how would this kit compare to just simple bilstein 5100 options.
https://www.stage3motorsports.com/21f1504wd-21-22-f150-4wd-bilstein-5100-complete-shock-kit.html

I am looking for 2 inch lift front and ride quality improvement.
I currently have 3 in rake.

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[FixOrRepairDaily]

Unfortunately, I imagine this is going to be dealer specific.

Since it says this on Fords website, I would say you can use it on a powerboost and the warranty "should" extend, but the wording makes it vague enough for me to verify from the dealership and I'd get something in writing for the warranty if they do agree to the install.

• Fits: 2021-2023 F-150 4X4 Models
  • Not recommended for 4x2 drivetrain, F-150 Tremor, 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid, 3.0L Diesel, and Heavy-Duty Payload Package (627)

Anyone out there was able to convince a dealership to agree to the warranty on powerboost?

 

[Je1279]

I did give that a shot. I’m not the world’s strongest man, but not the weakest either. I had a screw driver in each of the bottom holes and it wasn’t budging. The damn screw drivers started bending.

I used both a large set of channel lock pliers and an 18" pipe wrench to get mine oriented correctly. The 18" pipe wrench was easier and they are inexpensive at Harbor Freight if you don't have one.

 

[Je1279]

I am wondering how would this kit compare to just simple bilstein 5100 options.
https://www.stage3motorsports.com/21f1504wd-21-22-f150-4wd-bilstein-5100-complete-shock-kit.html

I am looking for 2 inch lift front and ride quality improvement.
I currently have 3 in rake.

The 5100's are good, but I feel this kit gives you better performance with the lager diameter struts and reservoir shocks. With the 5100's you also need to disassemble the struts and swap parts over to the new assemblies.

 

[FixOrRepairDaily]

The 5100's are good, but I feel this kit gives you better performance with the lager diameter struts and reservoir shocks. With the 5100's you also need to disassemble the struts and swap parts over to the new assemblies.

If the kit supports a few different height adjustments and if it is pre-assembled, don't I need to take it apart in order to change the setting? What setting does it come with?

@Stage3Motorsports, I hoping you might have an answer. Thanks

 

[Je1279]

The Ford Performance struts come set at 2". If you would prefer to use the 2.5" setting, you would need to compress the springs and move the clips for the lower spring perch up to the 2.5" setting.

 

[TheRealDCA]

I used both a large set of channel lock pliers and an 18" pipe wrench to get mine oriented correctly. The 18" pipe wrench was easier an they are inexpensive at Harbor Freight if you don't have one.

Second try was a success. Used a 1-1/4” socket with a breaker bar to rotate the lower mounts. Appreciate the help!

 

[stephendm]

Is anyone having difficulty finding dealerships that will install the Ford Performance Leveling kit? I called 5 dealerships in the northern suburbs / exurbs of Seattle, and was told by 3 that they don‘t install the Ford performance leveling kit, 1 gave an estimate of 7 hours at a shop rate of something like $175 an hour, and I am waiting to hear back from the final dealership.

Is my experience unique to my area, or is everyone having to spend a bit of time finding a dealership who will install?

 

[crazywayne311]

sheesh thats hwy robbery. i know this sounds crazy but the fronts are the intimidating part on the install.
the rears can be done with a jack in like 30 min a side...anyway, i had an independent shop install mine.

 

[FixOrRepairDaily]

look for ASE certified tech - only stipulation on warranty. I am getting mine done for $700 front and back including alignment

 

[NH_Leadfoot]

I installed mine myself, the rears took 5 minutes a side without even having to jack up the truck or remove the wheel. The fronts were 'fun', I used a spring compressor to compress the spring so I could clock the strut mount to the correct position. I also had to remove the front axle bolt so I could drop the hub. It was pretty straight forward though, took me an afternoon in the garage without a lift.

 

[Je1279]

The most challenging parts of my install were getting the factory lower strut bolts out of the lower control arm and re-attaching the upper control arms to the knuckle. For the lower strut bolts, using a 3' pry bar on the lower control arm along with some swearing eventually worked. As for re-attaching the upper control arms, just make sure that the tie rod end and sway bar link nuts are on, but only by a few threads. Then, using the same pry bar, align the upper ball joint with the knuckle, push down and thread on the nut. Next, tighten and torque everthing to spec and your good. I found this video to be very helpful during the process. Torque specs may not apply, but the rest should be the same.

 

[Je1279]

One other note not mentioned in the video. If the stud spins when tightening the nut on either the tie rod end or upper ball joint, use a ratchet and 10 or 8mm socket to hold the stud while you tighten the nut with a wrench. Once you get it snug, you will no longer need to hold the stud.

 

[FixOrRepairDaily]

got the local tech to install the kit. ride is immediately better. boat feeling is gone. i had some doubts but now iam a believer

 

[Chili]

I did give that a shot. I’m not the world’s strongest man, but not the weakest either. I had a screw driver in each of the bottom holes and it wasn’t budging. The damn screw drivers started bending.

Sounds like you're putting the R shock on the L and vice versa. Or they were assembled 180 degrees off. I had the same issue when I assembled the shocks 180 degrees off on a different truck.

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