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

[fireonice02]

Ordered my Ford Performance leveling kit the other day just waiting on Stage 3 to receive next batch. Very excited to get them on finally!

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[JohnMcClane]

2” setting

Pretty happy I didn’t put in the rear blocks as it looks I’ve retained some rake like I was hoping.

Yes i know my fender vents are not there, it’s not a long story, but not an exciting one.

Edit: this was 2” setting, not 2.5”

2” setting above

Big thanks to everyone here who helped me identify that my truck was not actually set at 2.5” during the first install.

2.5” setting below

 

[Iconic22F150]

Just my $0.02, if you're going to 3" and a rear block, I'd go to a 4" kit just to keep the front end components in check. I know it's more money and you can't reverse the kit, but wait and save a little more, but that's just me.

When I look at my CVs at 2" they look weird. I've read conflicting opinions about the effects a leveling kit has on the front end components. Yet dealerships install leveling kits all the time and here in Texas just about every truck on the road seems to one.

I see you have a Lariat, if you have 4A your front hubs are turning all the time and the increased angle from the 3" leveling kit through the CV would make me nervous.

Thanks @TexasTruck that’s good info about the 4A. I’ll probably just stick with the Ford performance level kit cause I’ve had Bilstein’s before and they were great. I just can’t bring myself to cut a $60K truck and have to swap wheels out for the 4” lift. I bought the 501a package specifically cause I love the stock wheels on it.

 

[Jjdh]

Thought I’d give a thread update for anyone new who stumbles across this.
After putting about 1000 miles on this kit, I have to say that it is hands down the best riding setup I’ve had on an f150. Truck handles great and feels planted. Handles the bumps well. No real complaints so far.

 

[ImChris]

Update for those waiting for these to come in stock at other places…

My local Ford dealer (Middleton Motorsports, in WI) said they were listed out of stock but since they are a Ford dealer they could still order them.

They honored the Stage 3 price ($1550) and had them within 24 hours!

Hit your dealer - they might be able to get them in asap.

 

[Polo08816]

For either front suspension setup, can you purchase the strut portion (without springs) separately when it needs to be replaced?

 

[Fordphanatic]

For either front suspension setup, can you purchase the strut portion (without springs) separately when it needs to be replaced?

What springs do you plan on using

 

[Polo08816]

What springs do you plan on using

Whatever springs come original on the Bilstein 6112 or the Ford Performance coil-overs.

 

[cowboywill]

Just want to say thank you to all those who posted information, tips, and photos!

I just upgraded from a 2018 Ecoboost to a 2022 Powerboost and am now going to put the Ford performance leveling kit on it. Tracked down a set in Lubbock TX and they will be shipped to Austin on Monday.

Will post before/after. I plan on setting it to 2.5".

 

[ThunderKat]

I received my kit a couple days ago and am switching over from the Fox 2.0 kit. I was disappointed in how firm the Fox shocks were, especially with E-load tires. Also after settling the Fox dropped quite a bit, and they don’t recommend adjusting higher than 2 inch as it would only be firmer.

I have swapped out the rears already, and the ride comfort is very noticeable over Fox. The fox rears tends to rebound too quickly over bumps and feels like a bucking Bronco. The FP feels much smoother and turn in feels smoother, and this is just with the rears installed only. I plan to have the front installed by a shop next Monday so they can adjust it to the 2.5” setting.

I will give my final verdict on a comparison between the two after I get the front installed. Overall aesthetically, the fox looks better, with the silver spring and logo on the tophat. Of course looks is only second to ride comfort.

 

[Bullitt1841]

I received my kit a couple days ago and am switching over from the Fox 2.0 kit. I was disappointed in how firm the Fox shocks were, especially with E-load tires. Also after settling the Fox dropped quite a bit, and they don’t recommend adjusting higher than 2 inch as it would only be firmer.

I have swapped out the rears already, and the ride comfort is very noticeable over Fox. The fox rears tends to rebound too quickly over bumps and feels like a bucking Bronco. The FP feels much smoother and turn in feels smoother, and this is just with the rears installed only. I plan to have the front installed by a shop next Monday so they can adjust it to the 2.5” setting.

I will give my final verdict on a comparison between the two after I get the front installed. Overall aesthetically, the fox looks better, with the silver spring and logo on the tophat. Of course looks is only second to ride comfort.

In what situations was the Fox kit more firm than the Bilstein kit? I know you've only swapped the rears, so far. But everything I've read is that the Fox 2.0 should be softer than Bilstein, in most situations. Especially since Bilsteins are digressive valving and firmer at lower shaft speeds (i.e. daily driving) but softer at higher shaft speeds (i.e. off roading, potholes, etc). Fox valving is progressive (the opposite).

 

[ThunderKat]

In what situations was the Fox kit more firm than the Bilstein kit? I know you've only swapped the rears, so far. But everything I've read is that the Fox 2.0 should be softer than Bilstein, in most situations. Especially since Bilsteins are digressive valving and firmer at lower shaft speeds (i.e. daily driving) but softer at higher shaft speeds (i.e. off roading, potholes, etc). Fox valving is progressive (the opposite).

When going over speed bumps at low speeds and harsh roads at driving speeds, the Fox just has a harsher impact, especially in the rear and the bilstein feels softer and smoother. I felt more of the road with the fox. There’s a video on YouTube by town and country tv who describe a firmer ride on the fox, smoother on FP. Overall though I kind of like the ride with the Fox up front and FP rears, which has me thinking it’s mainly the rears of the fox contributing to the overall ride quality.

The stiffer ride of fox, compounded by the stiffer ride of 10 ply tires definitely cause for a ride too harsh for my taste, handling is great though, but being in a city with potholes everywhere I need a smoother ride. I was at a point to either find a smoother suspension or go back down to 33” LT tires

 

[Jafo2317]

Can this new kit be installed on a 2023 F150 Tremor?

 

[Bullitt1841]

That's very interesting

Can this new kit be installed on a 2023 F150 Tremor?

That's why I'm asking questions, too. Too hard to find information on what works well on the Tremors.

 

[Bullitt1841]

When going over speed bumps at low speeds and harsh roads at driving speeds, the Fox just has a harsher impact, especially in the rear and the bilstein feels softer and smoother. I felt more of the road with the fox. There’s a video on YouTube by town and country tv who describe a firmer ride on the fox, smoother on FP. Overall though I kind of like the ride with the Fox up front and FP rears, which has me thinking it’s mainly the rears of the fox contributing to the overall ride quality.

The stiffer ride of fox, compounded by the stiffer ride of 10 ply tires definitely cause for a ride too harsh for my taste, handling is great though, but being in a city with potholes everywhere I need a smoother ride. I was at a point to either find a smoother suspension or go back down to 33” LT tires

I have the stock General Grabber AT tires on my 22 Tremor and don't do much off roading. I'm about to install the Roadmaster Active Suspension on the rear leaf springs to offset removing the rear blocks if I need to tow or haul anything heavy.

I'm hoping the RAS makes the rear feel more planted like everyone talks about. But then it's difficult to predict which rear shock will pair best with that combo.

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