Camping Rig Suspension Build

[DrockinWV]

Hey!

Looking for some solid information on a suspension for my 21 5.0 Lariat Screw 6'.6". I'm probably over complicating the process, but would like to hear from some people smarter than myself and that have more experience. Truck is basically stock at the moment with the exception of some basic Icon 2.0 rear shocks.

Just to preface, I have a camper on the back of the truck that weighs approximately 400lbs. Also in the bed full time is a large 6'6" wooden drawer, that is probably another 250lbs or so. You can also add on top some other gear that lives in the back as well, for a quick camping trip deployment.

I live on the east coast, so unfortunately I'm not doing any high speed offroading. Most trails I do are going to be fire roads, with some larger rocks, roots, and some creek crossings thrown in there.

Basically looking for a level to eventually add smaller wheels, and larger rubber (truck does have max tow package) probably in the 285 - 295 size range. But also need to stiffen up the rear end to accommodate the extra added weight. Have also thought of adding some UCA to keep suspension geometry, but unsure if it is needed or just a waste of money at this point.

Any and all information is greatly appreciated!!

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[Aonarch]

Bilstein 6112 and 5160 are the best for overlanders, digressive valving makes them a bit stiffer with less body roll.

Maybe look at an add-a-leaf for the rear?
https://www.readylift.com/1-5-rear-add-a-leaf-kit-ford-f-150.html

https://autospringkits.com/product/2021-2023-ford-f150-rear-add-a-leaf-kit/

Or new leaf pack
https://hotshotoffroad.com/products/multi-rate-leaf-pack-w-add-a-leaf-2021-f150

I'd upgrade the rear leaf first and see where that puts you height wise while loaded.

Then level the front. Or buy adjustable front coilovers like the Eibachs and just adjust them.

You don't really need UCAs unless you are rocking 2.5" plus front lift. UCAs will give you more caster, adding on-road stability.

 

[CND Supercrew]

Hey!

Looking for some solid information on a suspension for my 21 5.0 Lariat Screw 6'.6". I'm probably over complicating the process, but would like to hear from some people smarter than myself and that have more experience. Truck is basically stock at the moment with the exception of some basic Icon 2.0 rear shocks.

Just to preface, I have a camper on the back of the truck that weighs approximately 400lbs. Also in the bed full time is a large 6'6" wooden drawer, that is probably another 250lbs or so. You can also add on top some other gear that lives in the back as well, for a quick camping trip deployment.

I live on the east coast, so unfortunately I'm not doing any high speed offroading. Most trails I do are going to be fire roads, with some larger rocks, roots, and some creek crossings thrown in there.

Basically looking for a level to eventually add smaller wheels, and larger rubber (truck does have max tow package) probably in the 285 - 295 size range. But also need to stiffen up the rear end to accommodate the extra added weight. Have also thought of adding some UCA to keep suspension geometry, but unsure if it is needed or just a waste of money at this point.

Any and all information is greatly appreciated!!

Post a photo of your payload from the yellow door sticker. You need to start with that number to see how much room you have to add stuff

 

[DrockinWV]

Bilstein 6112 and 5160 are the best for overlanders, digressive valving makes them a bit stiffer with less body roll.

Maybe look at an add-a-leaf for the rear?
https://www.readylift.com/1-5-rear-add-a-leaf-kit-ford-f-150.html

https://autospringkits.com/product/2021-2023-ford-f150-rear-add-a-leaf-kit/

Or new leaf pack
https://hotshotoffroad.com/products/multi-rate-leaf-pack-w-add-a-leaf-2021-f150

I'd upgrade the rear leaf first and see where that puts you height wise while loaded.

Then level the front. Or buy adjustable front coilovers like the Eibachs and just adjust them.

You don't really need UCAs unless you are rocking 2.5" plus front lift. UCAs will give you more caster, adding on-road stability.

Appreciate the feedback! Pretty much what I was thinking for the rear end with either add a spring or something like Deavers. Just to keep the ass end from sagging on me all the time.

I have heard a lot of good feedback on the 6112, as the Icons may just be more than I really need to have. But have thought of just going with the UCAs while the front is already apart and it gives a serviceable part.

Post a photo of your payload from the yellow door sticker. You need to start with that number to see how much room you have to add stuff

Definitely still have some overhead as the payload is at 1640, but definitely need to hit a scale to see where Im currently at.

 

[roadPilot]

Bilstein 6112s are what you seek. They are adjustable. Compare specs of your Icons with the 5160s as well.

IMHO, if you're not sagging now with your current payload and won't be towing a heavy trailer, no need to add a leaf, really.

UCAs not really necessary in the range of the 6112's adjustability (up to 2.5"), but if you're not on a hard budget, I'd consider them. JBA Offroad has a nice set under $600, IIRC. I have a 21 Platinum 6.5' and I'll soon be doing 6112/5150 and the JBA UCAs.

 

[DrockinWV]

Bilstein 6112s are what you seek. They are adjustable. Compare specs of your Icons with the 5160s as well.

IMHO, if you're not sagging now with your current payload and won't be towing a heavy trailer, no need to add a leaf, really.

UCAs not really necessary in the range of the 6112's adjustability (up to 2.5"), but if you're not on a hard budget, I'd consider them. JBA Offroad has a nice set under $600, IIRC. I have a 21 Platinum 6.5' and I'll soon be doing 6112/5150 and the JBA UCAs.

All very good points! Not towing currently and no plans to in the near future. But honestly living in WV it is hard to find a flat area to notice the rear end sagging lol. I'm sure it is fine as is, but maybe something to think about for future use. I just don't want to make a decision now on a separate upgrade that would effect adding some more payload support in the future.

As for UCA's I just like the idea of adding some beef, and something that is serviceable.

 

[DrockinWV]

Alright, I think I have finally narrowed everything down for the direction I'm going to go in. Going with the Bilstein 6112/5160s, SPC UCAs, and the Icon multi rate leaf pack. Possibly going to be adding the SPC alignment camber and caster kit as well. Hoping these components will give me years of worry(ish) free offroading. If anyone has this same setup or any of the items in particular (mostly the Icon leaf pack) some feedback would be appreciated!

 

[adyaro77]

Bilstein 6112 and 5160 are the best for overlanders, digressive valving makes them a bit stiffer with less body roll.

Maybe look at an add-a-leaf for the rear?
https://www.readylift.com/1-5-rear-add-a-leaf-kit-ford-f-150.html

https://autospringkits.com/product/2021-2023-ford-f150-rear-add-a-leaf-kit/

Or new leaf pack
https://hotshotoffroad.com/products/multi-rate-leaf-pack-w-add-a-leaf-2021-f150

I'd upgrade the rear leaf first and see where that puts you height wise while loaded.

Then level the front. Or buy adjustable front coilovers like the Eibachs and just adjust them.

You don't really need UCAs unless you are rocking 2.5" plus front lift. UCAs will give you more caster, adding on-road stability.

This is my suspension with SPC UCA. I Highly recommend.

 

[DrockinWV]

This is my suspension with SPC UCA. I Highly recommend.

Yeah? Do you have the leaf pack as well or just 6112/5160s and SPCs?

 

[adyaro77]

Yeah? Do you have the leaf pack as well or just 6112/5160s and SPCs?

I have the Auto Springs add leafs and 2" blocks. I have 2" rake with my 6112's set at 2.5" in front. Originally only added the 3rd leaves, but not enough rake when I hook my boat up. I replaced the bump stops with Timbrens. Won't let the truck sit below level. I also upgraded the sway bar links. Tires are 285/60/20 116T.

 

[DrockinWV]

I have the Auto Springs add leafs and 2" blocks. I have 2" rake with my 6112's set at 2.5" in front. Originally only added the 3rd leaves, but not enough rake when I hook my boat up.

I appreciate your feedback!

 

[adyaro77]

I appreciate your feedback!

My pleasure.

 

[Aonarch]

I have the Auto Springs add leafs and 2" blocks. I have 2" rake with my 6112's set at 2.5" in front. Originally only added the 3rd leaves, but not enough rake when I hook my boat up. I replaced the bump stops with Timbrens. Won't let the truck sit below level. I also upgraded the sway bar links. Tires are 285/60/20 116T.

What sway bar links did you go with?

 

[adyaro77]

What sway bar links did you go with?

Supreme.

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