Lowering Max Tow

[thomhunt]

I have a 2022 F150 with the Max Tow package. Currently I have the front end leveled with Eibach coilovers but now that I have a Whipple installed I’m thinking about switching it up and lowering the truck.

Has anyone successfully lowered a Max Tow? Seems like everything I can find explicitly states Max Tow is not supported. Including all of Belltechs offerings.

Sponsored

 

[ds635h]

I’m far from an expert but remove eibachs - install 2WD struts up front. Remove block in rear and add FP lowering shackles might be only option?

no max tow over here. But wanted to shoot a reply since it’s almost been 24 hours since posting.

definitely will not be “lowered” however :/

 

[redline]

I dont see a major difference between max tow and reg f150, the rear end is bigger and there is an extra leaf...

 

[thomhunt]

I dont see a major difference between max tow and reg f150, the rear end is bigger and there is an extra leaf...

That was my thought also, but seems like everything I see specifically mentions not for max tow. Maybe I need to reach out to someone like Belltech directly and ask what is different or if it could be made to work. Just curious if others have first hand experience.

Honestly sort of regret getting max tow at this point with the issues I’ve had with broken axle bolts and now getting a clicking noise after having axle shafts replaced a few months ago. Still no resolution to that issue.. Main reason I got it was for the 3.73 gears and supposedly a more stout rear end compared to the standard 8.8 but I’m doubting that at this point.

 

[Buyer2021]

Perhaps they have concerns about pumpkin clearance at max compression?

FWIW, being concerned about unintended consequences, when I removed the 1-1/4" spacer blocks and installed the shorter 2WD bump-stops on my Max Tow, I took the time to disconnect the shocks and carefully jack the axle against those shorter bump-stops .... I saw no clearance concerns when I did that, even with a B&W turnoverball underbed hitch assembly 'nearby' (I do not 'stow' the ball inverted in the socket - just completely remove it when not needed).

Also verified that the Bilstein 5100's were not 'bottomed-out' at that full-compression (axle against the shorter bump-stops)

Sorry, I did not put a tape-measure to it to estimate how much more lowering I thought it might 'tolerate' without clearance issues (just pulling the blocks got me what I wanted).

 

[thomhunt]

Another thought, when installing my VasFab traction bars i ran into some issues installing due to the differences in leaf springs. I reached out and they ended up sending me the instructions for a 15-20 F150 since the Max Tow leaf springs are apparently exactly the same.

With that in mind, one would think I could order components for a 13th gen to drop the rear, and 14th gen front coilovers. This may the the route I go after I reach out to suppliers and confirm I can return parts if it doesn’t work out.

 

[Pedaldude]

Honestly sort of regret getting max tow at this point with the issues I’ve had with broken axle bolts and now getting a clicking noise after having axle shafts replaced a few months ago. Still no resolution to that issue.. Main reason I got it was for the 3.73 gears and supposedly a more stout rear end compared to the standard 8.8 but I’m doubting that at this point.

There’s no law against swapping out your 9.75” for a Super 8.8” from a junkyard that you you can take the brakes and maybe prop shaft off to make sure everything just bolts up and you can keep the old parts if you change your mind or start needing to tow heavy stuff.

I’ve thought about doing this myself when the drivetrain warranty expires and even going with taller gears to improve my city and highway mileage.

 

[FORDTEXAS]

the rear end is bigger and there is an extra leaf...

this

 

[thomhunt]

this

I haven’t personally looked at the rear suspension on a non max tow truck to know if there are any differences in shackles or mounting points was my main concern otherwise I don’t know why many of the kits exclude the max tow trucks. I did actually tonight come across Ridetech which offers a kit for all 15-24 f150s regardless of max tow or not so I would assume it’s not all that different

 

[FORDTEXAS]

I haven’t personally looked at the rear suspension on a non max tow truck to know if there are any differences in shackles or mounting points was my main concern otherwise I don’t know why many of the kits exclude the max tow trucks. I did actually tonight come across Ridetech which offers a kit for all 15-24 f150s regardless of max tow or not so I would assume it’s not all that different

some manufacturers are lazy to be held liable if said package doesn’t work with their products.

e.g. instead of them test fitting it onto a max tow, they would rather save the money and just say nope.

 

[12Lariat21]

Yeah, I'm sure it is "silly" reasons for them to say that it is not for Max Tow, like;

1. You'll have that 3rd leave engaged all the time, providing a very rough ride
2. You won't have the same towing capability as the truck was built with, since your axle to bump stop distance will be smaller, and could result in control and drivability problems
3. Assumption that no one with a max tow would want to ever lower their truck so to avoid needing to 'verify' any fitment or function on a max tow to reduce development costs...

Those are the best examples I can think of, I would even think when lowering it you could just take out that 3rd leaf spring...assuming that would be an easy process, but I've never done it so I don't really know.

 

[Jmitchelltfo]

That was my thought also, but seems like everything I see specifically mentions not for max tow. Maybe I need to reach out to someone like Belltech directly and ask what is different or if it could be made to work. Just curious if others have first hand experience.

Honestly sort of regret getting max tow at this point with the issues I’ve had with broken axle bolts and now getting a clicking noise after having axle shafts replaced a few months ago. Still no resolution to that issue.. Main reason I got it was for the 3.73 gears and supposedly a more stout rear end compared to the standard 8.8 but I’m doubting that at this point.

Any follow ups on this?

I'd really like to remove my rear blocks...but I guess I need to do some more research. I don't tow anything so that's not a concern for me.

 

[Buttholemunchin]

I really need this information if anyone could help please.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

I really need this information if anyone could help please.

What information do you need?

 

[Buttholemunchin]

What information do you need?

what flip kits work on max tow trucks

Sponsored