Ranger Gets Ford Performance Parts Leveling Kits with Coil-overs & Fox Shocks

RANGER_MARC

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I hope that Ford Performance posts a video similar to this one from Icon so I can make an informed decision. Looks like the Icon STAGE 2 system works substantially better than stock.

I'd love to see a three-way comparison among stock, FORD/FOX, and Icon. Stock would be the big loser, but who would be the big winner?
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FULLSCALE

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I would of posted earlier, but I had a lot of things done with the Fox suspension and after... I can say that the truck rides better and the handling is night and day different. First off I no longer get seasick in curves or turns. The body roll is mostly tamed and you get a better feel of the road. It’s not numb anymore. And bumpy roads aren’t gonna shake your fillings out. I also has the dealer install the Decked system. This is what it looked like...
Great looking setup! What tire size are you running?
 

uthunter

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I'd love to see a three-way comparison among stock, FORD/FOX, and Icon. Stock would be the big loser, but who would be the big winner?
The difference when watching the face of the passenger getting beat up in the stock vs lifted truck is pretty amazing.
 

FULLSCALE

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Tha

Thanks... They’re 265/70R17 Goodyear Ultraterrain A/Ts load range E on the stock Sport wheels.I thought that I’d try something different instead of my usual KO2s.
I was hoping that was the size, that's the size I have in my garage to put on and it looks great on yours.
 


RANGER_MARC

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I hope that Ford Performance posts a video similar to this one from Icon so I can make an informed decision. Looks like the Icon STAGE 2 system works substantially better than stock.

It is one thing for an aftermarket competitor to run such a filmed comparison, but it is not likely that Ford would compare stock vs. the Ford/Fox kit, as this would be like admitting that ... the stock shocks suck!
 

doug910

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It is one thing for an aftermarket competitor to run such a filmed comparison, but it is not likely that Ford would compare stock vs. the Ford/Fox kit, as this would be like admitting that ... the stock shocks suck!
I disagree with the claim that "stock shocks suck", and I refuse to jump on that bandwagon. The comparison video is unfair because the modded truck has 3 more inches of travel to absorb those impacts, of course it's going to be better! A true shock vs shock comparison would be done at the same ride height. There's no doubt that ICON products are amazing, but this video doesn't prove that FX4 shocks are bad.

I took my truck on mogels like that over the weekend at high speed. I'm shocked (no punt intended) that the damping was so controlled and I didn't bottom out once. It soaked up every single mogel and kept me planted on the ground within the limits of the suspension articulation. The FX4 shocks are not for the feint of heart - they ride hard on the road, and even during moderate off roading, they still beat you. But when you push them to the limit, the FX4 shocks are truly incredible.
 
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P. A. Schilke

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I disagree with the claim that "stock shocks suck", and I refuse to jump on that bandwagon. The comparison video is unfair because the modded truck has 3 more inches of travel to absorb those impacts, of course it's going to be better! A truck shock vs shock comparison would be done at the same ride height. There's no doubt that ICON products are amazing, but this video doesn't prove that FX4 shocks are bad.

I took my truck on mogels like that over the weekend at high speed. I'm shocked (no punt intended) that the damping was so controlled and I didn't bottom out once. It soaked up every single mogel and kept me planted on the ground within the limits of the suspension articulation. The FX4 shocks are not for the feint of heart - they ride hard on the road, and even during moderate off roading, they still beat you. But when you push them to the limit, the FX4 shocks are truly incredible.
Hi Doug,

That is the way the FX4 brand was created...to perform off road. On road is okay, but idea was a turn key off road truck.

best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired
 

doug910

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Hi Doug,

That is the way the FX4 brand was created...to perform off road. On road is okay, but idea was a turn key off road truck.

best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired
Phil, it's very cool to see that the FX4 DNA still lives on even after your retirement!
 

uthunter

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I got the Ford Performance shocks installed today

20191121_190638.jpg


I've got a LEER topper on it already so I wanted to see how that affected rake with a full tank of gas.

Front
20191121_200403.jpg


Rear
20191121_200424.jpg


It measures almost perfectly level, but the sensation from the drivers seat is that I'm driving uphill everywhere I go.

I'll post some pics when I get some daylight tomorrow so everybody can see the semi-finished product, but I definitely plan on installing the rear blocks I've got coming from Stage 3 to bump up the back a little bit. Then I'll take new measurements and pics and get them up.

As for the ride (on a limited test basis)... I got a chance to pound up a dirt road in a canyon by my house tonight and the control is dramatically improved. The body roll is a million times better and it seems to absorb front impact much better. If there is one downside- I'd say that the rear shocks are borderline too-stiff and the pothole-style ruts in the road are felt more abruptly than before, it seems to be a little more jarring or sharp. Almost like when you have overinflated tires (which I checked, they're not).

More pics to come...
 

PNW_Ranger87

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I keep seeing that it looks like everyone is having to max out the front camber adjustment with these level/lift kits. I know new upper control arms would help alleviate the need for that maxed out adjustment. I'm thinking about piecing together a kit using this Ford Performance Fox kit and a set of a-arms. Has anyone else done this yet or is everyone just maxed on the eccentrics and it's "in spec"?
 

uthunter

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Here's the before and after pics (pre-rear block)

20191122_111932.jpg

20191122_111857.jpg

And the head-on
20191122_111644.jpg


Tires are BFG TA KO2 in LT255/75R17 (32.1"), they have excellent clearance with no modifications to trim or crash bars.
 

uthunter

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Love the new height with the Eibach rear blocks!

Front
20191122_224917.jpg


Rear
20191122_224931.jpg


After more time behind the wheel, I can't recommend the Ford Performance shocks enough. MASSIVE DIFFERENCE IN HANDLING!
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