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

[Shallowcaster]

Icon knows how to get my attention.

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[rpeterson53]

I have the Lariat SuperCab FX4 offroad package truck. I decided to go with the Ford kit in lieu of the FOX kit even though the Ford kit was more expensive and they are the same components per my understanding. The Ford kit front coil over struts are set at 2 inch lift versus the 3 inch for the FOX kit out of the box. Yes, I understand the FOX coil overs could be adjusted down to 2 inches but I decided not to hassle with that. I figured there must be a reason Ford decided on 2 inches for the front lift.

I had the kit installed at the local Ford dealer in lieu of doing the work myself for the warranty consideration. The final cost including tax was $1933 USD (sales tax rate 8.6%). The cost included the kit, labor to install, alignment and boots for the rear shocks. I made sure they adjusted the headlights and the radar unit for the cruise adaptive feature when doing the work. I had a copy of the Ford work procedure. I also noted that they used the new hardware that comes in the kit. The dealer has a dedicated team that does aftermarket accessory installs like thi skit was.

Driving home I noted a significant improvement in how the truck rode. Wasn't the "bouncy" ride you often get with the stock suspension ! Very comfortable ride IMHO. I haven't used the truck offroad so I have no comment. I did have to change the seating position after the kit install. I'm 6-2 and I like the seating position though I did tinker multiple times to get the right position that I preferred. But that was the same story with the original suspension. I think my seating position is little changed from what I had it set with the stock suspension.

Would I do it again ......absolutely ! The truck is greatly improved from stock configuration. The only issue I have is what to do with the removed parts. Doubt if there is any market for them. Only have about 2500 miles on them.

 

[fusseli]

Icon knows how to get my attention.

That's a really great comparison, I wish there was one of those for the Ford performance / Fox setup.

 

[dallas121469]

My biggest peeve with the raked suspension is when I was off roading. the front sensors would alarm on every little rut. Now it only goes off if I'm in a big hole. I also think the greatly increased approach angle saved my butt this past weekend from plowing into a hole I misjudged. I probably would have had front end damage or at the very least buried my bumper in the sand. I'm sold on the kit.

I've also noticed I don't get bounced around inside the trunk as hittmuch whening ruts at speed. Same with speed bumps.

 

[pbb_photo]

I just popped mine out today. I'll let you know how hard they are to repair

I just finished installing my kit. Read this and as I am a novice with no real experience, other than a few basic mechanics, I was wondering how obvious this would be if it happened to me? My wheels turn and I can’t here any real change in noise. It seams to drive smooth and pretty quite, like normal I think. (Not aligned yet I can feel that) But again I’m a novice installer. Anything that would make it obvious if mine popped out? Thanks

 

[Sunpilot]

I just finished installing my kit. Read this and as I am a novice with no real experience, other than a few basic mechanics, I was wondering how obvious this would be if it happened to me? My wheels turn and I can’t here any real change in noise. It seams to drive smooth and pretty quite, like normal I think. (Not aligned yet I can feel that) But again I’m a novice installer. Anything that would make it obvious if mine popped out? Thanks

You would know if they popped out. You would not get the knuckle and ball joint back together properly. If everything is working you did a good job.

 

[Andrew]

Icon knows how to get my attention.

Just installed my Stage 1 kit. Ready to take her on some trails now!

 

[tivct]

Just installed my Stage 1 kit. Ready to take her on some trails now!

How's it ride?

 

[Andrew]

So far a lot better. It’s for sure a stiffer ride which is expected but at speed things soften up quick! Can’t wait to take her out on some trails!

 

[RANGER_MARC]

I have the Lariat SuperCab FX4 offroad package truck. I decided to go with the Ford kit in lieu of the FOX kit even though the Ford kit was more expensive and they are the same components per my understanding. The Ford kit front coil over struts are set at 2 inch lift versus the 3 inch for the FOX kit out of the box. Yes, I understand the FOX coil overs could be adjusted down to 2 inches but I decided not to hassle with that. I figured there must be a reason Ford decided on 2 inches for the front lift.

I had the kit installed at the local Ford dealer in lieu of doing the work myself for the warranty consideration. The final cost including tax was $1933 USD (sales tax rate 8.6%). The cost included the kit, labor to install, alignment and boots for the rear shocks. I made sure they adjusted the headlights and the radar unit for the cruise adaptive feature when doing the work. I had a copy of the Ford work procedure. I also noted that they used the new hardware that comes in the kit. The dealer has a dedicated team that does aftermarket accessory installs like thi skit was.

Driving home I noted a significant improvement in how the truck rode. Wasn't the "bouncy" ride you often get with the stock suspension ! Very comfortable ride IMHO. I haven't used the truck offroad so I have no comment. I did have to change the seating position after the kit install. I'm 6-2 and I like the seating position though I did tinker multiple times to get the right position that I preferred. But that was the same story with the original suspension. I think my seating position is little changed from what I had it set with the stock suspension.

Would I do it again ......absolutely ! The truck is greatly improved from stock configuration. The only issue I have is what to do with the removed parts. Doubt if there is any market for them. Only have about 2500 miles on them.

Your experience with the Ford/Fox Kit sounds a lot like mine. It took the bouncing and banging out of the ride. You still feel the road, but it does not beat you up like it did before. The enhanced approach and clearance angles, and the higher seating position are changes for the better as well. I solved the "removed-parts issue" right on the spot by giving them back to the Ford techs who did the work. I have no idea what they will do with them, as there can't be much of a market for them? I do know that if I had taken them home, they would have sat in my garage until the end of time....

 

[Andrew]

Be careful when the dealer says they will do the work. A lot of them farm out the work because it’s cheaper then paying there own guys to do it.

 

[Ranger305]

Just drove my FX4 home from the installation of the Ford Racing/Fox lift kit. So far, I'm very pleased with the more planted, stable, less wallowy (is that a word??) and bouncy ride up front. Rear feels about the same - that is to say a little bouncy over speed bumps, but overall, I'm very pleased. Way more clearance for the trails in Colorado and California this summer. Woooooot!! Sorry for the low contrast, dark pic - just got home. Better pics tomorrow.

 

[Ranger305]

Here's a better picture the FR/Fox Offroad Kit installed. Was considering a 1-inch lift in the rear with block or an add-a-leaf, but I really like the look as is. FYI: 39" from ground to top of fender arc on both front and rear - Perfect.
Also - experienced a slight rubbing of the front tires against the inside molded flange of the air diverter in front of the front wheels when backing up at full lock. Will do the required trimming tomorrow. Very happy with the swap.

**** UPDATE **** : The air diverter in front of the two front tires was rubbing against my new BFGs when I reversed at full lock. If you look closely at them, they have a 'flange' of sorts at the very bottom that protrudes very slightly towards the tires. I removed that 'flange' as well as about 1/8" off the bottom of the plastic air deflector and no more rubbing at any wheel position. I've attached a picture.

 

[BDoc]

Here's a better picture the FR/Fox Offroad Kit installed. Was considering a 1-inch lift in the rear with block or an add-a-leaf, but I really like the look as is. FYI: 39" from ground to top of fender arc on both front and rear - Perfect.
Also - experienced a slight rubbing of the front tires against the inside molded flange of the air diverter in front of the front wheels when backing up at full lock. Will do the required trimming tomorrow. Very happy with the swap.

Looks great!

 

[FULLSCALE]

Here's a better picture the FR/Fox Offroad Kit installed. Was considering a 1-inch lift in the rear with block or an add-a-leaf, but I really like the look as is. FYI: 39" from ground to top of fender arc on both front and rear - Perfect.
Also - experienced a slight rubbing of the front tires against the inside molded flange of the air diverter in front of the front wheels when backing up at full lock. Will do the required trimming tomorrow. Very happy with the swap.

That stance looks perfect and the white really sets the wheels off!

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