Ford had barely lost the pregnancy weight from birthing the redesigned F-150 last year before the aftermarket was stocking the shelves with components to retool its performance, get it off-road-ready, strengthen its towing and ride quality, and give its looks more brawn. This month we're filling these pages with a peek at some of what's already available for the new pickup.
Bilstein
What: 5100 and 4600 Series and 5100/5150 ride-height-adjustable shocks.
Where: 800/537-1085, bilstein.com
Wares: Zinc-plated shocks with a monotube high-gas-pressure design, using the stock mounting configuration. The 5150 shocks have a snap-ring design for changing front ride height by 2.75 inches.
Words: "The massive self-adjusting high-flow piston coupled with the patented digressive valving instantly reacts and adjusts."
Wallet: 5100 Series rear shocks start at $89.
BDS Suspension
What: 6-inch 4WD IFS kit.
Where: 517/279-2135, bds-suspension.com
Wares: CNC-machined steering knuckles, one-piece front and rear high-clearance crossmembers, custom-valved off-road struts, and a 1/4-inch-thick steel differential skidplate.
Words: "The rear includes a new offset spring plate to center the rear axle and give your 37s plenty of room."
Wallet: MSRP is $1,948.
Daystar Products
What: 2-inch leveling kit.
Where: 800/595-7659, daystarweb.com
Wares: Polyurethane spacers for atop the factory strut assemblies; this won't preload the front coils, and avoids metal-on-metal contact. The kit allows for 33-inch-tall tires on factory wheels.
Words: "Retains factory ride quality and load-carrying capacity while providing room for a larger tire-and-wheel package."
Wallet: $129.95.
Fabtech
What: 6-inch 4WD IFS system.
Where: 877/432-2832, fabtechmotorsports.com
Wares: Constructed from 1/4-inch-thick steel; includes arched lower control arm crossmembers (with eccentric cams for proper alignment) and integrated differential skidplate.
Words: "A Basic system that utilizes a spacer with the factory coilover shock, or the Performance system that features the Dirt Logic 2.50 coilover shocks."
Wallet: Starts at $1,818.
Pro Comp Suspension
What: 6-inch 2WD/4WD Stage I and II suspension kits.
Where: 800/776-0767, procompusa.com
Wares: The Stage I features front strut spacers with rear gas-charged shocks; Stage II has high-performance front coilovers and six-position adjustable shocks.
Words: "Allows use of up to 37x12.50 tires on 18-inch or larger-diameter wheels. Wheels can be up to 91/2 inches wide, with a max of five inches of backspacing."
Wallet: The 4WD kit starts at about $1,730.
Rough Country
What: 2-inch leveling kit.
Where: 800/222-7023, roughcountry.com
Wares: Upper and lower strut spacers and new hardware to clear 33-inch tires.
Words: "Bolting on in a mere two to three hours with minor trimming, allowing room for 35s."
Wallet: MSRP is $99.95.
Performance Accessories
What: 5-inch 4WD Premium Lift System (PLS kit).
Where: 928/636-7080, p-a-g.net
Wares: Nylon-reinforced body blocks, aluminum upper coil-spring spacers, polyurethane intermediate spring spacers, a CNC-machined steering extension, urethane Gap Guards, and more.
Words: "Will allow '09 F-150s to run up to 35-inch tall tires without changing the factory suspension or ride."
Wallet: About $799.
Pro Ryde
What: Lift Machine 2WD/4WD adjustable front lift/leveling kit.
Where: 888/813-7933, proryde.com
Wares: Forged and machined components, black e-coated for a durable, lasting finish; installs on top of the strut assembly.
Words: "You choose the perfect front ride height, from 11/2 to 21/4 inches" for up to 33-inch tire/wheel combos.
Wallet: MSRP is $299.
Rancho Suspension
What: 4-inch suspension kit.
Where: 734/384-7804, gorancho.com
Wares: Includes one-piece subframe, CNC-machined extended steering knuckles, rear leaf-spring blocks, and all hardware.
Words: "Allows for the use of larger wheel-and-tire package [up to 35-inch tires and 18- and 20-inch wheels]. Stock wheels can be reused."
Wallet: Starts at around $1,700.
Radflo Suspension Technology
What: 21/2-inch front coilover OE replacement shock.
Where: 714/965-7828, radflo.com
Wares: SSID-alloy steel tube, a rod guide that's CNC-machined bronze with Teflon coating, aluminum Freeflo racing piston, Eibach coil springs, and mounting (in OE location) hardware.
Words: "The coilover dampers are handbuilt, with compression and rebound valving specifically customized to the vehicle and driver."
Wallet: MSRP is $1,085 per pair.
ReadyLift Suspension
What: 2-inch 2WD/4WD leveling kit.
Where: 877/759-9991, readylift.com
Wares: Includes a pair of steel strut extensions.
Words: "Allows up to 33-inch-tall tires with no modifications required, while retaining the great stock ride and handling characteristics."
Wallet: MSRP is $229.
Skyjacker Suspensions
What: 6-inch lift package.
Where: 318/388-0816, skyjacker.com
Wares: CNC-machined steering knuckles, front and rear crossmembers, adjustable front struts, and Grade-8 hardware.
Words: "Complete, easy-to-install kit."
Wallet: Starts at $1,499.
Zone Offroad Products
What: 2WD/4WD 2-inch leveling kit.
Where: 888/998-9663, zoneoffroad.com
Wares: It's a strut spacer system; reinforced steel spacers install atop the factory struts. The spacers are black powdercoated.
Words: "In two hours or less, you can complete the lift install and be able to clear 33-inch tires while maintaining the factory ride quality."
Wallet: $99.95.