Install & Review; Falcon Sport Tow/Haul Shocks on a Ford F150

[Greg@RME]

Nice write up!

Question: is there any lift in the rear of the F-150? It doesn't look like it. So stock rear suspension other than the shocks?

Looks like the truck sags a bit with the jeep on the trailer. Have you considered some kind of weight distributing hitch? I finally put a WDH on our 3500lb travel trailer and it really improves both the sagging of the rear suspension as well as handling at highway speeds. The one I have is the E2 round bar type. Does not use chains which means I can back up without disconnecting it.

The E2 incorporates sway control which I really appreciated driving back from Texas in November with 30 - 40 MPH cross- and head-winds.

There is some sag in the rear with the big Jeep loaded, my plan was to add air bags if needed. I don't plan to tow the big Jeep often, but rather the '48 Willys which weighs much less. I do like the idea of a WDH for heavy loads though!

 

[Martinjmpr]

There is some sag in the rear with the big Jeep loaded, my plan was to add air bags if needed. I don't plan to tow the big Jeep often, but rather the '48 Willys which weighs much less. I do like the idea of a WDH for heavy loads though!

I tried air bags in my Suburban. Couldn't get them to stay inflated. I'll be putting spacers in some time soon and when I do I'll pull the air bags out at the same time. I should have just gone with the WDH to start with, it was a $100 lesson learned (cost of the air bag kit.) Not only is the WDH more reliable, it was easier to install - no crawling around under the vehicle or plumbing air lines.

Another nice thing about the WDH is that if I change tow vehicles and/or trailers I can take the WDH with me. Air bags are pretty much stuck with the vehicle.

 

[Greg@RME]

 

[Rippin'AV]

This sounds like a great system on the F150's. I'm in the market for something new that adds to the offroad capabilities and can handle the level with a front winch & bumper setup. I also have a rear add a leaf currently for towing and carrying heavy loads. Interested to see some long term reviews as more kits are installed in the market. Thanks for the write up and great pics! Nice truck.

 

[Greg@RME]

I recieved a PM about the installation of the Falcons are realized I hadn't posted up the official Falcon Shocks install video. They put these vids out for their dealers and installers, so they know exactly what it takes to install these shocks. I watched it twice before installing mine and it helped a lot.

 

[danneskjold]

I had a set of Icon Stage 4 in my old Tacoma I was never a huge fan of, and when I got my F150 I wanted to do things “right” the first time and just get Kings.

I ended up getting the Falcons because of the price point, and I’m overall very happy with my decision. I have a Four Wheel Camper installed 100% of the time so the valved settings for haul weee appealing.

I still plan on getting Kings someday, but I’m happy with them for now.

 

[Greg@RME]

I had a set of Icon Stage 4 in my old Tacoma I was never a huge fan of, and when I got my F150 I wanted to do things “right” the first time and just get Kings.

I ended up getting the Falcons because of the price point, and I’m overall very happy with my decision. I have a Four Wheel Camper installed 100% of the time so the valved settings for haul weee appealing.

I still plan on getting Kings someday, but I’m happy with them for now.

That's awesome to hear, great point about the Falcons working with a camper in a truck! I'd love a FWC at some point, they're amazing campers.

 

[LaBalaDePlata]

Digging up an old thread, OP has anything changed after they've been on your truck for a few years? Did you end up changing your UCAs or coil springs? Considering these against Bilstein 6112/5160s, so I'd appreciate any feedback and longevity reviews.

 

[Greg@RME]

Digging up an old thread, OP has anything changed after they've been on your truck for a few years? Did you end up changing your UCAs or coil springs? Considering these against Bilstein 6112/5160s, so I'd appreciate any feedback and longevity reviews.

My understanding is that at 2" or less, factory UCA's are fine. Any more height, the spring will contact the arm and aftermarket UCA's will be required. With the Leveling System we're running, I have it set at 2" lift and the factory UCA's clear without hitting the spring. We've had no clearance issues with the Falcons and factory UCA's.

At this point we have 40k miles on the Falcon shocks on our F150 and they're holding up great. No leaks, work just as good as the day they were installed and the truck is frequently used for towing, with the shocks on the more firm setting. 2 weeks ago we towed a car hauler with a '66 El Camino to SLC from Colorado with the shocks on the middle setting for the additional dampening. Tomorrow we will be heading out on vacation, pulling a 22' bumper pull travel trailer on a 3,000 mile PNW vacation. I really love how you can select the amount of dampening with the Falcon Tow/Haul shocks, they make a massive difference in load control. The travel trailer has a GVW of over 6,000 lbs and with the Falcons on their most firm setting, towing is a very stable and controlled experience.

 

[Grassland]

These sound more than adequate for my needs.
Thanks for the ongoing review with useful information.

 

[Greg@RME]

These sound more than adequate for my needs.
Thanks for the ongoing review with useful information.

Happy to help, it's always good to have updated information a few years later!