Suspension Upgrade for 2011 F-150 - Suggestions? Reviews?

[Overado]

@overado, (great name, BTW) I haven't been able to find much info on the Fox setup. A know they're a good company but I just haven't found the reviews. They're a good bit more affordable than the icon, that I know.

I have to admit the Icon system is tempting...I guess at this point it's less about the price and more about finding the right system for the truck and my application.

Thanks I was surprised no on else had thought of it!
I found it tough to find reviews as well. most of the reviews were on chevy forums. I know some people have had problems with them but the bad reviews I read were all people who changed the preload while the strut was fully assembled (simply cranking on the spring seat to gain height while under pressure)

I have put mine through the paces since I bought them and have had zero issues in my opinion they are a great option and Fox has a great warranty program. the reviews where people had issues were able to get them warrantied. To test them I took them down a dirt road (that I normally would only go about 5mph due to the condition of the road) at speed no problems aside from breaking a sway bar link (the factory ones are POSs on the chevys) the shocks seem to be able to take a beating and they do articulate quite well for a full size vehicle IFS

good luck!

 

[OR2BAJA]

You can never have to much suspension... Unless the spring rate can't handle the weight you carry. I would avoid buying directly from King of Fox. Buying from a company that does tuning is where you should be looking because they have taken the time to get the shock to behave the way they feel it should with their chosen springs etc. For example a long wheel base should not have the same valving as a short wheel base if it is done correctly and they have taken the time to dial in for each application.

 

[badm0t0rfinger]

I'm going to double down on the ICON recommendation. I only put about 200 miles on it, but it was just as comfortable as my Raptor on road and miles better offroad.

In the sake of parity I will say check out Camburg as well. I know they are known for their prerunner style, but I've seen many of their product do well outside that realm.

You could also see if you can get the take off parts from a Raptor.

 

[Bravo1782]

I'm really split on this whole debate. Fox is super tempting...they're on sale until the end of the month at Stage 3 Motorsports...but on the same token, I really do want to do this once...decisions decisions.

 

[Art Vandalay]

I'll put in another good word for Icon. I have the Stage 4 suspension on my 2014 F-150. Like you I have the 5.0. I run 295/70/17 tires and have been very happy for the roughly 4000 miles the suspension has been installed. I find the road ride to be an improvement over stock. It's firmer, but I prefer that to wallowy and soft. Off road use has been minimal, to be honest, but on washboard gravel with the periodic large potholes the ride is excellent. This year I will ditch the stock rear springs in favor of Deaver of National springs, which I expect to be another big improvement. Currently the back end bounces around more than I'd like even when there's a load in the bed. The factory 2 leaf + overload leaves much to be desired.

Icon is definitely not the budget choice, but even when my mods are all done I will be well below what a stock Raptor would have cost me and will have a vehicle better for my realistic usage scenarios.

Since you mention skids, I'll also put in a good word for RCI metalworks. I like the aluminum to preserve payload, and the fitment of gas tank, transfer case, and transmission skids is excellent. I have an Asfir front skid; not sure if they're available in the US any longer.

 

[Bravo1782]

@Art Vandalay, I've seen those RCI Skids...they look sweet! I'm going to try my hand at building a few myself...see how that goes. I've just gotten into fabricating, so I'll post pictures once I get to that point.

So I talked to the guys at Stage 3 Motorsports...they've done a TON of F-150s, and they suggested to go with a Stage 1 Icon Kit and a ProComp Add a leaf (since my truck is already level with the drawers and such). They suggested starting there and seeing how it goes. If I find that I need the UCA's, cross that bridge when I get to it. I'll have to get new wheels at that point, since I need at least 5" of backspacing (factory is around 6")...which I'm not looking forward to, since I can't find wheels that I like. I want a simple, heavy 5 spoke or a simple Mickey Thompson Classic III black aluminum rim...neither of which I've been able to find in a 17x9 that fits my truck and gives me the backspacing I need. I really don't like most rims made for my truck.

They warned me a little about the fox kit...they said it's a good kit, but it doesn't have the same adjust-ability and the rear shocks aren't as robust evidently.

So, I'm going to save up for a few more weeks...then I'll order the Icon Stage 1 kit and the ProComp AAL and 285\70\17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratracks. I have 265\70\17's now, and I love them...they're expensive, but they're worth it in my opinion. I'll post an install thread once the time comes!