When it comes to Ford Performance trucks, the suspension plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall driving experience. From improved handling and stability to increased ground clearance, there are a variety of suspension upgrades that are highly sought after by truck enthusiasts. Whether you’re tackling off-road adventures or simply looking to upgrade your daily driver, this article explores some of the most popular suspension upgrades for Ford Performance trucks. Discover how these upgrades can transform your truck into a powerhouse on the road while providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
Lift Kits
If you own a Ford Performance Truck and are looking to take its off-road capabilities to the next level, one of the most popular suspension upgrades you can consider is a lift kit. Lift kits are designed to increase ground clearance and allow for larger tires, giving your truck a more aggressive and imposing appearance.
Leveling Kits
Leveling kits are a common choice among truck owners who want to eliminate the front-end sag that occurs when their truck is loaded or equipped with heavy accessories. These kits typically include front-only spacers that raise the front of the vehicle to match the height of the rear. By leveling the truck, you can also improve overall handling and maintain proper alignment.
Body Lift Kits
For those looking to achieve a more dramatic lift, body lift kits are a popular option. These kits use spacers or blocks to increase the space between the body and frame of the truck, providing additional ground clearance. By lifting the body, you can fit larger tires and give your truck a more commanding presence on and off the road.
Suspension Lift Kits
If you’re serious about off-roading and need maximum ground clearance, a suspension lift kit is the ultimate choice. These kits typically replace your truck’s factory suspension components with taller and more durable ones, allowing for a significant increase in ride height. Suspension lift kits offer unmatched performance and versatility, making them ideal for challenging terrains and extreme off-road adventures.
Shocks and Struts
Upgrading your truck’s shocks and struts can greatly enhance its ride quality and off-road performance. Here are some popular options to consider:
Performance Shocks
Performance shocks are designed to provide better damping control and improved stability, both on and off the road. These shocks are built with high-quality materials and advanced technology to deliver a smooth and controlled ride, even in harsh terrain. Upgrading to performance shocks can reduce body roll, enhance traction, and improve overall handling.
Adjustable Shocks
If you want more control over your truck’s ride characteristics, adjustable shocks are an excellent choice. These shocks allow you to adjust the damping rate according to your preferences and the conditions you’re driving in. Whether you’re going for a comfortable highway cruise or tackling rough off-road trails, adjustable shocks can be fine-tuned to provide optimal performance.
Gas-Charged Shocks
Gas-charged shocks are known for their excellent heat dissipation and consistent performance. These shocks contain pressurized gas, which helps prevent foaming and fade during intense off-road use. With gas-charged shocks, you can expect improved stability, better responsiveness, and reduced body roll, even in the most demanding driving situations.
Leaf Springs
Leaf springs play a crucial role in supporting the weight of your truck and providing a smooth and controlled ride. Here are some popular options for upgrading your leaf springs:
Heavy-Duty Leaf Springs
If you frequently carry heavy loads or tow trailers, heavy-duty leaf springs are essential. These springs are built to withstand the added weight and provide improved load-carrying capacity. With heavy-duty leaf springs, you can prevent sagging, maintain proper ride height, and ensure optimal stability and handling, even with significant cargo.
Progressive Rate Leaf Springs
Progressive rate leaf springs offer a versatile solution for both daily driving and off-road adventures. These springs have a variable spring rate, meaning they are softer in the initial stages of compression and stiffer as more weight is applied. This progressive design allows for a comfortable ride during light driving conditions while still providing excellent load-carrying capacity and off-road performance when needed.
Add-a-Leaf Kits
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to increase your truck’s load-carrying capacity, add-a-leaf kits are worth considering. These kits include additional leaves that can be inserted into your existing leaf spring pack, providing extra support and preventing sagging when carrying heavy loads. Add-a-leaf kits are a popular choice for truck owners who want to improve their truck’s hauling capabilities without completely replacing their leaf springs.
Control Arms
Upgrading your truck’s control arms can significantly enhance its suspension performance and handling. Here are the different types of control arms you can consider:
Upper Control Arms
Upper control arms play a crucial role in maintaining proper wheel alignment and suspension geometry. Upgrading to high-quality upper control arms can improve ride quality, reduce body roll, and enhance stability during cornering and off-road maneuvers. Look for control arms with adjustable features, allowing you to fine-tune camber and caster settings for optimal performance.
Lower Control Arms
Lower control arms are responsible for supporting the weight of the vehicle and controlling the movement of the suspension. Upgrading to heavy-duty lower control arms can provide better durability, increased strength, and improved suspension control. These arms are typically built with stronger materials and feature reinforced bushings and mounting points to withstand the rigors of off-road use.
Adjustable Control Arms
For maximum flexibility and customization, adjustable control arms are a great option. These arms allow you to fine-tune the suspension geometry, wheel alignment, and ride height of your truck. By adjusting the length and angles of the control arms, you can optimize your truck’s handling characteristics, improve tire wear, and enhance overall performance, both on and off the road.
Sway Bars
Sway bars, also known as stabilizer bars, are essential components of your truck’s suspension system. They help reduce body roll and improve stability during cornering and sudden maneuvers. Here are the different types of sway bars you can upgrade to:
Front Sway Bars
Front sway bars connect the left and right side of the front suspension together, preventing excessive body roll during turns. Upgrading to a larger and stiffer front sway bar can greatly improve your truck’s handling and responsiveness, allowing for tighter and more controlled cornering.
Rear Sway Bars
Rear sway bars perform a similar function to front sway bars but focus on the rear suspension of your truck. By reducing body roll at the rear, you can enhance stability and control, especially when towing or carrying heavy loads. Upgrading to a heavier rear sway bar can significantly improve your truck’s handling characteristics and overall driving experience.
Upgraded Sway Bar Links
Sway bar links connect the sway bars to the suspension components. Upgrading to heavy-duty sway bar links with improved bushings and stronger construction can provide better durability, increased strength, and enhanced performance. These upgraded links can handle the additional stress and strain that comes with aggressive off-roading and heavy-duty use.
Traction Bars
Traction bars are designed to minimize axle wrap and wheel hop, especially during hard acceleration or when towing heavy loads. Here are the different types of traction bars you can consider:
Rear Traction Bars
Rear traction bars are mounted between the rear axle and the frame of your truck. They help control axle movement and minimize wheel hop, improving traction and reducing stress on the drivetrain. Whether you’re towing a trailer or taking your truck off-road, rear traction bars can provide greater stability, smoother acceleration, and improved handling.
Adjustable Traction Bars
If you’re looking for flexibility and adjustability, consider installing adjustable traction bars. These bars allow you to fine-tune their length and positioning according to your specific needs and driving conditions. By adjusting the traction bars, you can optimize traction, reduce axle movement, and enhance overall performance, whether you’re hauling heavy loads or tackling challenging off-road terrains.
Traction Bar Mounts
To ensure proper installation and durability, it’s crucial to use high-quality traction bar mounts. These mounts securely attach the traction bars to the frame and axle of your truck, providing stability and preventing unnecessary flex and movement. Upgrading to sturdy traction bar mounts can help maximize the effectiveness of your traction bars and ensure long-lasting performance.
Steering Upgrades
If you’re looking to improve the steering response and overall driving experience of your Ford Performance Truck, consider these steering upgrades:
Heavy-Duty Steering Stabilizers
Steering stabilizers, also known as steering dampers, are designed to reduce steering vibrations and provide smoother handling. Upgrading to a heavy-duty steering stabilizer can help eliminate steering shimmy, control wheel wobble, and improve overall stability and control. Whether you’re driving on uneven pavement or tackling rough off-road trails, a high-quality steering stabilizer can greatly enhance your truck’s steering performance.
Steering Gearbox Brace
To minimize steering play and increase steering precision, adding a steering gearbox brace is a popular upgrade option. This brace reinforces the steering gearbox and prevents it from flexing under heavy loads or aggressive driving. By reducing flex, you can improve steering response, eliminate wander, and enjoy more precise and controlled steering, even in demanding conditions.
Drop Pitman Arm
A drop pitman arm is a crucial component in ensuring proper steering linkage and reducing bump steer. When you lift your truck, the suspension geometry changes, which can lead to unwanted steering effects. Upgrading to a drop pitman arm helps realign the steering linkage and eliminates any potential steering issues that may arise from a lifted suspension. With a drop pitman arm, you can maintain optimal steering geometry and enjoy better handling and control.
Bump Stops
Bump stops are designed to prevent your truck’s suspension from bottoming out and damaging important components. Here are the different types of bump stops you can consider:
Extended Bump Stops
Extended bump stops are an excellent addition if you’ve installed larger tires or lifted your truck. These bump stops provide additional cushioning and prevent the tires from rubbing against the fenders when the suspension fully compresses. By extending the limit of suspension travel, you can enjoy a smoother ride and avoid potential tire damage during extreme off-roading or aggressive driving.
Progressive Bump Stops
Progressive bump stops are specifically designed to provide a more gradual and controlled end to your truck’s suspension travel. These bump stops are made with progressive foam or rubber materials that become stiffer as compression increases. This progressive design helps absorb impacts more effectively, reduce harsh jolts, and improve overall suspension performance, especially when encountering rough terrain or uneven surfaces.
Air Bump Stops
Air bump stops work using compressed air, providing the ability to fine-tune the level of cushioning and resistance during suspension travel. These bump stops are adjustable and offer a more precise and customizable solution, allowing you to tailor your truck’s suspension to meet your specific needs and driving conditions. Whether you’re navigating sharp rocks or going over speed bumps, air bump stops can provide excellent control and prevent bottoming out.
Track Bars
Track bars, also known as panhard bars, help control the lateral movement of the axle and maintain proper axle alignment. Here are the different types of track bars you can consider:
Front Track Bars
Front track bars connect the front axle to the frame of your truck, preventing lateral movement and maintaining proper alignment during cornering and off-road maneuvers. Upgrading to a heavy-duty front track bar can provide better durability, improved stability, and enhanced steering control, especially when lifting your truck or installing larger tires.
Rear Track Bars
Rear track bars perform a similar function to front track bars but focus on the rear suspension of your truck. These bars help control lateral movement and maintain proper alignment, ensuring your truck’s rear axle stays centered under various driving conditions. By upgrading to a heavy-duty rear track bar, you can enhance stability, reduce body roll, and improve overall handling and responsiveness.
Adjustable Track Bars
For those looking for customization and adjustability, adjustable track bars are a popular choice. These track bars have adjustable lengths, allowing you to center the axle and fine-tune the suspension geometry. By precisely adjusting the track bars, you can optimize handling, reduce tire wear, and improve overall stability and control, both on and off the road.
Brake Upgrades
Upgrading your truck’s brakes is essential for improved stopping power and overall safety. Here are some popular brake upgrades to consider:
Performance Brake Pads
Performance brake pads are designed to handle higher temperatures and provide better stopping power than stock brake pads. These pads are made with advanced friction materials that offer improved bite, reduced fade, and enhanced pedal feel. By upgrading to performance brake pads, you can enjoy shorter stopping distances, increased confidence, and smoother braking, even under demanding driving conditions.
Upgraded Brake Rotors
Upgraded brake rotors are another popular option for improving braking performance. These rotors are typically made with higher-quality materials and are designed to dissipate heat more effectively. By upgrading to aftermarket brake rotors, you can reduce brake fade, enhance overall braking power, and ensure better reliability, particularly during intense and repeated braking situations.
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Stainless steel brake lines offer improved durability, enhanced brake feel, and more consistent braking performance compared to stock rubber brake lines. These lines are resistant to expansion under pressure, ensuring a firmer pedal and more precise modulation. Upgrading to stainless steel brake lines can provide better brake response, reduced brake fade, and increased overall safety, giving you more confidence when tackling challenging driving conditions.
In conclusion, upgrading your Ford Performance Truck’s suspension components can greatly enhance its off-road capabilities, handling, and overall performance. Whether you’re looking to increase ground clearance, improve ride quality, or enhance braking performance, there are a variety of options available to suit your specific needs and driving preferences. By investing in these popular suspension upgrades, you can take your Ford Performance Truck to new heights and enjoy the ultimate off-road adventure.
