1.5-2.0 Leveling options I found and y’all’s opinion/knowledge

[Thatswhatshesaid]

So I’m new to the Tremor and Tremor forum but previously had a 2018 F150 Lariat that I leveled with Bilstein 5100 front with stock coil and 5100 rears. The truck was a bit harsh unless I was driving like a bat out of hell(which I did on and off road). I def did not like how the 5100s on the rear would make the back end of the truck jump around on washboard roads or on the interstate with bump on a curve. I’ve been doing research online and on forums so not to just show up here and ask questions like a newbie.

Anyway, I’m trying to get a 1.5/1.75/2.0 max front level and after reading it seems the coilovers (no way doing a spacer)give 1 inch less than advertised than a standard F150 (ie 2.5=1.5 )The options I have found so far are the Shocksurplus 6112 coilover with 5160 rear, the Halolift kit and because I have it on my GX470 a Stage 4 lift from Ironman with Ironman Foamcell. Both the Ironman Foamcell( on my GX470) or the new Ironman IM2.5 coilover are a 3in lift on stock F150 and are adjustable. I called Ironman and they said they should fit but I cannot find anywhere that someone has put these on a Tremor. Is there something I’m missing or not asking the right question that I should be asking about the Ironmans? I don’t mind being the guinea pig but just don’t want to drop $$ on something that doesn’t work/fit. I also have been looking at UCA and whether or not I need them if I plan to stay with stock wheels/tires or only going up a bit in size 44 or less. Thoughts?

Thanks for your input/help/knowlwdge

 

[PNWTremor]

Welcome to the forum btw!

You're going to find that there are very few *real* options for the Tremor, mostly just because if you intend on maintaining or exceeding the factory level (1") you're going to run into issues with spring pre-load since you're an inch higher than a non-tremor F150 to begin with.

I have 6112s+5160s setup in a split-lift configuration: I have 1" in-strut ( 2" on a non-tremor) then 1" out of strut using a spacer netting me a 2" level. This prevents poor spring rate from too much pre-load from the spring and prevents and bump-stop / UCA collisions. I didn't steal any up or down travel either. I'm super happy with it.

I haven't seen anyone here use Ironman on this forum. You're going to find most people on here have Eibach, Elka/HaloLifts, Icon or Bilsteins. There are a few people on here with Fox 3.0 and King 2.5adj-res.

 

[Spamslurpee]

As I understand it, the HaloLifts kit is pretty good based on what some people on the forums have said about it. It's also Tremor specific, so it should level the truck and keep the stock height otherwise. I think there is an option from Icon, which should be good but I haven't read too much about that kit.

 

[DcWarGames]

In the same boat. If you can't or don't want to wait, the Bilstein 6112 up front and 5160 in the rear appear to be the best options. Personally, I'm going to wait for the Eibach 3R's to launch soon and get my 35" wheel/tire setup while waiting.

People never mention that with Icon / King setups, high end stuff like that you'll be sending shocks in for service every 1-2 years depending on your mileage and off road use and type of off-roading you do ie high speed vs crawling. That's minimum $200/shock and you're typically out of them for a week, if you have to ship them could be 3 weeks.

Whereas the bilstein/eibachs good for 2-4 years again depending on mileage and usage, and you just order a new pair.

The reality check is most of us don't keep cars for 4 years... so buying Icon might be a good long term move if you have a local service center that can get you squared away same day AND you actually keep cars for more than 3-5+ years.

 

[FanaticalKilla]

Last truck had a set of Bilstein 5100’s on my 17 Lariat Max Tow Supercrew Long Bed. They were harsh, but well composed IMO.

Im going to try a Halolift kit in the spring. Heard good things from a buddy of mine.

 

[DcWarGames]

Last truck had a set of Bilstein 5100’s on my 17 Lariat Max Tow Supercrew Long Bed. They were harsh, but well composed IMO.

Im going to try a Halolift kit in the spring. Heard good things from a buddy of mine.

I don’t know anyone running them personally but I have read nothing but good things. Especially love the story, the owner and his wife bought halo lifts and just starting making things the best they could. I believe he’s a firefighter too. I’m sure their customer service will be awesome. That’s people I’m happy to support.

 

[Thatswhatshesaid]

Thanks all , I appreciate the replies.
After more research I think I’m going to remove the 2.25” rear block and install a 1” rear block with new u bolts. My goal is to level/small rake on max 34” tires, I also do not want to max out the lift on coilsprings and suffer a bad ride from lack of shock travel.

On my 2018 F150 Lariat 4x4 I installed the Bilstein 5100 on factory coils set on the 2” position with 5100s in the rear. The ride was a bit harsh and washboard roads with an empty bed was like trying to ride a dancing wild stallion.
Does anyone know if the 6112 w aftermarket coils and 5160s in rear are better ? that is one setup I have been looking at.

Otherwise I’ll lower the rear blocks and put Halos all around with the coilsprings set at 1-1.5” lift

 

[chrsschb]

Thanks all , I appreciate the replies.
After more research I think I’m going to remove the 2.25” rear block and install a 1” rear block with new u bolts. My goal is to level/small rake on max 34” tires, I also do not want to max out the lift on coilsprings and suffer a bad ride from lack of shock travel.

On my 2018 F150 Lariat 4x4 I installed the Bilstein 5100 on factory coils set on the 2” position with 5100s in the rear. The ride was a bit harsh and washboard roads with an empty bed was like trying to ride a dancing wild stallion.
Does anyone know if the 6112 w aftermarket coils and 5160s in rear are better ? that is one setup I have been looking at.

Otherwise I’ll lower the rear blocks and put Halos all around with the coilsprings set at 1-1.5” lift

I'm running 6112/5160 but haven't had them on long enough to give an honest impression. As someone who thought the stock suspension was way too soft and bouncy it's definitely an improvement over that.

 

[PNWTremor]

6112s/5160s best value shock setup for the tremor and it doesn’t even come close. Better road manners, better towing stability, better offroad, better at high speed. Takes a few thousand miles for them to break in but I can bump curbs turning around in tight spaces and it’s super soft. Love what $1500 gets you

 

[DcWarGames]

Thanks all , I appreciate the replies.
After more research I think I’m going to remove the 2.25” rear block and install a 1” rear block with new u bolts. My goal is to level/small rake on max 34” tires, I also do not want to max out the lift on coilsprings and suffer a bad ride from lack of shock travel.

On my 2018 F150 Lariat 4x4 I installed the Bilstein 5100 on factory coils set on the 2” position with 5100s in the rear. The ride was a bit harsh and washboard roads with an empty bed was like trying to ride a dancing wild stallion.
Does anyone know if the 6112 w aftermarket coils and 5160s in rear are better ? that is one setup I have been looking at.

Otherwise I’ll lower the rear blocks and put Halos all around with the coilsprings set at 1-1.5” lift

I just got done doing all this online research and talking a few people I know in the industry so I think I can help answer at least some questions you may have. But we'd need to know more about your use-case to level set expectations. Are you mainly looking for daily driver comfort? Do you tow or haul a decent weight in the bed ever? If you do off-road, what kind of off-roading slow stuff or mid to high speed stuff? Are you willing to sacrifice on-road comfort for off-road performance, or prefer to sacrifice off-road performance for on road comfort?

So we don't get stuck in a back and forth, here's some starting points. The Tremor suspension it comes with is soft as hell for daily driving. Take the rear block out that gives it the rake and it'll be even softer and compliant in the rear. Remove the front sway bar, and now you're basically in a Cadillac.

Tires will play a significant role in determining your perception of daily driving comfort. Load C and nothing too aggressive for off-road use is going to produce the best ride on the road. The small bumps that feel bouncy, cracks and other imperfections are felt through tires not suspension.

I'm by no way an expert on this. Below is a culmination of what I've gathered recently. If I'm wrong, please correct me below so I'm not spreading false information. My aim is to help others, not to be a source of truth or decisions.

Preference = Daily Driver Comfort / Off-Road (Slower, technical "crawling" ie rocks, roots, and general mountain terrain)
- $ Basic level kit/lift blocks
- $ Eibach Pro-Lift-Kit Springs only
- $$ Eibach 2R Pro-Truck Coilovers (Progressive) with rear block removed (Most compliant for street, but if you plan on towing often enough leave the rear stock lift block just know it's going to make the rear that much more firm
- $$$$ Icon Coilover Kit is going to produce the softest most compliant daily drivability out the box
- $$$$ FOX 3.0 Coilovers or BDS kit with the Fox's (Also good for if you still tow since they have adjustors for both top and mid compression)
- $$$$$ King 2.5 Reservoir adjustable coilovers with a revalve tune for more compliant top end
- $$$ Muzzulla, Total Chaos, Camburg, Icon, Dirt King all make great UCA's to maximize suspension travel and achieve better suspension geometry/better alignments

Preference = Off-Road (Faster offroad stuff like desert running or off-road but I still tow often)
- $$ Bilstein 6112 Front 5160 Rear (Regressive) these are going to be firm up top and soft in the mid-speed stuff
- $$$ Eibach 3R (sold as 2.5R's) Unlike the 2R's (currently at least) these are known to be firmer up top but softer in the mids. A bridge between Eibach and Kings. Non serviceble however, so for $2500 you almost may as well spend the additional grand on a King/Fox 3.0 setup)
- $$$$ King 2.5 Reservoir adjustable coilovers out of the box ready to go
- $$$ Muzzulla, Total Chaos, Camburg, Icon, Dirt King all make great UCA's to maximize suspension travel and achieve better suspension geometry/better alignments

 

[chrsschb]

The Bilstein 6112/5160 are definitely a lot more harsh over chatter (compared to stock, probably more than other brands too) but they absolutely soak up big hits. If you want more of a planted sports-car feel, they will get you there. If you want a more plush ride, avoid lol.

Also, if you can avoid running them at full extension (#6 on the collar) you'll get better feel on the chatter. Maybe a small spacer if you still want more lift.

I'm coming from an F350 so truck feels good to me. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Thatswhatshesaid]

I just got done doing all this online research and talking a few people I know in the industry so I think I can help answer at least some questions you may have. But we'd need to know more about your use-case to level set expectations. Are you mainly looking for daily driver comfort? Do you tow or haul a decent weight in the bed ever? If you do off-road, what kind of off-roading slow stuff or mid to high speed stuff? Are you willing to sacrifice on-road comfort for off-road performance, or prefer to sacrifice off-road performance for on road comfort?

So we don't get stuck in a back and forth, here's some starting points. The Tremor suspension it comes with is soft as hell for daily driving. Take the rear block out that gives it the rake and it'll be even softer and compliant in the rear. Remove the front sway bar, and now you're basically in a Cadillac.

Tires will play a significant role in determining your perception of daily driving comfort. Load C and nothing too aggressive for off-road use is going to produce the best ride on the road. The small bumps that feel bouncy, cracks and other imperfections are felt through tires not suspension.

I'm by no way an expert on this. Below is a culmination of what I've gathered recently. If I'm wrong, please correct me below so I'm not spreading false information. My aim is to help others, not to be a source of truth or decisions.

Preference = Daily Driver Comfort / Off-Road (Slower, technical "crawling" ie rocks, roots, and general mountain terrain)
- $ Basic level kit/lift blocks
- $ Eibach Pro-Lift-Kit Springs only
- $$ Eibach 2R Pro-Truck Coilovers (Progressive) with rear block removed (Most compliant for street, but if you plan on towing often enough leave the rear stock lift block just know it's going to make the rear that much more firm
- $$$$ Icon Coilover Kit is going to produce the softest most compliant daily drivability out the box
- $$$$ FOX 3.0 Coilovers or BDS kit with the Fox's (Also good for if you still tow since they have adjustors for both top and mid compression)
- $$$$$ King 2.5 Reservoir adjustable coilovers with a revalve tune for more compliant top end
- $$$ Muzzulla, Total Chaos, Camburg, Icon, Dirt King all make great UCA's to maximize suspension travel and achieve better suspension geometry/better alignments

Preference = Off-Road (Faster offroad stuff like desert running or off-road but I still tow often)
- $$ Bilstein 6112 Front 5160 Rear (Regressive) these are going to be firm up top and soft in the mid-speed stuff
- $$$ Eibach 3R (sold as 2.5R's) Unlike the 2R's (currently at least) these are known to be firmer up top but softer in the mids. A bridge between Eibach and Kings. Non serviceble however, so for $2500 you almost may as well spend the additional grand on a King/Fox 3.0 setup)
- $$$$ King 2.5 Reservoir adjustable coilovers out of the box ready to go
- $$$ Muzzulla, Total Chaos, Camburg, Icon, Dirt King all make great UCA's to maximize suspension travel and achieve better suspension geometry/better a

Thanks DCwar for all the detailed info. I’m leaning more towards the 6112/5160 with circlip set at either 4 or 5 and then exchange the rear OEM 2.25 rear block with a OEM 1” block from a non tremor f150 4x4. I don’t mind having a bit of forward rake but it’s way too much rake from the factory. I also do not want to have to remove and rebuild shocks every few years and my previous Bilstein 5100s never needed to be touched after 50k of paved road or UT mtn roads. I do wish there were more reviews on the Halos but I feel very confident in the Bilstein products.

 

[DcWarGames]

Thanks DCwar for all the detailed info. I’m leaning more towards the 6112/5160 with circlip set at either 4 or 5 and then exchange the rear OEM 2.25 rear block with a OEM 1” block from a non tremor f150 4x4. I don’t mind having a bit of forward rake but it’s way too much rake from the factory. I also do not want to have to remove and rebuild shocks every few years and my previous Bilstein 5100s never needed to be touched after 50k of paved road or UT mtn roads. I do wish there were more reviews on the Halos but I feel very confident in the Bilstein products.

14 years and 100k miles on these. Can't speak to the offroad abuse they may or may not have gone through, but it speaks volumes to the reality of quality parts.

 

[Whichwaysup]

I just got done doing all this online research and talking a few people I know in the industry so I think I can help answer at least some questions you may have. But we'd need to know more about your use-case to level set expectations. Are you mainly looking for daily driver comfort? Do you tow or haul a decent weight in the bed ever? If you do off-road, what kind of off-roading slow stuff or mid to high speed stuff? Are you willing to sacrifice on-road comfort for off-road performance, or prefer to sacrifice off-road performance for on road comfort?

So we don't get stuck in a back and forth, here's some starting points. The Tremor suspension it comes with is soft as hell for daily driving. Take the rear block out that gives it the rake and it'll be even softer and compliant in the rear. Remove the front sway bar, and now you're basically in a Cadillac.

Tires will play a significant role in determining your perception of daily driving comfort. Load C and nothing too aggressive for off-road use is going to produce the best ride on the road. The small bumps that feel bouncy, cracks and other imperfections are felt through tires not suspension.

I'm by no way an expert on this. Below is a culmination of what I've gathered recently. If I'm wrong, please correct me below so I'm not spreading false information. My aim is to help others, not to be a source of truth or decisions.

Preference = Daily Driver Comfort / Off-Road (Slower, technical "crawling" ie rocks, roots, and general mountain terrain)
- $ Basic level kit/lift blocks
- $ Eibach Pro-Lift-Kit Springs only
- $$ Eibach 2R Pro-Truck Coilovers (Progressive) with rear block removed (Most compliant for street, but if you plan on towing often enough leave the rear stock lift block just know it's going to make the rear that much more firm
- $$$$ Icon Coilover Kit is going to produce the softest most compliant daily drivability out the box
- $$$$ FOX 3.0 Coilovers or BDS kit with the Fox's (Also good for if you still tow since they have adjustors for both top and mid compression)
- $$$$$ King 2.5 Reservoir adjustable coilovers with a revalve tune for more compliant top end
- $$$ Muzzulla, Total Chaos, Camburg, Icon, Dirt King all make great UCA's to maximize suspension travel and achieve better suspension geometry/better alignments

Preference = Off-Road (Faster offroad stuff like desert running or off-road but I still tow often)
- $$ Bilstein 6112 Front 5160 Rear (Regressive) these are going to be firm up top and soft in the mid-speed stuff
- $$$ Eibach 3R (sold as 2.5R's) Unlike the 2R's (currently at least) these are known to be firmer up top but softer in the mids. A bridge between Eibach and Kings. Non serviceble however, so for $2500 you almost may as well spend the additional grand on a King/Fox 3.0 setup)
- $$$$ King 2.5 Reservoir adjustable coilovers out of the box ready to go
- $$$ Muzzulla, Total Chaos, Camburg, Icon, Dirt King all make great UCA's to maximize suspension travel and achieve better suspension geometry/better alignments

Man,
I cant speak to accuracy as this isnt my area of expertise, but when you come to a forum like this looking for amswers (instead of Facebook opinion pelting), this is the kind of post you look for.

Well done @DcWarGames

 

[CAMDENN]

Thanks DCwar for all the detailed info. I’m leaning more towards the 6112/5160 with circlip set at either 4 or 5 and then exchange the rear OEM 2.25 rear block with a OEM 1” block from a non tremor f150 4x4. I don’t mind having a bit of forward rake but it’s way too much rake from the factory. I also do not want to have to remove and rebuild shocks every few years and my previous Bilstein 5100s never needed to be touched after 50k of paved road or UT mtn roads. I do wish there were more reviews on the Halos but I feel very confident in the Bilstein products.

Keep in mind that unless something has changed, the 5160’s have a different warranty than the 5100’s.

 

[Diggman08]

2" Readylift. Keep the factory tremor shocks. Rides like stock (softer)

 

[zimm]

Halo lifts (Elka coilovers). There's a huge thread on here, go look it up.