Ford Performance Suspension Leveling Kit by Bilstein

[FaKtor34]

Refrain from name calling, first he is not wrong in the fact they state not for the Tremor, second everyone is going to have an opinion on what will and won't work, third we are all supposed to be adults, while I know at times it can be hard to act like one please try to do so on these forums.

 

[FaKtor34]

@Kverd88 this is not from experience with the particular part you ask but I would say you will actually have rebound and damping where as the stock shocks have very little, they may be bit stiffer than stock, they however will not have as much travel, which if you are not doing any major offroading they will be perfectly fine. Ford states what they state due to the info I stated above, they don't feel it is an improvement.

 

[Kverd88]

Refrain from name calling, first he is not wrong in the fact they state not for the Tremor, second everyone is going to have an opinion on what will and won't work, third we are all supposed to be adults, while I know at times it can be hard to act like one please try to do so on these forums.

I appreciate you trying to keep this on topic, instead of letting it turn into a mess.

I say this in a respectful manner, your second statement is not correct. It is not someone’s “opinion” on what will work and what won’t work. There are Tremor owners who have installed these parts, therefore the parts will work. That is fact, not opinion.

 

[FaKtor34]

I appreciate you trying to keep this on topic, instead of letting it turn into a mess.

But technically, your second statement is not correct. It is not someone’s “opinion” on what will work and what won’t work. There are Tremor owners who have installed these parts, therefore the parts will work. That is fact, not opinion.

As I stated 3 or 4 messages back, if it states it will fit the f150 then it will fit the Tremor, what I meant by opinion is that each person has their own opinion on what works based on their preferences, ie how much lift you actually get, etc. That's what I mean by opinion.

Also just because it will fit doesn't mean it is optimum for it.

 

[Kverd88]

@Kverd88 this is not from experience with the particular part you ask but I would say you will actually have rebound and damping where as the stock shocks have very little, they may be bit stiffer than stock, they however will not have as much travel, which if you are not doing any major offroading they will be perfectly fine. Ford states what they state due to the info I stated above, they don't feel it is an improvement.

I appreciate the feedback. I actually have an email into Ford performance currently after speaking with a representative on the telephone.

I am awaiting an email back from their engineers as to why they don’t recommend using this kit on Tremor. I have my assumptions, but I’d like to hear it directly from Ford. I’m not happy with their boiler plate “it won’t fit Tremor” answer. I work in the aftermarket parts industry and that answer doesn’t satisfy me.

I’ll report back when (if ) I hear back from Ford.

 

[Kverd88]

As I stated 3 or 4 messages back, if it states it will fit the f150 then it will fit the Tremor, what I meant by opinion is that each person has their own opinion on what works based on their preferences, ie how much lift you actually get, etc. That's what I mean by opinion.

Also just because it will fit doesn't mean it is optimum for it.

Understood and I respect your replies.

That is also why my original post asks for real world feedback from a Tremor owners who have actually installed these parts. They are the only ones that can truthfully answer my questions.

 

[FaKtor34]

When Ram released the Rebel owners encountered this same issue, a lot found that when they did the lifts they had to replace the UCA due to the fact the factory UCA would catch on the coils when leveled. That has lot to do with why companies are so hesitant about approval.

 

[gingebond007]

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Refrain from name calling, first he is not wrong in the fact they state not for the Tremor, second everyone is going to have an opinion on what will and won't work, third we are all supposed to be adults, while I know at times it can be hard to act like one please try to do so on these forums.

Sir yes sir. In case we missed it the OP had very specific questions about real world experience. The thread was derailed by someone trying to one-up and knock what originally was a very simple request for information from people who have actually used the product in question. While we’re at it, it would be great practice to refrain from giving unnecessary opinions rather than valuable feedback.

 

[FaKtor34]

O


Sir yes sir. In case we missed it the OP had very specific questions about real world experience. The thread was derailed by someone trying to one-up and knock what originally was a very simple request for information from people who have actually used the product in question. While we’re at it, it would be great practice to refrain from giving unnecessary opinions rather than valuable feedback.

To that I say the post has been up for days and nobody has bothered to give any feedback, which would be great to have, what he stated was fact, what I stated was what Ford had stated previously about this kit, that they feel it doesn't offer an improvement. Somewhere in these forum's is an explanation from Ford, that simply states it is not an improvement.

 

[Kverd88]

To that I say the post has been up for days and nobody has bothered to give any feedback, which would be great to have, what he stated was fact, what I stated was what Ford had stated previously about this kit, that they feel it doesn't offer an improvement. Somewhere in these forum's is an explanation from Ford, that simply states it is not an improvement.

Well this thread sure got some action today after being dead for a few days.

Is it not an improvement or just hasn’t been tested by Ford? I’ve had this same topic posed on the FB groups and multiple Tremor owners have replied saying they’ve notice a great improvement in ride on and off-road. Was hoping I could reach some owners here also.

I work in the aftermarket parts industry. I’ve found that a hen companies don’t know the answer to a question they simply state “will not fit” or “not recommended” so that they’re not liable. I’m hoping Ford Performance engineering will actually respond to my email, although I doubt it.

 

[gingebond007]

To that I say the post has been up for days and nobody has bothered to give any feedback, which would be great to have, what he stated was fact, what I stated was what Ford had stated previously about this kit, that they feel it doesn't offer an improvement. Somewhere in these forum's is an explanation from Ford, that simply states it is not an improvement.

Oh ok, thanks for the clarity. But what about the part when the OP was mocked with crying laughs for implying the parts will fit? Or the part he was belittled for knowing guys have installed the parts successfully against the manufacturer’s recommendation? Silly games shouldn’t be played on the forum either, right?

 

[FaKtor34]

Oh ok, thanks for the clarity. But what about the part when the OP was mocked with crying laughs for implying the parts will fit? Or the part he was belittled for knowing guys have installed the parts successfully against the manufacturer’s recommendation? Silly games shouldn’t be played on the forum either, right?

That is right, that's why I didn't direct at any One individual.

 

[FaKtor34]

Well this thread sure got some action today after being dead for a few days.

Is it not an improvement or just hasn’t been tested by Ford? I’ve had this same topic posed on the FB groups and multiple Tremor owners have replied saying they’ve notice a great improvement in ride on and off-road. Was hoping I could reach some owners here also.

I work in the aftermarket parts industry. I’ve found that a hen companies don’t know the answer to a question they simply state “will not fit” or “not recommended” so that they’re not liable. I’m hoping Ford Performance engineering will actually respond to my email, although I doubt it.

You stated essentially what I was saying earlier, personally it has to be an improvement in damping and rebound, but I wouldn't do it because I can't get the lift I want and because I could get the 6112 for a little less than that which is essentially the same unit. Of course both those are just my opinion on what I would do and want.

Most companies don't think it is worth the time and effort to put into redoing things even as simple as wording on the parts for a market that while it has been a major sales point for them, there are more standard F150s on the market than Tremors. What I stated about Ford said that it wouldn't be an improvement I think is because it doesn't give the height to the Tremor and I guess they feel the soft suspension that the Tremor comes with is more what people want it for and that going to this would stiffen it. Again they are avoiding liability issues. We are on the same page as to reasoning so many state will not work or not recommended. Good luck and please let us know what you hear if anything from them, because to date the only thing they have stated is it isn't an improvement and if they feel it isn't an improvement they won't recommend it.

 

[LukeAngel]

You stated essentially what I was saying earlier, personally it has to be an improvement in damping and rebound, but I wouldn't do it because I can't get the lift I want and because I could get the 6112 for a little less than that which is essentially the same unit. Of course both those are just my opinion on what I would do and want.

Most companies don't think it is worth the time and effort to put into redoing things even as simple as wording on the parts for a market that while it has been a major sales point for them, there are more standard F150s on the market than Tremors. What I stated about Ford said that it wouldn't be an improvement I think is because it doesn't give the height to the Tremor and I guess they feel the soft suspension that the Tremor comes with is more what people want it for and that going to this would stiffen it. Again they are avoiding liability issues. We are on the same page as to reasoning so many state will not work or not recommended. Good luck and please let us know what you hear if anything from them, because to date the only thing they have stated is it isn't an improvement and if they feel it isn't an improvement they won't recommend it.

Personally, I believe it is beneficial when a forum member chimes in and provides factual information even if it is not what someone wants to hear. No sense soliciting counsel if the only counsel you are interested in is the one that confirms your opinion. Regardless, I was intrigued by the Ford Performance kit myself so I reached out to Ford Performance and this is the reply sent by the Ford Performance Information Center Supervisor

Subject: RE: Ford Performance Part M-18000-F15B

Good Morning,

Our engineering team has reviewed the kit on Tremor F-150 and determined we would like unique length shocks to accommodate Tremor.

The kit might physically fit, but it was never validated so we cannot verify performance or if there would be any ride issues due to the reason stated above. That is why we do not recommend the kit.

Thank You

 

[Kverd88]

Personally, I believe it is beneficial when a forum member chimes in and provides factual information even if it is not what someone wants to hear. No sense soliciting counsel if the only counsel you are interested in is the one that confirms your opinion. Regardless, I was intrigued by the Ford Performance kit myself so I reached out to Ford Performance and this is the reply sent by the Ford Performance Information Center Supervisor

Subject: RE: Ford Performance Part M-18000-F15B

Good Morning,

Our engineering team has reviewed the kit on Tremor F-150 and determined we would like unique length shocks to accommodate Tremor.

The kit might physically fit, but it was never validated so we cannot verify performance or if there would be any ride issues due to the reason stated above. That is why we do not recommend the kit.

Thank You

Thank you for your feedback and glad to hear Ford Performance actually answered you, even if it’s a vague response.

So theoretically, based on what FP said, if I remove my rear axle blocks and replace them with a standard F150 block then I wouldn’t need unique length shocks and this kit should work great.

 

[jdangel2]

Thank you for your feedback and glad to hear Ford Performance actually answered you, even if it’s a vague response.

So theoretically, based on what FP said, if I remove my rear axle blocks and replace them with a standard F150 block then I wouldn’t need unique length shocks and this kit should work great.

To me it’s pretty clear what Ford is saying. It is not recommended because a lack of testing due to it being a different size shock. With plenty of other proven options, just curious why you’re hung up on using a shock that is not spec’ed for our truck?

Genuine question.. not being a smart***

 

[Kverd88]

To me it’s pretty clear what Ford is saying. It is not recommended because a lack of testing due to it being a different size shock. With plenty of other proven options, just curious why you’re hung up on using a shock that is not spec’ed for our truck?

Genuine question.. not being a smart***

I like the specs of the 2.65" shock body and rear reservoir. The reviews that I've seen have shown that these shocks ride very smooth, while being a noticeable improvement over stock.

Aside of Halo kits, what other options are you referring to?

 

[FaKtor34]

You also have the RC kits and Eibach has a kit that will work as well, one of the Fox snap ring kits has been tested by a few on here to work, a few more have been used such as the icons, I think a couple have used kings, nobody is saying it won't work, just that it won't provide optimum quality especially for the price. Even Ford performance has stated that they wanted something better.

 

[Kverd88]

Here is the response from Fords engineers. A bit generic, but exactly as I suspected.

From the engineer...

Because of the suspension geometry differences on the tremor, the Bilstein dampers will not provide the advertised/target leveling/lift that is seen on non-tremor models.

They are making it about the fact that Tremors will not see the same amount of advertised lift / leveling. Although they are being vague, at no point to they elude any problems being caused.

 

[FaKtor34]

Here is the response from Fords engineers. A bit generic, but exactly as I suspected.

From the engineer...

Because of the suspension geometry differences on the tremor, the Bilstein dampers will not provide the advertised/target leveling/lift that is seen on non-tremor models.

They are making it about the fact that Tremors will not see the same amount of advertised lift / leveling. Although they are being vague, at no point to they elude any problems being caused.

That's exactly what I stated in my first post on here and others gave and got similar responses from various manufacturers.