Tremor Rear Shock Options

[Kargawd]

I installed the Bilstein 5160’s and really like the ride with them, the rear end is no longer Spongy, like it was with the stock rear shocks.

 

[mashir]

View attachment 15832

Uhhhh…. What is this bad boy?!? Ford performance for the tremor specifically?!? Please let it be! I spoke to them the other day about how much I wanted this!

 

[Midnighttremor]

I think he took the tremor decal an added it to the ford performance shocks?

 

[mashir]

I think he took the tremor decal an added it to the ford performance shocks?

aww man! I think you’re correct. Too bad. I’d totally do that kit but it sounds like it would not lift the front for us at all.

 

[Killercat69]

So is there a good replacement for the stock rear shock without any other modifications that need to be made i have been trying to read through this thread but its all scattered info i will be doing mostly highway driving with some back roads and offroading for hunting thats it

 

[JCGarage]

I installed the Bilstein 5160’s and really like the ride with them, the rear end is no longer Spongy, like it was with the stock rear shocks.

Were any other mods required? How difficult was the installation?

 

[USMC_BamBam]

QUESTION - If the Tremor package comes with a rear block spacer 1" taller than a typical F150.... then if you put the standard F150 rear spacer in place could you then use standard F150 length/spec shocks (and help reduce rake at the same time) ??

 

[FaKtor34]

QUESTION - If the Tremor package comes with a rear block spacer 1" taller than a typical F150.... then if you put the standard F150 rear spacer in place could you then use standard F150 length/spec shocks (and help reduce rake at the same time) ??

You can use most rear shocks for the standard F150 you just want have as much articulation and depending on how much the difference in length "could" result in premature failure of the shock, even without changing the rear blocks.

 

[bigredaggie]

I just bought a 22 Tremor two weeks ago. Love most things about it, but noticed the spongy rear suspension the first time I stepped into the bed. I’ve never owned a “lifted” truck before, but I was not expecting the amount of vertical and especially horizontal play induced by just wiggling around standing in it.

I bought the truck primarily to be a better tow vehicle for hauling my RZR than my 2018 navigator as I want to take it cross country. I towed it about 180 miles this weekend and was VERY unhappy with the stability. Granted it was very windy, but the trailer was oscillating left and right and shaking the truck. Not a violent death wobble but enough to make me uncomfortable for the entire 90 minute drive. And this is with a heavy U-Haul auto transport open trailer. Never experienced this with the Navigator and same trailer.

I was really hoping that with a little tongue weight it would settle and find it’s stride, but with about 4500 lbs on the ball (call it 450lbs tongue weight) I could easily place my foot on the ball and wiggle the entire rear end left and right.

My plan is to buy a 20’ enclosed trailer, which will be much more of a sail, so I have to figure something out to counter sway (I’ll also get a WD hitch with sway control). Most of my non towing driving will be on pavement, so I guess my main focus is on getting more towing performance without losing off road prowess I paid extra for.

Anybody else experienced this while towing? Had improvements with new shocks alone?

 

[bigredaggie]

 

[FaKtor34]

There are several shock options available if you read through this thread, another option is the RAS which can be added or removed in about 30 mins.

Ford F-150 (4WD) 2021 -2025 | SD Kit

Kit includes an easy to install RAS® RoadActive Suspension Standard Duty Spring for each rear leaf spring. This kit is designed to strengthen the rear leaf springs for light towing or hauling while providing same-as or better-than-stock unloaded ride and performance. This 3-in-1 solution works...

activesuspension.com

 

[AZ Roamer]

I immediately changed the rear shocks to rough county 8 way adjustable shocks and added their adjustable bags as well. I tow a 6k pound offroad camper (a big square box on a frame) all over the West and it is WAY more stable than the Jeep Gladiator it replaced. I can't imagine the stock setup not towing your trailer just fine, but your experience is making me glad I made the change right off the bat.

 

[Brad99superd]

I think I could agree that the shocks could be better. I also think a uhaul trailer may or may not be perfect condition. My 20ft H&h tows perfect with my XP4 behind the tremor. Lots of other factors however I understand. I think it's about 450—500lbs toung weight on my setup. If I put my ATV on front I have to roll the General back quite a bit to redistribute. I think shocks might help though, I heard many complain about them on here.

 

[bigredaggie]

There are several shock options available if you read through this thread, another option is the RAS which can be added or removed in about 30 mins.

Ford F-150 (4WD) 2021 -2025 | SD Kit

Kit includes an easy to install RAS® RoadActive Suspension Standard Duty Spring for each rear leaf spring. This kit is designed to strengthen the rear leaf springs for light towing or hauling while providing same-as or better-than-stock unloaded ride and performance. This 3-in-1 solution works...

activesuspension.com

It took some time but I’m caught up on this thread. There’s a wealth of info here it’s been very educational to read. I had seen RAS mentioned early on and had to look it up as I’d never heard of it. I will need to research it further as I still don’t get exactly how it works. Interesting that it can be removed in 30 minutes that’s great to know. Would you set up your shocks for the daily ride you were looking for then use RAS to transform for towing needs? Ie get the 5160s and RAS Vs just getting the 5165 that is stiffer?

 

[Bullitt1841]

I don't tow, but I recently added the Roadmaster Active Suspension because I removed my rear blocks and wanted to be prepared if I ever do need to tow. On the lowest setting, it made a huge improvement when standing on the rear bumper and jumping up and down. It basically preloads the leaf springs, plus gives you extra capacity if and when you need it. Also made the rear feel a touch more planted, vs air bags, Timbrens, or Sumo Springs which apparently all ride like crap when actually in contact. The RAS will also lift the rear between 0.75" - 1.5".

I also just put in Bilstein 5100's in the rear (after installing the RAS) and it made the rear a tad bit better it terms of actual damping. For less than $800 total, I think this combo is a good solid start for most situations. If you tow a lot, you likely won't want to remove the rear blocks completely like I did. The regular 4WD blocks are shorter than the Tremor's and seems to be a more popular option. But I think the RAS and stock Tremor blocks would be a bit ridiculous without lifting the front a bit and getting bigger tires.

 

[bigredaggie]

I think I could agree that the shocks could be better. I also think a uhaul trailer may or may not be perfect condition. My 20ft H&h tows perfect with my XP4 behind the tremor. Lots of other factors however I understand. I think it's about 450—500lbs toung weight on my setup. If I put my ATV on front I have to roll the General back quite a bit to redistribute. I think shocks might help though, I heard many complain about them on here. View attachment 17492

I agree, I wasn’t expecting any issues either. It was incredibly windy though, so I should factor that in. Just had really high hopes and wasn’t expecting to be white knuckling it. Nice setup you have there. Gotta love toys.

 

[Brad99superd]

I agree, I wasn’t expecting any issues either. It was incredibly windy though, so I should factor that in. Just had really high hopes and wasn’t expecting to be white knuckling it. Nice setup you have there. Gotta love toys.

Thank you! Longer trailer might help as well and bring a tandem maybe. These guys and gals on this forum are amazing. Excited to see what you end up doing and I hope it tows better for you next time. We'll we can't take it with us... Toys it is!!

 

[FaKtor34]

It took some time but I’m caught up on this thread. There’s a wealth of info here it’s been very educational to read. I had seen RAS mentioned early on and had to look it up as I’d never heard of it. I will need to research it further as I still don’t get exactly how it works. Interesting that it can be removed in 30 minutes that’s great to know. Would you set up your shocks for the daily ride you were looking for then use RAS to transform for towing needs? Ie get the 5160s and RAS Vs just getting the 5165 that is stiffer?

To answer your question I would say it depends on the money you want to throw at it, you can leave the RAS on full time to achieve the better planted feel, if you have the extra cash to throw at it get which ever shocks you want, the 5160's are very close to extended and compressed measurements and should do what you need, the 5165 are almost exact, just a bit stiffer than stock.

 

[bigredaggie]

I don't tow, but I recently added the Roadmaster Active Suspension because I removed my rear blocks and wanted to be prepared if I ever do need to tow. On the lowest setting, it made a huge improvement when standing on the rear bumper and jumping up and down. It basically preloads the leaf springs, plus gives you extra capacity if and when you need it. Also made the rear feel a touch more planted, vs air bags, Timbrens, or Sumo Springs which apparently all ride like crap when actually in contact. The RAS will also lift the rear between 0.75" - 1.5".

I also just put in Bilstein 5100's in the rear (after installing the RAS) and it made the rear a tad bit better it terms of actual damping. For less than $800 total, I think this combo is a good solid start for most situations. If you tow a lot, you likely won't want to remove the rear blocks completely like I did. The regular 4WD blocks are shorter than the Tremor's and seems to be a more popular option. But I think the RAS and stock Tremor blocks would be a bit ridiculous without lifting the front a bit and getting bigger tires.

Great info thanks. Yea I don’t think I want any more lift in the back. Frustrating we’re having to solve these issues ourselves on $70k trucks.

 

[b-real]

Great info thanks. Yea I don’t think I want any more lift in the back. Frustrating we’re having to solve these issues ourselves on $70k trucks.

Well, in support of Ford here (cant believe I am doing that), I dont know of ANY 1/2 ton pickup that is really built for towing, except maybe the F150 with Max Tow and HDPP. On both of my previous 2 F150s (13 FX4 and 17 Lariat) I had to add air bags to really feel comfortable towing. I have a Jeep on a 16' tandem axle trailer, total weight ~7k lbs.

Shocks alone are not going to solve your issues. I have never tried the RAS as I didnt want the additional rear lift created by it and didnt want to take it on and off all the time. Those who use it swear by it though. I just installed the AirLift air bags yesterday on the Tremor, and after some help on here to get the brackets situated correctly, it was just as easy to install as any other system. Havent towed with it yet, so cant report on that, but I have always been a fan of towing with them in the past, and cant see why it would be any different on the Tremor. I also have never noticed a difference in driving with them daily at 3-5 lbs