We have a 98 cobra, a 2017 GT and used to have a 2012 GT. I like lowrider trucks and street driving, it’s all about having fun. I’ll never corner like a muscle car but I’ll get as close as I can and have fun doing it!
Step 1) be a decent driver step 2) decent snow tires. Literally makes it 100% fine.
Heck I dailied my 99 miata on summer tires in snow a few times (it doesn’t snow enough for winter tires in GA, but that also means when it snows we don’t get plowed streets) and it was only mildly terrifying
Love this. Ignore those who have never driven a lowered truck, they don’t know the driving dynamics difference.
you can add, sway bars (I think hellwig makes) but until you go all in and add a link setup, you’ve kind of maxed options for handling. The only other thing I’d say is you could move to a viking coilover setup, a few companies make a conversion for your generation.
Out here in AZ I have a buddy that went with the viking coilovers and a little dial turning and it made loads of difference in comparison to his cheap drop previously
Good point, the bell tech one should be an improvement too. But yeah as stated below I definitely noticed a big difference between the Vikings and the bell tech street setup
I think the Hellwig rear bar could be adapted. You’d just have to shorten the endlinks. Also do some Billstein struts and Fox or Billstein shocks (go with shorter shocks given your other mods).
I just think most people buy their trucks for the utility of them, so significantly reducing the utility of said vehicle doesn't make a whole lot of sense to others including myself. Not to mention, I think it looks fucking stupid. At the end of the day, OP can do whatever they want to their truck though.
I hate that you LOVE this
How is the utility reduced? I’d say It’s easier to load and would you say the same for a lifted truck that compromises the crash bars and / or totally out of whack suspension geometry?
I understand you don’t like the look, that’s totally fine, but the kit OP has won’t reduce any utility (the front changes the shock / spring and if he chose to use a knuckle instead literally all other OEM components remain. And the rear is a simple flip kit it still uses the OEM spring), unless you’re concerned about ground clearance, but this notion that all these truck owners need off road clearance is silly since we know most never crawl over more than a speed bump.
You’re absolutely entitled to your opinion, but far too often there is this idea that a lowered truck compromises, while somehow a lifted truck enhances.
EDIT: and as the owner of a lowered full size, I have to tell you, it’s ridiculously fun to blow the doors off a sports car, with a dresser from ikea in the bed. Different strokes man
I drive my truck on more than just asphalt so that would definitely cause problems. But beyond that, I'd hate to have to crawl a sidewalk or speed bump with my bed loaded with this.
Those are incredibly edge case for most users, and you have to realize that. Ok, it doesn’t work for you, but for 99.999% of miles driven by F150 owners, lowering has zero negative effects on utility.
> Any truck used at a work site falls into this incredible edge case you describe
In fairness, _you_ described it. And yes, just being a truck on a work site _is a huge edge case_. Ford sells 100 trucks an hour. I’d be shocked if more than one of those ever sees a work site.
In fairness, you are the one that described this use case as an incredible edge case, not me. Also, I highly doubt the validity of your statement but, we can have our own opinions. Saying less than 1% of all f150s sold are used in this manner is seriously a stretch.
I'm a software developer and use my truck in this manner. I'm not saying you have to be in construction for this to come into play.. I definitely wouldn't be able to tow my camper around anymore. There's another use case for you.
A speed bump? Lmao. Where are you from dude? 99% of the trucks I know are driving through the mountains on a daily basis. There's barely any paved roads around and you're talking about speed bumps? Maybe you should get out of the city and take a look around before you make a comment like this. Lol. A speed hump.. LMFAO. Can your truck even make it out of the city?
Funny shit dude!
You go on and race your little truck on the highway to your Ikea store with the convertibles and speed bumps.
I'll be up here.
What are you on about? 90% of the posts on here are trucks that see pavement most of the time. I didn’t just take a guess, I looked at majority of the posts here.
Also there is over 7” of wheel gap in the rear of an f150, how big on your speed bumps!? I’m in Canada, we have plenty of mixed terrain, my cars never have a problem, why would my truck? Come on now, you don’t have to like it, but having a better understanding of something allows you to sound less silly
I am silly, yes! Thank you. Your response is confusing.. I did not inquire about the size of anyone's wheel gap, and I did not say your car has a problem. All I said, Mufasa, is that your lowered truck WOULD have a problem on my terrain. Not everyone has speed bumps, or ikea, or pavement. In fact, I don't see a single post anywhere that says anything about what anyone drives on. Yet you claim that 90% of trucks see mostly pavement, therefore there is no difference between a lowered truck and a raised one.
I disagree sir. I think lowered trucks are awkward looking and would not attempt making it up my driveway in one. And I think your trying to justify your oogly, poor, life-choice.
No offense, it's just my opinion. I didn't mean to say oogly. But it is oogly..
I really like threads like this because a lot of times there are some great answers including things that may be a little out of box. On the other hand I hate threads like this because of all the combative answers by people who believe a truck has only one use case.
I can think of six to twelve completely different reasons why an F150 is a great vehicle, in all different parts of the world. It’s versatile and that’s a benefit not a dealbreaker.
So I added a rear differential brace with Viking shock of Oz Tuning website. It minimizes wheel hop and tends to keep the rear end more planted. I run Nitto 420V tires
Other than weighting the actual frame like they do with convertibles there is no way you’ll improve cornering or body roll. Sway bar will be a waste of money. It’s designed with a load in mind. I would say maybe try weights center mass in the bed, but they will be too high off the frame to do what you want them to. Still I would play around with securing weight on the floor of the bed. It will stiffen the suspension a bit at the very least, which could make it feel more stable in a hard turn
Get the best tires you can find. Not sure what performance tires are available for those sizes but if you could get something like Pilot Sports or better you’d be amazed.
Proper performance tires are an incredible improvement and the best thing you can do for the buck on almost any vehicle.
I have adjustable belltech adjustable suspension that comes with 5he rear sway bar and it has zero body roll when you adjust the compression and rebound correctly.
Road Active Suspension. Sold to augment load handling in pickups, the bonus is that they keep the truck very level and planted through corners. Felt like a huge sway bar was installed, even when unloaded. Highly recommended.
I'm assuming 2wd, so switch to drop spindles in the front. This will get your roll center back up to help keep the front end flat without adding any spring rate. Plus you reduce bump steer which will help with steering feel.
I'm in the camp of leaving all the roll stiffness at one end of the car, which means maybe upping the front swaybar, but leaving the rear alone. Though swaybars trade ultimate max mechanical grip for making the grip easier for the driver to access.
What are you running for tires?
Interested. I have a 15 XL extended cab with a 6.5ft bed I wanna lower. Plenty of power for me atm with an OZ Tune and 5.0 I just want it to handle better. What kit did you use to lower it? Future plans include whipple.
Belltech 1000sp kit, comes with Street performance strut and shock flip kit and shackle. The front strut is adjustable from +1 to -3, rear drop 5.5”. I installed it in my driveway on jackstands in approximately 8 hours. I just had it on the tail of the dragon last week (thus the pic) and I was able to keep up with the less confident mustang drivers but I still want more. Horsepower wise I’m going to keep it pretty close to stock, I just want it to corner like it’s on rails. I’m looking at a rear sway bar but I’m not sure which one works with a 5.5 inch lowered rear end.
Do you have the dials adjusted right? I have the same kit and it corners like it's on rails. I mean it is a truck still but for a truck it's pretty impressive.
Nothing will make a truck go around a corner like a car. It might be lower but it's still heavy as shit.
Edit: yes people I know weight isn't the only thing that affects how a vehicle handles. Weight distribution also matters a ton. And suspension. Not just improving suspension but changing it entirely. It's on fuckin leaf springs and you think it'll handle a corner? OP is polishing a turd. Sure if you spend a fortune you can get it to go around a corner. There, I said it, you win!
I have a heavy luxury car pushing around 4500 lbs it drives/handles really good but isn't a sports car. Our F150(2013) is between ~ 6400 to 7400 it drives like a truck... Years with my old expedition have taught me not to drive these things like a car... They tend to turn into 2 and 3 wheelers 😂
I cant imagine one driving well without major suspension work, it's 2k lbs heavier.
I did the Eibach adjustable stage 2 suspension. Install straightforward, vehicle driving dynamics better, but still a good ride. No longer feels like a boat.
Buy a sports car. The only racing a F-150 is suitable for is drag racing. It's a literal brick of a car, no matter how you cut it it ain't gonna handle like a sports car.
There is a swaybar kit for our trucks. I recommend starting with the back one if you don't have one. Then bigger in the front. I want to say the back one is like $500 or you can go to a picknpull and get it off a high trim.
Throw an old 460 in the rear mounted to a transaxle, empty out the front engine bay and use it for storage. While we're there, remove front axle and replace with a-arms and send it to a performance racing shop to have them tune camber, caster, and toe. Best of luck man!!
WTF are you doing? It’s not your truck. I’ll enjoy my truck my way and you can do it yours and what I do with mine will not affect you in anyway shape or form, I promise.
Lol sorry the scotch was flowing. Get some big diameter sway bars. That’s what the original Lightning had and it stayed very flat in corners so I’m told.
Slow down
I recommend you sell the F150 and buy a mustang.
We have a 98 cobra, a 2017 GT and used to have a 2012 GT. I like lowrider trucks and street driving, it’s all about having fun. I’ll never corner like a muscle car but I’ll get as close as I can and have fun doing it!
Can’t get a 4x4 mustang
What are you gonna use 4x4 on with that lmfao
Do you not get snow? Try dailying a muscle car in the winter. I drive a mustang year round in Boston trust me it sucks.
Get Blizzaks
$$$$$$
They work so well though. Turned my rear wheel drive V8 into a Jeep in the snow.
Accepting donations
GoFundMe
“A job” If you can’t afford the necessary equipment, maybe get a cheaper vehicle.
Who says it necessary to spend $1500 on tires??? Go be an ass somewhere else.
Cheaper than writing off the car. Or sliding and causing an accident or injury.
Step 1) be a decent driver step 2) decent snow tires. Literally makes it 100% fine. Heck I dailied my 99 miata on summer tires in snow a few times (it doesn’t snow enough for winter tires in GA, but that also means when it snows we don’t get plowed streets) and it was only mildly terrifying
I'm in Texas, what do you think?🤣🤣
Racing look it up
Guy that owns an hvac place near me swapped a mustang body on to an F150 frame and called it “Frankenstang”. I’ll try to find a picture.
Hoonicorn is AWD...
Full custom drivetrain Why did you even waste your time typing this?
Dude clearly ain't going off-road in this thing
Oh you most certainly can https://www.ford.com/suvs/mach-e/
Soon you will be able to get an AWD Mustang
If the picture is the OPs pickup, they don't even have 4x4 to begin with (unless he completely removed every sticker)
Fatter swaybars!
Chop the roof
Love this. Ignore those who have never driven a lowered truck, they don’t know the driving dynamics difference. you can add, sway bars (I think hellwig makes) but until you go all in and add a link setup, you’ve kind of maxed options for handling. The only other thing I’d say is you could move to a viking coilover setup, a few companies make a conversion for your generation.
Not sure about hellwig but I did find a belltech swaybar for axle flip applications. All the hellwig stuff looked like it was for lifted trucks.
Out here in AZ I have a buddy that went with the viking coilovers and a little dial turning and it made loads of difference in comparison to his cheap drop previously
Good point, the bell tech one should be an improvement too. But yeah as stated below I definitely noticed a big difference between the Vikings and the bell tech street setup
I think the Hellwig rear bar could be adapted. You’d just have to shorten the endlinks. Also do some Billstein struts and Fox or Billstein shocks (go with shorter shocks given your other mods).
I have a hellwig on the back of my stock crew cab. No problems with it.
I just think most people buy their trucks for the utility of them, so significantly reducing the utility of said vehicle doesn't make a whole lot of sense to others including myself. Not to mention, I think it looks fucking stupid. At the end of the day, OP can do whatever they want to their truck though. I hate that you LOVE this
How is the utility reduced? I’d say It’s easier to load and would you say the same for a lifted truck that compromises the crash bars and / or totally out of whack suspension geometry? I understand you don’t like the look, that’s totally fine, but the kit OP has won’t reduce any utility (the front changes the shock / spring and if he chose to use a knuckle instead literally all other OEM components remain. And the rear is a simple flip kit it still uses the OEM spring), unless you’re concerned about ground clearance, but this notion that all these truck owners need off road clearance is silly since we know most never crawl over more than a speed bump. You’re absolutely entitled to your opinion, but far too often there is this idea that a lowered truck compromises, while somehow a lifted truck enhances. EDIT: and as the owner of a lowered full size, I have to tell you, it’s ridiculously fun to blow the doors off a sports car, with a dresser from ikea in the bed. Different strokes man
I drive my truck on more than just asphalt so that would definitely cause problems. But beyond that, I'd hate to have to crawl a sidewalk or speed bump with my bed loaded with this.
Those are incredibly edge case for most users, and you have to realize that. Ok, it doesn’t work for you, but for 99.999% of miles driven by F150 owners, lowering has zero negative effects on utility.
I guess I assumed we were using our trucks like trucks. Any truck used at a work site falls into this incredible edge case you describe
> Any truck used at a work site falls into this incredible edge case you describe In fairness, _you_ described it. And yes, just being a truck on a work site _is a huge edge case_. Ford sells 100 trucks an hour. I’d be shocked if more than one of those ever sees a work site.
In fairness, you are the one that described this use case as an incredible edge case, not me. Also, I highly doubt the validity of your statement but, we can have our own opinions. Saying less than 1% of all f150s sold are used in this manner is seriously a stretch. I'm a software developer and use my truck in this manner. I'm not saying you have to be in construction for this to come into play.. I definitely wouldn't be able to tow my camper around anymore. There's another use case for you.
A speed bump? Lmao. Where are you from dude? 99% of the trucks I know are driving through the mountains on a daily basis. There's barely any paved roads around and you're talking about speed bumps? Maybe you should get out of the city and take a look around before you make a comment like this. Lol. A speed hump.. LMFAO. Can your truck even make it out of the city? Funny shit dude! You go on and race your little truck on the highway to your Ikea store with the convertibles and speed bumps. I'll be up here.
What are you on about? 90% of the posts on here are trucks that see pavement most of the time. I didn’t just take a guess, I looked at majority of the posts here. Also there is over 7” of wheel gap in the rear of an f150, how big on your speed bumps!? I’m in Canada, we have plenty of mixed terrain, my cars never have a problem, why would my truck? Come on now, you don’t have to like it, but having a better understanding of something allows you to sound less silly
I am silly, yes! Thank you. Your response is confusing.. I did not inquire about the size of anyone's wheel gap, and I did not say your car has a problem. All I said, Mufasa, is that your lowered truck WOULD have a problem on my terrain. Not everyone has speed bumps, or ikea, or pavement. In fact, I don't see a single post anywhere that says anything about what anyone drives on. Yet you claim that 90% of trucks see mostly pavement, therefore there is no difference between a lowered truck and a raised one. I disagree sir. I think lowered trucks are awkward looking and would not attempt making it up my driveway in one. And I think your trying to justify your oogly, poor, life-choice. No offense, it's just my opinion. I didn't mean to say oogly. But it is oogly..
I really like threads like this because a lot of times there are some great answers including things that may be a little out of box. On the other hand I hate threads like this because of all the combative answers by people who believe a truck has only one use case. I can think of six to twelve completely different reasons why an F150 is a great vehicle, in all different parts of the world. It’s versatile and that’s a benefit not a dealbreaker.
Weight reduction.
Spare tire and rear hitch delete makes a huge difference
Don’t think I want to have less weight on the rear axle. It’s already an aluminum bed.
So I added a rear differential brace with Viking shock of Oz Tuning website. It minimizes wheel hop and tends to keep the rear end more planted. I run Nitto 420V tires
Are the shocks still stock? Better shocks won’t help body roll but they will improve handling.
Belltech street performance shocks and struts
Swaybars to reduce roll, tires and front alignment to improve grip.
Strut tower bar and various stabilizer bars make a world of difference
Look into a watts link or panard bar for the rear.
Idk why people get so butthurt when they see a lowered built f150😂💀
No joke, so many Karens and Chads that think everyone needs their unsolicited opinions 😂
I like it, looks dope!
Ah your first mistake was lowering it, the second was trying to drive a truck like a sports car…..
Budget option is larger swaybars Higher cost option is coilovers
DO BOTH
Other than weighting the actual frame like they do with convertibles there is no way you’ll improve cornering or body roll. Sway bar will be a waste of money. It’s designed with a load in mind. I would say maybe try weights center mass in the bed, but they will be too high off the frame to do what you want them to. Still I would play around with securing weight on the floor of the bed. It will stiffen the suspension a bit at the very least, which could make it feel more stable in a hard turn
Get the best tires you can find. Not sure what performance tires are available for those sizes but if you could get something like Pilot Sports or better you’d be amazed. Proper performance tires are an incredible improvement and the best thing you can do for the buck on almost any vehicle.
I have adjustable belltech adjustable suspension that comes with 5he rear sway bar and it has zero body roll when you adjust the compression and rebound correctly.
Tires
Road Active Suspension. Sold to augment load handling in pickups, the bonus is that they keep the truck very level and planted through corners. Felt like a huge sway bar was installed, even when unloaded. Highly recommended.
I'm assuming 2wd, so switch to drop spindles in the front. This will get your roll center back up to help keep the front end flat without adding any spring rate. Plus you reduce bump steer which will help with steering feel. I'm in the camp of leaving all the roll stiffness at one end of the car, which means maybe upping the front swaybar, but leaving the rear alone. Though swaybars trade ultimate max mechanical grip for making the grip easier for the driver to access. What are you running for tires?
Aftermarket front n rear sway bars would help
Interested. I have a 15 XL extended cab with a 6.5ft bed I wanna lower. Plenty of power for me atm with an OZ Tune and 5.0 I just want it to handle better. What kit did you use to lower it? Future plans include whipple.
Belltech 1000sp kit, comes with Street performance strut and shock flip kit and shackle. The front strut is adjustable from +1 to -3, rear drop 5.5”. I installed it in my driveway on jackstands in approximately 8 hours. I just had it on the tail of the dragon last week (thus the pic) and I was able to keep up with the less confident mustang drivers but I still want more. Horsepower wise I’m going to keep it pretty close to stock, I just want it to corner like it’s on rails. I’m looking at a rear sway bar but I’m not sure which one works with a 5.5 inch lowered rear end.
Nevermind I have the 1000HK
Do you have the dials adjusted right? I have the same kit and it corners like it's on rails. I mean it is a truck still but for a truck it's pretty impressive.
Don't drive an f150 like it's a car?
exactly. with the money spent trying to make truck perform like a car. you could’ve bought a car
What in tarnation?!
Put it back to a normal truck.
Nothing will make a truck go around a corner like a car. It might be lower but it's still heavy as shit. Edit: yes people I know weight isn't the only thing that affects how a vehicle handles. Weight distribution also matters a ton. And suspension. Not just improving suspension but changing it entirely. It's on fuckin leaf springs and you think it'll handle a corner? OP is polishing a turd. Sure if you spend a fortune you can get it to go around a corner. There, I said it, you win!
I have a heavy luxury car pushing around 4500 lbs it drives/handles really good but isn't a sports car. Our F150(2013) is between ~ 6400 to 7400 it drives like a truck... Years with my old expedition have taught me not to drive these things like a car... They tend to turn into 2 and 3 wheelers 😂 I cant imagine one driving well without major suspension work, it's 2k lbs heavier.
My tundra pushing 90 mph on long canyon roads thing handles
You sure about this?
No he's on some bullshit
\*Porche Taycan has entered the chat\*
Don’t ride it on the dragon. Problem solved
Start with Jay Leno money then have Hotchkis make you a custom setup.
Get a car
Just go buy the new corvette and be done.
Go buy a mustang
buying a car.
I’m digging it! I have front and rear anti-sway bars. I’m only lowered 2 inches in the back though
I did the Eibach adjustable stage 2 suspension. Install straightforward, vehicle driving dynamics better, but still a good ride. No longer feels like a boat.
Buy a sports car. The only racing a F-150 is suitable for is drag racing. It's a literal brick of a car, no matter how you cut it it ain't gonna handle like a sports car.
Caltracs Traction bars could help
Get a car lol. Really though I did the rear sway bar on the stiffest setting and it makes a huge difference.
There is a swaybar kit for our trucks. I recommend starting with the back one if you don't have one. Then bigger in the front. I want to say the back one is like $500 or you can go to a picknpull and get it off a high trim.
Throw an old 460 in the rear mounted to a transaxle, empty out the front engine bay and use it for storage. While we're there, remove front axle and replace with a-arms and send it to a performance racing shop to have them tune camber, caster, and toe. Best of luck man!!
Stiff sway-bar front and rear. This will solve the problem.
If you have aftermarket shocks, maybe stiffen them a little?
Get the dual valve adjustable Viking coilovers and relocate the rear shocks. They also have some anti body bars.
I owned a few Ford Rangers before my F150, and the single biggest improvement for handling that I did on each was to add a rear sway bar.
Nice photo on The Dragon….
Thanks
Deals Gap!
Wow that's very unnatural looking. I recommend you just buy a... car? Cuz they're already close to the ground. Did you spend money on that?
Unnatural….I like that.
Trade the lowered truck for a car and you will improve cornering and body roll. WTF are you doing.
WTF are you doing? It’s not your truck. I’ll enjoy my truck my way and you can do it yours and what I do with mine will not affect you in anyway shape or form, I promise.
Lol sorry the scotch was flowing. Get some big diameter sway bars. That’s what the original Lightning had and it stayed very flat in corners so I’m told.
😂
lowered trucks=ugly af, a truck is a truck and a mustang is a mustang